• Education Prerequisites: High school diploma or equivalent
• Professional Prerequisites: None
• Average Program Length: 6 months (full time); 1 year (part time)

A communications certificate program is available in several disciplines, including business, journalism, and new media. Additionally, business may cover communications in marketing, public relations, or managerial communication. Journalism may cover public relations or news editorial. New media may cover telecommunications, web communications, or social media. A communications certificate program may provide foundational experience or augment a standing education.

Completing an Online Certificate Program in Communications

An accredited traditional or accredited online communication certificate program with a focus on news editorial journalism will require course work in reporting, editing, news design, and photography, and may require digital media and web design course work. A communication certificate program with a focus on public relations will require course work in reporting as well as media communication, social media, and marketing and advertising course work. A communications certificate program with a focus in business will require course work in business writing, speech writing, marketing, and public relations course work.

Assignments depend on the type of certificate program. A communications certificate program may be ideal for a prospective student looking for education applicable to a range of fields. Communications certificate course work may transfer to a variety of undergraduate degree programs. Professionals looking for course work to gain further communications skills for managerial positions or to switch career paths may want to consider a communications certificate program.

What Your Online Certificate in Communications Can Do for You

A communications certificate may be applied to a journalism position, such as reporting or public relations, or a business position, such as marketing or a managerial position. Certificate programs may concentrate on a particular career and offer practical experience in management, group communication, and/or public speaking. Some certificate programs may be designed to transition students toward an associate or bachelor’s degree program. Communications certificates may be offered in a traditional format, online, or as a hybrid of traditional and online courses.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), public relations managers earned a median annual wage of $91,810 in 2010. The BLS expects public relations manager employment to increase by 21% between 2010 and 2020. The BLS reports that news editorial positions, such as reporters, correspondents, and broadcast news analysts, earned a median annual wage of $36,000 in 2010, and that employment is expected to decline by 6% between 2010 and 2020. Advertising, promotions, and marketing managers earned a median annual wage of $108,260 in 2010. Employment for marketing mangers is expected to increase by 14% between 2010 and 2020. Wage and employment information may vary depending on several factors like area, employer, experience, and position.

Online Certificate Programs by School

	Herzing University - Herzing's online certificate program offers the flexibility, personalization, and support you need to succeed in today's ever-changing job market. Discover Herzing's hands-on coursework, experienced faculty, and student-first approach which sets them apart from other online universities.
	Ultimate Medical Academy - Get personalized attention with UMA. One-on-one tutoring, pre-interview coaching, job search assistance, alumni services—they’re all included in Ultimate Medical Academy’s competitively priced tuition. As a nationally accredited school, we provide quality career training online and at our two campuses in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. Let’s talk about your needs, your career goals and how UMA can help you succeed. Gainful employment information can be found at ultimatemedical.edu/gainful-employment.pdf and includes information on tuition, loan debt, completion, placement and occupations.
	Penn Foster Career School - Penn Foster Career School offers over 85 online career diploma and certificate programs that can help students prepare for a career path in some of today’s fastest growing fields. If you are looking for training in allied health, business, education, or the trades, then Penn Foster Career School is a great choice. Penn Foster Career School is regionally accredited by the Commission on Secondary Schools of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.