Online Communication Graduate Certificate Programs
Take your next step with an online communication graduate certificate Request More Information
Take your next step with an online communication graduate certificate
Purdue’s Department of Communication offers six fully online graduate certificates to help you advance your knowledge in a variety fields within communication in less time than a traditional master’s degree. These certificates teach in-demand skills in to advance your communication skills across all settings.
Credits from these graduate certificates can be transferred to the Master of Science in Communication program, allowing you to stack credentials in your persistent pursuit of becoming a successful communications professional or executive. Purdue’s Master of Science in Communication was ranked the No. 1 online master’s in communication program by mastersincommunication.org in 2024.
Stand out with a Purdue certificate in communication
Earning a graduate certificate in communication from Purdue will give you the skills needed to manage top-performing communication organizations.
Each certificate is composed of three or four fully online courses that can be completed in as little as two semesters. All credits transfer seamlessly into Purdue’s online communications master’s degrees.
Explore Offerings
Online Health Communication Graduate Certificate
Online Branding and Marketing Communication Graduate Certificate
This graduate certificate will equip you to develop communication strategies by integrating marketing, public relations and advertising. You will learn how to facilitate the creation of comprehensive communication plans and craft effective advertising, marketing and branding initiatives. Additionally, the courses will focus on developing messages that drive engagement by applying persuasion theory and best practices within the fields of branding and marketing. By the end, you’ll be prepared to design impactful campaigns that effectively resonate with and influence your target audience.
Online Digital Media and Communication Technology Graduate Certificate
This graduate certificate will teach you to articulate the role of digital and social media communication technologies in designing effective campaigns. You will learn how to use these technologies to implement communication strategies that align with organizational goals. By leveraging social media and digital communication data, you’ll be able to evaluate the impact of messaging strategies. Additionally, the course will explore emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and generative language models, and their influence on the digital communication landscape.
Online Sports Communication Graduate Certificate
Online Strategic Communication Management Graduate Certificate
Graduates of the program become well-versed in a variety of different communication techniques and develop a thorough understanding of:
-Planning, executing and evaluating strategic communication plans
-Recognizing communication issues from a global perspective
-Measuring, evaluating and implementing communication campaigns
-Working with communication during times of crisis
Online Communication and Leadership Graduate Certificate
Successful leadership thrives with proper communication utilized within corporate contexts. The online Graduate Certificate in Communication and Leadership will help you develop a strong understanding of corporate communication methods as you learn to apply them in leadership roles within your field. Through courses focused on the application of communication and leadership across various industries and professional settings, the communication and leadership certificate delivers valuable skills such as leading cross-cultural teams, developing techniques for collaboration and effectively communicating with superiors and subordinates.
Guided by expert faculty members who bring their real-world professional experiences to their courses, the communication and leadership certificate program prepares students to succeed in a variety of leadership positions. Course topics include:
-Methods for identifying relevant theories and principles of organizational communication
-Utilization of communication to increase team productivity
-Development of comprehensive internal and external communications plans
-Communication strategies to communicate with executives when stakes are high
Online Professional Development Program Costs
| CURRENT TUITION RATES AND FEES* | IN-STATE | OUT-OF-STATE |
| Total Cost Per Credit Hour | $520 | $820 |
| Total Credit Hours | 9 | 9 |
| Total Program Cost | $4,680 | $7,180 |
- The cost of attending Purdue varies depending on where you choose to live, enrollment in a specific program or college, food and travel expenses, and other variables. The Office of the Bursar website shows estimated costs for the current aid year for students by semester and academic year. These amounts are used in determining a student’s estimated eligibility for financial aid. You can also use our tuition calculator to estimate tuition costs.
