Public engagement

University of Missouri
Graduate certificate
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Overview

Do you have an innate love for education and research, and sharing that with others? Are you ready to learn more about how to communicate your research and engage with the public more effectively? 

One of the few public engagement programs offered across the country, this unique online graduate certificate will help you broaden your impact by sharing your research with the public in innovative ways. Open to students from all academic disciplines, the program will increase your ability to communicate your research and disciplinary area to different audiences. With the knowledge and hands-on experience you gain in this online program, you can enhance your CV and stand out from others seeking jobs in public engagement.

Quick facts

Official name

Graduate certificate in public engagement

Campus

University of Missouri

Program type

Graduate certificate

Academic home

Graduate School

Delivery mode

100% online

Accreditation

Higher Learning Commission

Credit hours

12

Estimated cost

$6,300.00

*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.

A child on a Mizzou tractor.

Career prospects

Future fields could range from traditional academia through alternative academic careers, namely informal science learning, journalism, marketing and other education and research-related positions.

Potential careers include:

  • Assistant professor
  • Informal science educator
  • Science policy advocate
  • Science journalist
  • Artist
  • Poet
  • Writer
  • Psychologist
  • Biologist
  • Community engagement professional
  • Broader impacts professional
Burning Glass Technologies. 2021. Salary numbers and employment growth numbers are based on models that consider advertised job posting salary, Bureau of Labor Statistics data and other proprietary and public sources of information for multiple occupations.
3.41%
employment growth
Burning Glass Technologies. 2021. Salary numbers and employment growth numbers are based on models that consider advertised job posting salary, Bureau of Labor Statistics data and other proprietary and public sources of information for multiple occupations.
$91,000
median salary

Program structure

The online graduate certificate in public engagement is 100% online: no campus visits required.

Courses are semester-based. Students typically take one to two classes per semester and finish the program in one year.

Course work includes

  • Essentials of public engagement
  • Public engagement internship
  • Area of concentration elective

Delivery

100% online

Calendar system

Semester-based

Typical program length

1 year

Typical course load

1 or 2 classes each 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

Susan Renoe

Dr. Susan Renoe is assistant vice chancellor for research, extension and engagement at the University of Missouri; assistant professor of strategic communication in the School of Journalism and executive director of the NSF-funded Center for Advancing Research Impact in Society. She received her MA and PhD in education from the University of California-Santa Barbara, and BA and MA in anthropology from the University of Missouri.

Susan Renoe, PhD
Assistant Professor, Assistant Vice Chancellor
Sara Vassmer, PhD

Dr. Vassmer is the director of The Connector. She earned her doctorate in education from the University of Missouri, with a background in prevention-based research in alcohol and substance use issues. Dr. Vassmer has over a decade of experience in research development and research impact, community outreach, and professional and program development.

Sara Vassmer, PhD
Associate Professor, Higher Education Policy Director

Learn more about this program

This program is administered by the Graduate School