Interacting with Media for Non-Journalists – CTIMNJ
Delivery Mode: Online; Hybrid; Other location
Terms of Entry: Fall, Spring, Summer
Enrollment Eligibility: Current degree-seeking student or non-degree status
Certificate Overview
This certificate delivers a combination of media literacy and media competency to non-journalist professionals. The certificate consists of three courses totaling 12 credit hours, and could normally be completed in three semesters or less.
Two experiences comprise the first “course:” a 1 credit hour introductory overview seminar (COMM 5012, Media for Non-Journalists Seminar) and a 3-credit hour online course (COMM 5400, Media Today and Tomorrow). The seminar and the course can be taken concurrently, and the seminar will be offered both in-person and online. The second and third courses are COMM 5410, Media Messaging and COMM 5420, Mastering the Media Interview. The courses will all be delivered online; sections may be also be available in person (including the seminar), or as a hybrid.
The ideal students is an early to mid-career professional who needs media training to improve their on-the-job media interactions and messaging skills. The certificate will enable professionals the opportunity to improve their skills and have better success by understanding the media and being more successful at communicating through reporters. The certificate also will teach professionals how to use media, on their own, without going through reporters. This will enhance their skills at direct communication through social media and other media devices to advance a personal or professional brand.
Certificate Learning Outcomes
- Students will understand how various media work, and will able to analyze the ever-changing media environment to develop appropriate media strategy
- Students will be able to tailor an effective message in various forms and deliver it through multiple media outlets such as social media, podcasting, etc.
- Students will be able to respond appropriately and effectively in media interview situations from print and digital to broadcast.
Opportunities upon Completion
With the advent of smart phones, social media, search engines and smart speakers, media has changed more in the past ten years than it did in the previous 60. Media is more pervasive in our daily lives and is an integral part of almost everything one does professionally. In the words of highly respected communication company Cision: “Does everyone need media training now? In a word? Yes. Media training, one of the mainstays of public relations, has never been more important than it is today. Media training infused with a social media perspective is critical and can make the difference between creating a strong positive public impression or a truly negative one.”
Media communication efforts may be tied to business goals, career development, community engagement, or multiple purposes. Whatever the context, great media skills are often seen as essential for personal and corporate success (while mediocre to poor skills may spell disaster). This certificate provides that critical step on the career ladder.
Upon applying for graduation (for degree-seeking students) or completion of the certificate requirements (for non-degree students), you must contact the program coordinator for verification of completion and the awarding of the certificate.
Certificate Relationship to Parent Degree Program
The parent program of this graduate certificate is the Master of Arts in Organizational Communication , program code MA5332. Neither enrollment in nor completion of the Organizational Communication degree is required to complete this certificate. However, completing the certificate may fulfill up to 12 of the required elective hours for the degree with advisor approval. Students admitted to this certificate may also seek admission to the Organizational Communication degree and/or other certificates. Previously submitted application materials will be reused as much as possible, as determined by the Organizational Communication Program Director. More information on the Organizational Communication degree program.
Complementary certificates include:
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate degree in a field other than Journalism. No additional requirements beyond university graduate admission requirements.
International Students
An I-20 cannot be issued based on admission to this program.
Completion Requirements
