The Graduate Program in Communication offers three certificate programs, available to any of the following:
- Students in the M.A. and Ph.D. programs in communication
- Students in other graduate programs at UK
- Students enrolled in the UK Graduate School for non-degree certification status
Certificate Programs
To view course descriptions, please visit the UK Graduate Bulletin.
Overview
During the last 15 years the graduate faculty in communication have obtained more than $30 million in federal grants in health communication, the doctoral program has been ranked sixth in the country in health communication (applied communication) by the National Communication Association and four of our graduate students have been awarded prestigious National Cancer Institute internships. At least one-third of our graduate faculty members are actively involved in health communication research.
This Certificate Program is aimed primarily at individuals interested in developing specialized knowledge and research expertise in health communication that can be applied within both academic and non-academic settings. Students are expected to have a background in social or behavioral science prior to entering the program.
Required Coursework
Course | Credits |
| CI 671 Proseminar in Health Communication | 3 |
| CI 771 Seminar in Health Communication | 3 |
| CI 775 Seminar in Health Communication Campaigns | 3 |
| Elective (choose one of the following): CI 780 Special Topics in Communication CI 790 Research Problems in Communication Graduate-level course in Medical Informatics | 3 |
| TOTAL | 12 |
For more information, contact gradcomm@uky.edu.
Overview
The Graduate Certificate in Instructional Communication will be advantageous for community members and professionals who are employed in an educational, organization or healthcare setting. It will also be appropriate for current graduate students in diverse colleges who can complement their degree with expertise in instructional communication.
Required Coursework
In order to earn a certificate in instructional communication, students must successfully complete 12 hours of coursework. Students may choose any combination of the following courses to tailor their specific instruction context and professional needs:
Course | Credits |
| CI 616 Foundations of Instructional Communication | 3 |
| CI 626 Equity and Inclusion in Instruction Communication | 3 |
| CI 636 Instructional Communication Assessment and Research Methods | 3 |
| CI 646 Interpersonal Communication and Instruction | 3 |
| CI 656 Instructional Communication and Technology | 3 |
| CI 723 Training and Consulting | 3 |
| CI 726 Communication Leadership Studies | 3 |
| CI 780 Special Topics in Instructional Communication | 3 |
| LIS 618 Games, Literacy, Meaning and Learning | 3 |
| LIS 619 Informal Learning in Information Organizations | 3 |
For more information, contact gradcomm@uky.edu.
This fully online, interdisciplinary graduate certificate in integrated strategic communication confers essential skills in the use of data for designing, implementing and managing brand communication programs on digital platforms. Its curriculum is designed for practitioners in every discipline and at every stage of their career, from recent graduates to seasoned corporate, agency, nonprofit or small business workers. Ideal for busy professionals who want to advance their careers by deploying content marketing, advertising, public relations, data analytics and social media and digital strategies, the online graduate certificate in integrated strategic communication is offered in collaboration with the Information Communication Technology program in the UK College of Communication and Information.
This certificate is suitable for any of the following:
- Students in the M.A. and Ph.D. programs in communication
- Students in other graduate programs at UK
- Students enrolled in the UK Graduate School for non-degree certification status
For information on core competencies, course requirements and application processes, click here.
Overview
The Graduate Certificate in Risk Sciences is designed for professionals who are tasked with risk and crisis planning or might have to communicate with internal or external publics in a crisis, but have never had formal education to guide their actions. The coursework, which can be completed in person or online, will provide foundational understanding of risk and crisis communication and practical application of knowledge. Outcomes of the risk communication and crisis communication courses may include research studies, risk communication campaigns, organization risk assessment, crisis communication plans, crisis communication assessments or grant proposals. The training and consulting course addresses theoretical and pragmatic issues of training, consulting and team building. The knowledge management course focuses on how to leverage knowledge assets to more quickly recognize risks and address crises as they emerge.
Required Coursework
Course | Credits |
At least two (2) courses must be taken from the list below: | |
| CI 721 Risk Communication | 3 |
| CI 722 Crisis Communication | 3 |
| CI 780 Special Topics: Disasters and Terrorism | 3 |
Additional courses that count towards the certificate: | |
| CI 610 Participatory Communication | 3 |
| CI 682 Communication and Persuasion | 3 |
| CI 723 Training and Consulting | 3 |
| CI 726 Communication Leadership Studies | 3 |
| LIS 658 Knowledge Management | 3 |
For more information, contact gradcomm@uky.edu.
Application Process
Applications for admission must be submitted online to the UK Graduate School. Find specifics on the application process here. Applicants should select the appropriate certificate under "Plan of Study" when applying.