2019-2020

Communication Studies, Graduate Certificate

School of Communication

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

The graduate certificate in Communication Studies provides an understanding of the breadth and history of the study of human communication, a survey of communication theories, and a range of coursework in specialized areas within the discipline.  Students who complete this certificate will enhance their understanding of and ability to articulate the ways in which communication is affected by specific contexts, including but not limited to the interpersonal, organizational, and public communication contexts.

This plan will not be available to new students after Summer 2024

    • Graduate certificate programs require a minimum of 12 credit hours. Many graduate certificate programs require more than 12 credit hours.
    • No more than one 400-level NAU course (3 - 4 units) may be used on a graduate certificate program.
    • No more than twenty-five percent of the units required for the certificate program may be transferred from another university.
    • A 400-level course (undergraduate course) completed at another university is not eligible for transfer credit.
    • A minimum grade point average of 3.0 must be achieved to obtain a graduate certificate. No more than three units of coursework with a Grade of "C" may be used in a certificate program.
    • A graduate student may pursue a graduate certificate concurrently with a graduate degree. Each graduate degree program must decide which, if any, certificate courses can be counted toward the graduate degree.
    • Students who are admitted to a graduate certificate program will be eligible for the official posting of the graduate certificate to their transcripts when all applicable coursework has been successfully completed and approved by the academic unit and the Graduate College.
  • Please be aware that federal financial aid is not available for some certificates, if the certificate is pursued and completed as a stand-alone certificate (i.e., not completed concurrently with a degree program).  See the “Details” tab for additional information.

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

Minimum Units for Completion 18

Students earning a certificate in Communication Studies will be able to:

  • Articulate the history and development of the study of human communication
  • Describe the communication discipline and its central questions
  • Employ communication theories, perspectives, principles, and concepts to engage in and explain communication inquiry
  • Read and write at a level appropriate for graduate study and in accordance with the standards of the discipline
  • Understand and articulate the ways communication defines and strengthens their ability to navigate organizational and occupational relationship
  • Understand and articulate how human relationships are constructed, negotiated and maintained through communication

Certificate Requirements

  • Take the following 18 units:

    • COM 600, COM 601 (6 units)
    • Graduate-level electives in COM or CST selected in consultation with a graduate faculty advisor (12 units)

  • Federal financial aid cannot be used for this certificate.

  • Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.