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For more information on certificates in communication studies, please visit the School of Communication website.
Communication Studies, Graduate Certificate
The graduate certificate in Communication Studies is designed for working professionals, community college instructors, and for graduate students in other programs who want to supplement their disciplinary studies with substantive, graduate-level coursework in communication.
The graduate certificate in Communication Studies provides an understanding of the breadth and history of the study of human communication, a survey of communication theories, and a range of coursework in specialized areas within the discipline. Students who complete this certificate will enhance their understanding of and ability to articulate the ways in which communication is affected by specific contexts, including but not limited to the interpersonal, organizational, and public communication contexts.
Requirements Accordion Open
University Requirements
- Graduate certificate programs require a minimum of 12 credit hours. Many certificate programs require more than 12 credit hours.
No more than one 400-level NAU course (3 or 4 units) may be used on a certificate program.
No more than 25% of the units required for the certificate program may be transferred from another university.
A 400-level course (undergraduate course) completed at another university is not eligible for transfer credit.
A minimum grade point average of 3.0 must be achieved to obtain a graduate certificate. No more than three units of coursework with a grade of "C" may be used in a certificate program.
A graduate student may pursue a graduate certificate concurrently with a graduate degree. Each graduate degree program must decide which, if any, certificate courses can be counted toward the graduate degree.
Students who are admitted to a graduate certificate program will be eligible for the official posting of the graduate certificate to their transcripts when all applicable coursework has been successfully completed and approved by the academic unit and the Graduate College.
- Please be aware that federal financial aid is not available for some certificates, if the certificate is pursued and completed as a stand-alone certificate (i.e., not completed concurrently with a degree program). See the “Details” tab for additional information.
Overview Accordion Closed
Overview
Please note that you may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
Students earning a certificate in Communication Studies will be able to:
- Articulate the history and development of the study of human communication
- Describe the communication discipline and its central questions
- Employ communication theories, perspectives, principles, and concepts to engage in and explain communication inquiry
- Read and write at a level appropriate for graduate study and in accordance with the standards of the discipline
- Understand and articulate the ways communication defines and strengthens their ability to navigate organizational and occupational relationship
- Understand and articulate how human relationships are constructed, negotiated and maintained through communication
Details Accordion Closed
Details
Certificate Requirements
Take the following 18 units:
Federal financial aid cannot be used for this certificate.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also take. For prerequisite information click on the course or see your advisor.