Online graduate certificate programs in communications can prepare students to create adaptable communication plans that incorporate social media and other digital technologies to enhance professional communication. The following article outlines general program information for these certificates, including course information, as well as program admittance requirements common across several schools.
Program Information for Online Graduate Certificates in Communications
Online graduate programs in communications can help students and professionals expand their professional communication capacities by teaching the effective use of digital technologies to create and execute successful communication plans. Students may learn the steps of professional communication, from research and strategy, to implementing a finalized communication plan. The following list outlines courses students can expect to find in these programs.
Social Media and Media Literacy
Social media plays an important role in twenty-first century communication practices. Students taking communication courses for social media and media literacy can expect to learn effective social media management skills as well as gain more knowledge of social media ecosystems. More advanced topics in social media courses may include social media data analysis as well topics in critical media analysis.
Digital Technologies
Communication courses in digital technologies are vital to translating successful and professional communication strategies into modern media. Students can expect to learn the basics of modern technologies and how to use these technologies to create and deliver communication products, including written pieces and video productions. Advanced topics may include further exploration of the functionalities of modern web environments, from text and video to interactive media, as well as effective advertising online.
Information Design and Strategy
Information design and strategy courses emphasize the necessity of effective messaging and branding, as well as the strategies one may use to help realize that outreach. Students might explore how to design effective communication plans and learn the basics of successful information design, from proper terminology to appropriate and effective writing styles. In further study, inquiries may include examining the relationship between search engine optimization and content marketing.
International Communication and Media Relations
Courses in media relations and international communication focus on communicating with target audiences diplomatically, both at home and abroad. Students in these courses can expect to learn strategies for successful corporate public relations in foreign countries as well as an historical overview of public relations. Topics in domestic media relations may include the teaching of skills related to establishing strong and reliable relations with relevant media outlets.
Writing, Editing, and Style
Communication courses in writing can vary depending on subject and approach, but generally courses in writing and style will focus on building effective writing styles for communication products. Students might look at the methodology in professional writing composition, both by writing their own work as well as in analyzing other pieces of writing. Other topics may include a focus on elements of style in writing that can improve a product's engagement and retention.
Program Admittance Requirements
Admittance requirements for online certificate programs in communication may differ somewhat, but they all generally require that students possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited university. Furthermore, said degree should be at least relevant to a communications program. TOEFL and IELTS may also be required if English is not your first language. A statement of purpose and/or a relevant writing sample may also be required in the application process.
In summary, an online graduate certificate in communications can prepare students to create and implement effective communication plans, based on a foundation of knowledge ranging from digital technologies to information design. Admittance for these certificate programs will expect a relevant bachelor's degree from an accredited university, as well as test scores for foreign or international students.
