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. 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.

Related Certificates

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

• Communication and Change Certificate (CTCCTG )¹
• Communication Diversity, Ethics, and Inclusivity Certificate (CTDEIG )
• Crisis Communication Certificate (CTCCOM )¹
• Digital Media Transformation & Innovation Certificate (CTDMTI  )
• 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.

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