Health Communication Graduate Certificate

The University’s online Health Communication Graduate Certificate Program is designed for those working in any area of health (from health promotion to patient advocacy) and desiring a well-developed background in theory and applied communication skills. Health is an area of communication for all people whether it be conversations with health professionals or advocacy for others. Medical providers and those working in the area of health need clear, empathic, culturally sensitive communication skills to be successful. This certificate program addresses these needs.

• The Health Communication Graduate Certificate Program is a 15-credit-hour program that can be completed entirely online. Individuals have the option of completing the certificate or enrolling in one (or more) courses. The certificate can be completed in three to four semesters (excluding summer terms). Coursework from other colleges and universities does not count toward completion of the program.
• Coursework includes five courses in the areas of research/creativity, cross-cultural communication, interpersonal communication, and health communication theory and application. Coursework can be applied toward completion of the University’s Communication MA Program.
• The course of study provides training in interpersonal communication skills, ethical and cultural communication principles, and research design—and provides a foundation for the analysis and evaluation of discourses surrounding various health topics. Upon completion of the program, students possess skills and experiences that prepare them for success in a variety of careers in health promotion and patient advocacy as well as improving their work within the medical field.
• Upon successful completion of the program requirements, students are awarded a certificate.
• This certificate program is open to eligible students in the U.S. (including the District of Columbia and all U.S. territories). The program also is open to students in Canada (all provinces). The program is closed to students residing in countries other than the U.S. and Canada except for U.S. military and State Department personnel and their family members with APO/FPO addresses.

Note: In addition to the health communication certificate, the University offers graduate certificates in communication leadership, digital media communication, and public advocacy communication.

Delivery

Selected courses in this certificate program are offered asynchronously with no set meeting dates or times. Other courses are only offered synchronously. Dates and times for these courses are listed in the class schedule.