Strategic Communication Graduate Certificate Programs

Updated: Nov 3, 2024

Communications for big projects and organizations are important on any level. Government, big business, and large charities need communication strategies to ensure the message gets out to the right people. For this, they need Strategic Communication specialists.

Designed to keep ahead of communication methods and standards and ensure that information outreach is up to date, an online Strategic Communications Graduate Certificate utilizes research and hard data to teach students how to communicate effectively, use the right tools, and measure the impact of organizational messages.

What Are the Online Strategic Communication Graduate Certificate Requirements?

Many schools across the U.S. offer online strategic communication graduate certificate programs. To be eligible for this type of certificate program, you must meet or exceed all the admissions requirements. While these will vary from school to school, they often include the following:

Minimum GPA – usually 3.0 or higher
A relevant master's degree, for example in media communication, public relations, etc. The applicant’s bachelor’s and master’s degrees must be from accredited schools
Official transcripts from all colleges attended
Students from countries where English is not a native language must prove proficiency through a recognized formal certification system. These are IELTS, TOEFL, PTEA, and sometimes ELS 112
Two to three letters of recommendation, preferably from academic sources. Depending on work experience, some schools may accept professional references
Resume/CV
A non-refundable application fee
Personal statement / essay explaining career aspirations and why you wish to study the subject
Some schools may ask for pre-existing skills in presentation software such as PowerPoint

What Type of Classes Are Included in the Online Strategic Communication Graduate Certificate Curriculum?

Online strategic communication graduate certificates are comprised of multiple courses that can often be completed over just a few semesters. Typical courses taken will include:

Leading Organizational Change
Business Writing
Communication for a Diverse Workplace
Presentation
Influence, Persuasion, and Negotiation
Communication Problem Solving
Decision Making Skills
Business Analytics

What Type of Careers Can I Pursue with an Online Strategic Communication Graduate Certificate?

Strategic communications is required in most industries and most sectors. Your career options with a strategic communication grad certificate include:

Corporate Communications: Either in a department as an employee or an independent consultant, you can help businesses manage their professional communications across most of the operations.
Advocacy: Working as a consultant or as part of a social advocacy group, reaching out to stakeholders, business professionals, and politicians is vital in effecting change.
Director of Marketing: High-level marketing requires strategic decision-making about comms methods, platforms, the brand message, and measuring results. You may oversee the main message and organize the main strategy.
PR Specialist: Public relations are responsible for an organization's overall day-to-day communication and changes to its strategy and outreach.
Public Information Officer: Whether it’s regarding health, science, political communication, safety, or other issues, government departments use Public Information Officers to engage the public.