Professional Communication

University of Missouri
Undergraduate Certificate
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Undergraduate Certificate

Clear, effective communication skills are vital to any successful career. More than that, they are a key component to keeping organizations, communities and even our society at large functioning. Understanding that and mastering the different forms of communication is what Mizzou’s online Undergraduate Certificate in Professional Communication is about.

This online communication certificate teaches you to be an effective communicator across media. Through this 15-credit-hour program, you’ll become a proficient writer, speaker and digital communicator. Whether you’re an undergraduate looking to enhance your degree or a working professional seeking to advance your career, this certificate helps you build versatile skills for professional success.

If you decide to continue your education beyond this certificate, you can apply your credits to one of the following programs from Mizzou:

About the professional communication program

This online communication certificate comes from the Communication Department of Mizzou’s College of Arts and Science. The program can be completed as quickly as one year and is taught by expert faculty with international recognition in the communications industry. Through their instruction, you’ll learn communication skills and strategies that will make you an in-demand asset across professional disciplines.

Quick facts

Official name

Undergraduate Certificate in Professional Communication

Campus

University of Missouri

Program type

Undergraduate certificate

Academic home

College of Arts & Science | Department of Communication

Delivery mode

100% online

Accreditation

Higher Learning Commission

Credit hours

15

Estimated cost

$8,964.00

*This cost is for illustrative purposes only. Your hours and costs will differ, depending on your transfer hours, your course choices and your academic progress. See more about tuition and financial aid.

Young professional mapping something out on a whiteboard.

Career prospects

Graduates of this program will be prepared for roles as a:

  • Public relations specialist
  • Marketing manager
  • Social media manager
  • Project manager

And more.

This number is the average projected employment change over the next 10 years of the careers in Missouri. Sources include Lightcast industry data, staffing patterns, and OES data.
5.21%
Employment outlook
This number is the average median salary from the careers in Missouri. Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES data from the BLS and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
$78,925.94
Average median salary

Program structure

The 15-credit-hour communication certificate can be completed in as quickly as one year. Students typically take one or two classes per semester. No campus visits are required. Courses are offered asynchronously.

Coursework includes

  • Public speaking
  • Communication practices in business
  • Crisis communication
  • Communication within organizations

Review all requirements for the online Undergraduate Certificate in Professional Communication program.

Delivery

100% online

Calendar system

Semester-based

Typical program length

1-2 years

Typical course load

1-2 classes per semester

Accreditation

The University of Missouri is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States.

Faculty spotlight

Elizabeth Behm-Morawitz, PhD headshot

Elizabeth Behm-Morawitz is a professor in the College of Arts and Science at the University of Missouri. Dr. Behm-Morawitz is an expert in media effects, media psychology and emerging technologies. Her research examines how people process and respond to mediated messages and experiences with special emphasis on the relationships between media use and personal well-being.

Elizabeth Behm-Morawitz, PhD
Professor and Chair, Department of Communication
Kevin Hales

Kevin Hales is an assistant teaching professor at the Missouri School of Journalism at the University of Missouri. Dr. Hales is an internationally respected public scholar, author, filmmaker, consultant and podcaster. 

 

Kevin Hales, PhD
Assistant Teaching Professor
Hsin-I Sydney Yueh, PhD

Hsin-I Sydney Yueh teaches research and the theory of persuasion and oversees the process of internship application and approval. Dr. Yueh's research examines how culture shapes communication in various groups and communities. A major focus of her research is the role of language in intercultural communication. She is interested in how cultural factors and power structure influence individuals’ creation, delivery and reception of persuasive messages.

Hsin-I Sydney Yueh, PhD
Associate Teaching Professor and Director of Online Education and Internships, Department of Communication

Learn more about this program

This program is administered by the Department of Communication