BOONE, N.C.—Appalachian State University now offers an online graduate certificate in strategic communication as part of its distance education program.

The certificate program is designed to be completed in one year but students can work at their own pace. Students will receive graduate-level training focused on the accomplishment of organizational goals, including coordination of communication plans and consistency in communication responses.

“Strategic communication experts are sought by a variety of industries, including corporate, non-profit and governmental agencies,” said Dr. Jean DeHart, chair of the Department of Communication, which houses the certificate program. “This certificate will be valuable for working professionals in healthcare, communication, business, education and other fields, as well as graduate students in a variety of master’s programs who want to enhance their communication skills.”

Courses in the certificate program include strategic communication, communication in conflict management, advanced crisis communication, and advanced organizational communication, as well as special topics.

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum 3.0 grade point average. For more information on the graduate certificate in strategic communication, or to apply, visit http://distance.appstate.edu/stratcom.

About the Department of Communication

One of seven departments housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Department of Communication at Appalachian State University focuses on preparing students to succeed in the varied fields within the communication industry. The department offers five majors – advertising, communication studies, electronic media/broadcasting, journalism and public relations – and a minor in communication studies. Graduates work in a wide range of positions in media, corporate, agency, government and nonprofit organizations.

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.

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