Organizational
and Professional
Communication

The Organizational Communication graduate certificate is offered online or on campus at the University of Denver in the evenings, or in a combination of both, to meet the needs of busy adults seeking improved business communications skills within any industry. A communication certificate prepares professionals to effectively communicate verbally or written in an organizational, business, or interpersonal realm. Learn to troubleshoot, resolve conflict, and diplomatically deal with strategic workforce issues through the certificate program. Professional practitioners who work in the fields they teach lead comprehensive classes that teach graduate certificate students techniques in persuasion, presentation, negotiation, culture, and processes in the context of tactical communication.

Certificate students will develop an understanding of various persuasion techniques and the theories and practice of group dynamics as they broaden their awareness of and practice with business communications tools, concepts, and presentation tactics. Professionals seeking enhanced communication skills will learn the organizational communication tactics needed to succeed in any industry. Credits earned through this graduate certificate may apply toward a master's degree in Organizational and Professional Communication.

This degree prepares students to:

• Understand various persuasion techniques and a format for choosing which is most effective for given circumstances


• Develop awareness of and practice with business communication concepts, tools, and presentation techniques


• Understand theories and practice of group and team dynamics


• Identify barriers to effective communication and develop new skills to ensure productive outcomes


• Be change leaders through applying principles of change, critical change dynamics, and processes for knowledge transfer within organizations

Organizational and Professional Communication Outcomes

This program prepares students to:

• Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills across organizational, professional, and social settings
• Utilize knowledge of theoretical foundations and applied techniques to expand one's comfort level with communication choices across settings
• Display critical thinking processes: analyze, understand, and evaluate communication within organizations and as part of external professional situations
• Utilize creativity in constructing, assessing, and/or managing problem solving, decision making or conflict processes and interactions; demonstrate the ability to revise such processes for more effective outcomes as needed
• Understand the nature and needs of group/team processes as they relate to and operate within organizations
• Demonstrate social awareness, responsibility, and sensitivity for the communication required in culturally diverse groups
• Develop knowledge and skills within one or two communication specialties which enhance and clarify professional direction, career objectives, or personal development

In coordination with Title IV and the Gainful Employment Rule, certificate program data is provided for your convenience.

Careers in Organizational Communication Certficate

Titles
Communications Specialist, Communications Director, Events Coordinator, Account Executive, Media and Communications Coordinator, Communications Manager, Marketing Coordinator, Business Communications Manager, Corporate Communications Associate, Internal or External Communication Specialist.

Duties
Coordinate, research, writing, strategic planning, development, training, collaboration, marketing, event planning, public relations, management, community relations.

Outlook
New technologies are leading to new opportunities, particularly in the field of communications. While applied communication fundamentals continue to be necessary, new online media is reshaping the industry. One of seven key skills employers are seeking in 2013 includes writing, according to a report by US News and World Report. Candidates are often asked to have strong communication skills, and it’s more important than ever for candidates to have a solid writing ability whether they enter the communications field or go elsewhere.