Program Overview
The College of Communication Arts and Sciences has the ability to leverage the collective strength of four of its departments to provide a pervasive training in 21st century digital communication. The online Graduate Certificate program, capitalizes our college's strengths in the use of new technology to engage learners around the world.
The marketplace has demand for sub-areas of expertise that would benefit working professionals wanting to upgrade their knowledge and skills. ComArtSci can now meet these needs through our Strategic Communication M.A. Certificate Program. We have created three, 9-credit certificates, providing a world-class professional development opportunity for individuals to enhance their communication skill set.
Program Outcomes
This certificate will help students expand their knowledge and skill sets as they relate communication change efforts, managing conflict, facilitating effective employee evaluations, motivating employees, and socializing new hires so they integrate into productive work teams. Graduates of the certification will be prepared to:
- Develop leadership skills for building consensus.
- Learn how to effectively manage conflict.
- Facilitate effective employee evaluations.
- Learn how to effectively build a team.
- Develop communication and leadership skills for implementing change efforts.
- Develop knowledge and facilitation skills for building a collaborative, entrepreneurial work climate.
Career Outlook
According to 2019 LinkedIn and Forbes reports, some of the most desired skills of employees are:
- Creativity
- Persuasion
- Analytical reasoning
- Social media marketing
- Journalism
- Digital marketing
- Corporate communications
The MSU StratCom program helps meet these marketplace demands with courses in areas of organizational leadership and communication, media analytics and digital media. You can pursue a graduate certificate in one of these areas or a full M.A.
Courses
Core
CAS 833Crisis Communication3 Credits CAS 837Catalyst Thinking in the C-Suite 3 Credits CAS 838Organizational Communication for Leaders and Entrepreneurs 3 Credits
Admissions and Requirements
To apply to this program:
Application Details Complete the Graduate School Application. The fee is $65 (Domestic) or $75 (International) and can be paid with credit card, check (US Funds), or money order. Use program code: 6328 – Strategic Communication Upload the following materials to the Applicant Portal : Email addresses for your three recommenders (Note: An email will be sent out to your recommenders providing them the information on where to go to submit their letters electronically. So please be sure to list accurate information. The department will only accept letters submitted via the online system. The department will not accept letters submitted through any other format.) Academic Statement [one-page narrative of your academic journey] Personal Statement [one-page narrative or your personal journey. i.e. family, growing up, hobbies, etc.] Resume or Vita
We recruit cohorts of around 20 for fall, spring and summer semesters.
Key Dates
Fall 2020
Application Deadline
June 1, 2020
Spring 2021
Application Deadline
November 1, 2020
Summer 2021
Application Deadline
April 1, 2021
THE MSU DIFFERENCE
As one of the top research universities in the world, Michigan State University has advanced the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years.
MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community.