Courses
Online Health Communication Graduate Certificate
Required course:
- -COM 60111 Seminar in Strategic Communication
Choose two electives:
- -COM 57600 Health Communication
- -COM 64500 Healthcare Communication
- -COM 65500 Health Advocacy
Total: Nine credits
Online Branding and Marketing Communication Graduate Certificate
Required course:
- -COM 60111 Seminar in Strategic Communication
Choose two electives:
- -COM 64100 Integrated Marketing Communication
- -COM 64400 Strategic Personal Branding
- -COM 64600 Strategic Corporate Branding
Total: Nine credits
Online Digital Media and Communication Technology Graduate Certificate
- -COM 60111 Seminar in Strategic Communication
- -COM 62111 Seminar in Strategic Communication and Social Media
- -COM 62300 Artificial Intelligence and Social Media
Total: Nine credits
Online Sports Communication Graduate Certificate
- -COM 60111 Seminar in Strategic Communication
- -COM 66100 Sports Communication
- -COM 66200 Strategic Sports Media Relations
Total: Nine credits
Online Strategic Communication Management Graduate Certificate
Required course:
- -COM 60111 Seminar in Strategic Communication
Choose two electives:
- -COM 60911 Strategic Public Relations
- -COM 60311 Crisis Communication
- -COM 62111 Seminar in Strategic Communication and Social Media
- -COM 65000 Communication and leadership
Total: Nine credits
Online Communication and Leadership Graduate Certificate
Require Courses:
- -COM 60111 Seminar in Strategic Communication
- -COM 65000 Communication and leadership
Choose two electives:
- -COM 65100 Organizational Culture and Internal Communication
- -COM 65200 Communication Training and Education
- -COM 64400 Personal Branding
- -ENGT 50700 Fundamentals of Collaborative Leadership and Agile Strategy
Total: 12 credits
Faculty
Our esteemed faculty members are committed to delivering a transformative educational experience combining theoretical knowledge with practical application. They foster an inclusive and collaborative online learning environment, nurturing the talents and aspirations of our students. With their guidance, our Master of Science in Communication program equips graduates with the skills and confidence to excel in various communication roles across industries.
FAQs
Questions and answers
Please find answers to the most popular questions about Purdue’s online communication graduate certificates asked by many of our new online students.
DO I NEED A BACKGROUND IN COMMUNICATION TO QUALIFY FOR ADMISSION?
No, communication has a wide variety of applications. Our students come from all different educational and professional backgrounds. We do require students to hold a bachelor’s degree in order to be considered for admission.
IS FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE?
While a Purdue graduate student in a non-degree seeking program is not eligible for federal student aid there are other funding options that may be available to you.
Financial assistance may be available from alternative loan programs. There are a large number of private commercial education loan options available to assist students in meeting college costs. You can obtain more information about alternative loans at www.purdue.edu/dfa/loan-details.html. For specific tuition rates, click here.
CAN I ENROLL IN THE ONLINE MS IN COMMUNICATION OR MS IN CORPORATE TRAINING AND COMMUNICATION PROGRAM UPON COMPLETION OF THE GRADUATE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM?
Yes, individuals who complete the certificate program can apply to these programs. If accepted they can apply the credits earned from the certificate to the master’s. The student will have to complete an application and pay an additional application fee.
HOW DO ONLINE CLASSES WORK?
Coursework is asynchronous, meaning that there are not specific times you need to be online. When you start the program, you will be given access to a virtual classroom interface. Your instructor will post coursework, syllabi, assignments, and messages every week. You will also use discussion boards, e-mail, and chat to communicate with your classmates and your instructor. You can log on and do your coursework at any time that is convenient for you, but you must turn in your assignments by the deadlines your instructor sets.
HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD I ALLOW FOR DOING HOMEWORK AND COMPLETING ASSIGNMENTS?
As in an on-campus program, you should plan on devoting about 15 to 20 hours a week to coursework, depending on your study habits.
WHAT IF I HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT HOMEWORK OR NEED HELP WITH A TECHNICAL ISSUE?
The faculty and staff at Purdue are dedicated to your success at the university and in the future. Your instructor will set weekly times for one-on-one electronic consultations and will answer emails in a timely fashion. Technical support is available for system and software issues. Our dedicated team is available to talk to you about financial aid, scheduling, or any other administrative issues.
WHAT WILL MY TRANSCRIPT SAY?
Post Baccalaureate Certificate in [name of certificate].
Request More Information
Please fill out the following form to request more information.
Contact Information
Email: POApply@purdue.edu
Phone: 765-496-0990
