Communication Studies
Designed for professionals who already hold a master’s degree, the 18-hour online graduate certificate in Communication Studies provides the academic credentials needed to teach dual-credit courses, as well as undergraduate or community college communication classes.
- Graduate Certificate
- Online
- Online
18 Credit Hours
Professional Advancement
The elective coursework can be customized to support professional goals in education, management, leadership, human resources, nonprofit, and government fields. Students with a master’s degree may pursue a graduate certificate, qualifying them to teach dual-credit or undergraduate communication courses.
When and how can I apply?
Students are admitted year-round on a rolling basis for Fall, Spring, and Summer entry. Courses run in accelerated formats: two 7.5-week sessions in Fall and Spring, and 10-week sessions in Summer.
What is Communication Studies?
Whether students are looking to expand their teaching credentials or deepen their expertise, the online graduate certificate in Communication Studies at SHSU is designed to help students understand how effective communication supports leadership, learning, and professional growth across educational and organizational settings. The 18-hour online program includes two required courses and four electives, allowing students to tailor their coursework to career goals in areas such as education, management, leadership, and business communication.
Application Deadlines
This program is delivered in accelerated 7-week sessions, allowing students to focus on fewer courses at a time while maintaining steady progress toward their degree.
Fall
- Fall 7A: August 1
- Fall 7B: October 1
Spring
- Spring 7A: December 15
- Spring 7B: February 20
Summer
- Summer I: May 15
- Summer II: June 25
Prepare Your Future
The graduate program in Communication Studies covers a range of advanced topics like instructional communication, pedagogy of public speaking, conflict resolution, interpersonal communication, computer-mediated communication, persuasion and social influence, risk communication, and organizational communication, for example. Full-time students can complete the program in 5-9 months, gaining the qualifications needed to teach dual-credit, undergraduate, or community college communication courses.
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Accelerated program
Earn your graduate certificate faster with our flexible, accelerated format designed for working professionals. Complete your coursework in as little as one semester full-time—balancing your studies with your personal and professional goals.
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Automatic admit
Applicants with a 3.25 GPA or higher (regardless of major), and those with a 3.0–3.24 GPA with a degree in communication or related are automatically admitted into the master's program. Applicants below a 3.0 GPA should explain their goals and readiness in a letter of intent. No GRE scores required, no recommendation letters required. Start your graduate journey sooner with a streamlined, stress-free application process.
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Top 8 online master’s program
Ranked among the nation’s Top 8 Online Master’s in Communication, our program combines academic excellence with real-world relevance. Learn from expert faculty, engage with peers, and elevate your career from anywhere.
Discover Your Future
Our graduate program prepares students to advance their careers in education, leadership, training, consulting, nonprofit fields, and to teach at community colleges or dual credit courses, or to serve as adjunct faculty.
Learn From Our Outstanding Faculty
Our nationally recognized and award-winning professors bring extensive educational and research experience, demonstrating their commitment to excellence in teaching.
Become a Bearkat
Ready to learn how SHSU can help you or to start your application today? Our Admissions team is here to help. Call 936-339-0148