Strategic Communication Management - CTSCOG

Delivery Mode: Online

Terms of Entry: Fall, Spring, Summer

Enrollment Eligibility: Non-degree status or current degree-seeking student

Certificate Overview

The Strategic Communication Management certificate is designed to prepare students to oversee advertising and public relations programs in a professional context. The certificate courses work collectively to provide a holistic view of the perspectives, theories, and communication skills necessary to succeed in a communication manager position. Academic rigor is coupled with practical application and training. The certificate coursework prepares students to work more efficiently with in-house and external agencies. 

The certificate consists of three courses totaling 12 credit hours. The courses are intended to be taken in sequence, and could normally be completed in three semesters or less. Two experiences comprise  the first “course:” a 1 credit hour workshop (COMM 5018, Strategic Communication Seminar) and a 3-credit hour online course (COMM 5800, Strategic Communication Fundamentals). COMM 5018 and COMM 5800 can be taken concurrently. The other two courses are COMM 5830, Media Planning Fundamentals; and JOUR 5820, Strategic Communication Management for Advertising and PR Professionals.

Courses will all be delivered online; sections may also be available (subject to demand) in person, or in hybrid modality.

Certificate Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the certificate, students will be able to:

• Select optimal communication strategies within different domestic and global market contexts
• Develop communication strategies and tactics appropriate for various stakeholders
• Defend communication recommendations
• Write professional-grade reports, strategies and plans
• Evaluate the potential success of strategic communication programs

Opportunities upon Completion

This certificate places “communication management” at the center of decision making and problem-solving. It fills a workforce development need, uptraining communication professionals to excel in strategic communication. Candidates for this certificate are primarily communication managers, social media managers, account managers, project managers, digital managers, etc. They may also include creative, production, traffic, and brand managers, and other key personnel, as well as clients who are outsourcing to agencies to perform a specific communication function. As a national leader in communication education, the Scripps College of Communication is uniquely positioned to provide formal and informal and practical education and skills for professionals in leadership and communication roles.

Admission Requirements

No additional requirements beyond Ohio University graduate admission requirements.

International Students

An I-20 cannot be issued based on admission to this program.

Completion Requirements

Students must earn a grade of “B-” or higher in a class in order for it to count toward the certificate completion.  A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher for all three certificate courses and for all Ohio University graduate courses is required for certificate conferral.