Certificate in Strategic Communication
(Replaces Certificate in Business Communication.)
The Certificate in Strategic Communication provides essential skills for designing, implementing, and managing business communications programs for a range of corporate, agency, and nonprofit organizations. Students in the program learn to coordinate internal and external communications. Program components help students implement programs personally, manage in-house resources, or direct external teams of communications professionals.
The program provides in-depth instruction in writing, editing, and presentation along with analysis of critical concepts in communications research, management, marketing, advertising, public relations, technology, and media (traditional and new)--and how these functions relate to each other in creating effective organizational communications.
A wide choice of electives allows students to customize a program to support individual career aspirations in disciplines such as public relations or advertising, or to pursue more depth in business, research, or technology.
The 21-unit program includes five required courses and two authorized elective courses.
Required Courses—15 Units:
U48 262 Introduction to Strategic Communication
U48 203 Writing for Business Success OR
U11 324 Professional Writing, Speaking, and Presentation
U48 211 Introduction to Journalism
U11 324 Professional Writing, Speaking, and Presentation
U48 3451 Copyediting: Basic Editorial Skills
U48 3411 Technology for Managers: Tools and Strategies
- Journalism (print, broadcast, electronic – writing and editing)
- Public Relations, Advertising
- Marketing, Market Research
- Technology/Web Courses
- English Composition or other authorized writing courses
- Business
Admission
In order to be considered for admission to the Certificate in Strategic Communication program, you must have already completed at least one college-level English composition course with a grade of B or better. Additionally, the following items must be submitted with your Application for Admission to an Undergraduate Degree or Certificate Program in University College:
1. Certificate in Strategic Communication Admission Application Supplement form.
2. Updated Resume.
3. Statement of Academic and Professional Objectives. This is a 200- to 300-word statement indicating how the Business Communication Certificate will contribute to your professional development.
Additional Policies
1. All courses must be completed with an overall GPA of 3.0 or better.
2. All courses must be taken at Washington University.
3. Courses taken toward a University College undergraduate certificate program may be applied to a University College Bachelor of Science degree, as distribution, general elective, or major elective courses. A maximum of 6 units of course work from a University College undergraduate certificate may be used as core major courses in a University College Bachelor of Science degree.
4. Students already admitted to a Bachelor of Science degree program in University College may apply for admission to the Strategic Communication Certificate Program and, with permission, apply certain courses toward this certificate. No more than two courses taken in University College prior to Fall 2000 may be applied to this certificate.
For more information, contact University College at (314) 935-6700, or E-mail ucollege@artsci.wustl.edu.
