Communication Diversity, Ethics, and Inclusivity Certificate - CTDEIG

Delivery Mode: Online, Hybrid

Terms of Entry: Fall, Spring, Summer

Terms of Entry Requring Program Permission: None

Enrollment Eligibility: Current degree-seeking, non-degree status

Certificate Overview

This graduate certificate is designed for professionals in journalism, media, communications, human resources, and related fields who want a better understanding of ethics, diversity, and inclusivity, addressing challenges and best practices both in the workplace and in content creation. In an increasingly globalized and networked media environment, challenging issues of inclusivity and ethics need to be addressed and understood. The Communication Diversity, Ethics, and Inclusivity Certificate familiarizes participants with different aspects of diversity and inclusivity in journalism and mass communication, as well as introduces communication practices across sectors including industry, nonprofit, and government. The certificate offers strategies to overcome problems in diverse and multicultural contexts. Additionally, it focuses on professional ethics and ethical decision-making tools in the fields of communication, as well as how ethical norms and principles can be applied to everyday challenges in the professional environment. Finally, it also explores issues of multi- and cross-cultural communication and how culture-specific differences can be identified, mitigated, and overcome where possible.

The certificate consists of three graduate-level courses and a seminar for a total of 12 credit hours. These courses from across the Scripps College of Communication introduce students to topics related to ethics and social responsibility. By taking courses from multiple schools, students will learn to analyze diversity, ethics, and social issues from multiple perspectives. Courses will all be delivered online; sections may also be available (subject to demand) in person, or in hybrid modality.

Certificate Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

• recognize and interrogate their own implicit biases and privilege and understand how they influence content creation and professional interactions.

• critically assess various types of communication content for use of language and imagery that might be culturally insensitive.

• recognize challenges and conflicts with core ethical principles in content creation.

• facilitate conversations about contentious, potentially divisive topics.

Opportunities upon Completion:

This certificate can be combined with other credentials to prepare students for a variety of careers involving work with diverse populations, including but not limited to:

• Marketing, Advertising, and Public Relations
• Human Resources
• Education
• Social services
• Law enforcement
• Journalism
• Advocacy

In addition, the Communication Diversity, Ethics, and Inclusivity certificate can contribute to career development for students pursuing graduate degree programs in diversity studies, or in the social sciences and humanities where human diversity is a central concern.

Related Certificates

This certificate and the related certificates listed below can also apply to the elective options in the Master of Communication (MC5385 ) degree. 

• Communication and Change Certificate (CTCCTG )¹
• Crisis Communication Certificate (CTCCOM )¹
• Digital Media Transformation & Innovation Certificate (CTCMTI )
• Interacting with Media for Non-Journalists Certificate (CTIMNJ )²
• Interacting with Media for STEM Professionals and Researchers Certificate (CTISPR )² 
• Media Tools for Professional Communication Certificate (CTMTCG )
• Strategic Communication Management Certificate (CTSCOG )¹
• Team Leadership and Communication Certificate (CTTLCG )¹

​¹These certificates can also apply to the Master of Arts in Organizational Communication (MA5332 ) degree.

²A student may only receive credit for one Interacting with Media certificate.

Further Information

Link to Program: https://www.ohio.edu/scripps-college/prospective-students/graduate-programs

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

Complete the following course for a total of 12 hours: