Communication Fundamentals Certificate
Degree
Certificate (Federal aid eligible if certificate is combined with Associate of Science degree, Associate of Applied Science degree, or Bachelor of Applied Science degree. Not eligible for federal aid as a stand-alone certificate.)
Overview
This certificate is designed to provide students with basic, yet vital communication skills needed to gain employment or an internship in the field of communications. Students will develop skill in writing, public speaking, and the ability to identify communication methods that will best serve a variety of audiences.
Career Opportunities
This certificate can provide students with the fundamental skills needed for careers in many different fields, industries and positions. Careers that may be related to this degree include:
- International/Intercultural Communication
- Advertising, Marketing, and Public Relations
- Writing and Publishing
- Media planning
- Account management
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the certificate, successful graduates will be able to:
- Learn and apply fundamental communication principles using standard media messaging formats.
- Explain mass communication effects on public discourse, individuals, and institutions.
- Demonstrate techniques of public speaking, including message development, content, projection, tone, and delivery.
- Build, manage, and optimize digital communication strategies and tactics.
Course Requirements
Students are responsible to examine the course description of each course listed below for details of prerequisites, which must be satisfied before registering for the course.
| DCC 180 | Fundamentals of Content Creation | 3 credits |
| COMM 210 | Mass Communication and Society | 3 credits |
| COMM 310 | Writing for Communication Careers | 3 credits |
| COMM 320 | Public Speaking | 3 credits |
| COMM 330 | Digital Communication | 3 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Graduation Requirements
1. Minimum of 15 total semester credit hours as outlined
2. Grade of C- or higher in all program-specific courses
3. Certificate grade point average of 2.0 or higher
Recommended Sequence of Courses
Individual student circumstances, such as the need for a smaller course load or the number of preparatory English or Math courses a student must take, may require additional semesters to complete the program. Please see your academic advisor for assistance.
First Semester
DCC 180, Fundamentals of Content Creation, 3 credits
COMM 210, Mass Communication and Society, 3 credits
Total Minimum Semester Hours 6
Second Semester
COMM 310, Writing for Communication Careers, 3 credits
COMM 320, Public Speaking, 3 credits
COMM 330, Digital Channel Strategy, 3 credits
Total Minimum Semester Credit Hours 9
Total Communication Fundamentals Certificate Minimum Credit Hours 15