Communication and Change Certificate - CTCCTG

Delivery Mode: Online

Terms of Entry: Fall, Spring, Summer

Terms of Entry Requiring Program Permission: None

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

Certificate Overview

Most organizations and their members resist change and the disruption it causes in routines that have become comfortable and familiar.  In order to prepare organizations to thrive in the midst of innovation, leaders must take advantage of communication tools designed to effectively introduce and navigate change.  The Communication and Change certificate focuses on communicative strategies to secure employee buy-in, reduce ambiguity associated with change, and develop training plans to ensure that organizational members are prepared to pivot and adapt to disruptions to their routines.  Students will learn how to assist organizations in designing messages that align the current culture with proposed changes, as well as formulating strategic plans that take into account the analysis of various audiences.

The certificate consists of three courses totaling 12 credit hours, and can normally be completed in three semesters or less.

Certificate Learning Outcomes

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

• Explain how theories of persuasion and influence can be used to enhance support of change initiatives.
• Identify individual differences and select strategies to promote buy-in of innovations.
• Prepare a training plan designed to provide organizational members with information needed to successfully adopt change and understand its rationale.

Opportunities upon Completion

This certificate is targeted to current or aspiring leaders and organizational members who have an interest in understanding and enhancing skills associated with effectively communicating about organizational change or innovations.  In addition to exploring theories and research focusing on innovation and change, students will develop competencies that include: identifying strengths of various communication channels for communicating about change, developing communication and leadership skills for implementing change, understanding influence strategies to secure support and buy-in of change efforts, exploring strategies for soliciting feedback about innovations, and developing effective training seminars to prepare organizations for adapting and integrating change. 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.

Related Certificates

This certificate can also apply to the elective options in the Master of Arts in Organizational Communication (MA5332 ) degree and the Master of Communication (MC5385 ) degree. The related certificates listed below can also apply to the elective options in the Master of Communication (MC5385 ) degree. 

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

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.