This certificate is an interdisciplinary credential that provides a solid foundation in strategic communications, including public relations. This program requires students to demonstrate competencies in writing for strategic communications, public relations and communications theory; message development; communications research and planning; traditional media techniques and tactics; and social media techniques and tactics.
You are expected to have some familiarity with the Microsoft Office Suite.
Strong writing skills are also encouraged in this program. If you have not recently written professionally in a public relations or related communications field, we also recommend that you familiarize yourself with AP style. You will have access to the AP Stylebook once you have been accepted into the program and classes begin.
An online graduate certificate in strategic communications can give you the knowledge and skills you need to conduct research, identify your audience, and develop messages that drive engagement. UMGC’s online graduate certificate in strategic communications is an 18-credit program where you practice writing and learn creative ways to deliver your messages. Typically, the credits you earn in a graduate certificate program can later be applied to a related master's degree program.
UMGC's online graduate certificate in strategic communications is an 18-credit program with courses offered year-round. You can expect to finish the program in about 9 months or less, depending on how many credits you complete each term and the number of credits you may be able to transfer.
UMGC is committed to keeping our tuition and fees as affordable as possible. The online graduate certificate in strategic communications follows the standard graduate program tuition rates, which appear at the top of this webpage. We also offer scholarships for eligible students, an interest-free monthly payment plan, and no-cost digital materials in place of most textbooks to help make your education more affordable.
You don't need to have majored in a specific area to be successful in the online graduate certificate in strategic communications at UMGC. However, you should have some familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and strong writing skills. Students should also familiarize themselves with AP style.
You don't need any certifications to begin or complete the online graduate certificate in strategic communications at UMGC.