Communication Campaigns Micro-credential

Description:

A graduate-level micro-credential that prepares learners to develop effective messages and campaigns for diverse career fields, including (but not limited to) marketing, health, or politics.

Who is eligible for this program?

This program is open to Communication graduate students (MA and PhD), graduate students in other disciplines, and also non-degree seeking individuals, including professionals who wish to improve their skills/marketability.

How long will it take to complete this program?

Approximately three semesters.

What skills will I obtain?

You will learn the principles of persuasive communication and how to apply these principles in specific circumstances and across media platforms (such as social media or print messages). These skills are valued in the workplace and are especially beneficial for individuals in careers that involve communication, sales, or dissemination of knowledge.

What will I earn when I complete this program?

You will earn a notation on your academic transcript as well as a digital badge that you may use on your digital resume or social media sites.

Required Courses

Students must take at least one foundational course (COM 540, Persuasion and Social Influence; COM 629, Entertainment-Education for Health Promotion and Social Change; or COM 682, Audience Analysis and Program Evaluation).

COM 540

Course title: Persuasion and Social Influence

Course description: Studies in Persuasion provides graduate students with state-of-the-art research in the science of attitude change and persuasive communication. In addition to learning the principles of persuasion, students will review research studies testing the validity of persuasive concepts as well as empirical research designed to test theories of message design, reception, and effects.

COM 629

Course title: Entertainment-Education for Health Promotion and Social Change

Course description: This seminar focuses on the history, research, and practice of the entertainment-education communication strategies for health promotion and social change. These strategies use traditional and non-traditional entertainment formats and the power of storytelling in communication processes to engage people to question their existing realities, spark conversations, and engender mass mobilization for the well-being of individuals, communities, organizations, and societies.

COM 682

Course title: Audience Analysis and Program Evaluation

Course description: This seminar is designed as an advanced research methods course for students in the field of communication and other related disciplines such as public health. It aims to offer students hands-on experiences with design and evaluation of health interventions and communication campaigns. Using predominantly an experiential learning approach, the class sessions will consist of a mix of interactive group activities, short presentations, written reports, and actual fieldwork.

Optional courses

Students must take two additional courses, which may be a combination of electives or additional foundational courses.