Certificate in Strategic Communication

Certificates 

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 the creation of effective organizational communications.


Business-related programs in the School of Continuing & Professional Studies are not accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International).

Admission Requirements

Students already admitted to a Bachelor of Science degree program in the School of Continuing & Professional Studies (CAPS) 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 at CAPS prior to Fall 2000 may be applied to this certificate. There are no formal requirements for admission to undergraduate certificates. Students should speak with an academic advisor regarding their preparation for specific certificates or courses.

US Citizenship or Eligible Noncitizen

International students interested in the certificate programs must hold a visa that permits part-time study (including F-2 and J-2 visas).  Students holding  F-1 visas are not eligible for these programs.  Students holding a B-2 visa may be eligible if the coursework is recreational or avocational in nature.

NOTE: CAPS is designed for students with adult responsibilities who may require part-time and flexible course schedules. Current high school students and recent graduates seeking a traditional WashU college experience should apply through the undergraduate admissions office: admissions.wustl.edu.

Application Requirements
Application Deadlines

Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis and typically take three to five business days.  An application is incomplete and will not be reviewed until all of the application requirements have been received or processed.  Applicants are encouraged to submit all materials by the following dates:

  • Summer 2024: April 30, 2024
  • Fall 2024: July 31, 2024
  • Spring 2025: Dec. 31, 2024
Completed Application Form

The online application is available on our Apply page. Applications are ready for review when all fields on the application form are completed and the required documents have been received.

Enrolling in WashU School of Continuing & Professional Studies (CAPS)

We are here for you every step. Getting started at CAPS is easy.

1. Meet with a Recruiter
2. Start Your Application
  • Applying is easy, and our advisors are here to help you find the path that fits your needs. Apply Today!
3. Plan Ahead

Take a course today. Apply later.

At CAPS, students can take courses without applying to a degree program. If you are interested in taking a class to get to know CAPS, to fulfill credits, for professional development, or to follow a passion, the non-degree option is for you. Learn more.

Course Work

REQUIRED COURSES: 9 UNITS

Choose five of following seven courses:

  • Foundations of Communications (U48 234)
  • Integrated Strategic Communication (U48 262)
  • Market Research and Communications Strategies (U48 305)

Electives: 6 units. Choose from:

  • Public Relations Principles and Practices (U48 350)
  • Crisis Communications (U48 372)
  • Digital Communications Analytics (U48 385)

Courses taken toward a WashU School of Continuing & Professional Studies (CAPS) undergraduate certificate program may be applied to a CAPS Bachelor of Science degree, as distribution, general elective, or major elective courses. A maximum of 6 units of course work from a CAPS undergraduate certificate may be used as core major courses in a CAPS Bachelor of Science degree.

Students already admitted to a Bachelor of Science degree program in CAPS 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 CAPS prior to fall 2000 may be applied to this certificate.

Student Success Navigators

Every CAPS student is paired with a Student Success Navigator at the time of admission to help you navigate your path and needs. We will provide you with the tools to make each moment spent on your education as valuable as possible. Students will receive:

  • individual appointments with an experienced Student Success Navigator;
  • career planning services to prepare you for opportunities after graduation;
  • a partner throughout your journey to ensure success.

HOURS
Student Success Navigators are available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday.