Communication, SC

This program can be completed 100% online. 

Program Description

The Communication Skills Certificate increases student employability and provides training useful to all professions.  Students of this certification will study leadership, strategic communication, conflict management, effective listening, customer service, interpersonal/relationship strategies, social science theories, group effectiveness, persuasion, public speaking, and organizational network communication.  While employers seek these skills, these proficiencies also enrich our personal lives and our relationships.

This program is not eligible for financial aid. However, it may be eligible for scholarship funding if the student is awarded scholarships.

Recommended Course Schedule

Plan of Study Grid
1st semesterUnits
COM 101
Public Speaking
or Business Speech Communications
3
COM 113 Fundamentals of Speech Communications 3
ENG 101
Composition I
or Composition Enhanced
or Composition I for International and Multilingual Students
3
 Semester Total9
2nd semester
COM 212 Introduction to Communication Research 3
COM 215 Introduction to Group Communication 3
ENG 107
Technical Communications I
or Business English
3
 Semester Total9
 Total Units18

Program Requirements

Skills Certificates can consist of a single course or a short set of courses that provide training for entry-level positions or career advancement. These short-term certificates may also prepare students to take state, national and/or industry-recognized certifications or licensing exams.

Skills certificates are awarded upon completion of coursework and marked on a student's transcripts at the end of the semester. Students cannot declare a skills certificate as one's major. Skills Certificates are not eligible for Financial Aid. 

To earn a skills certificate, students must:

  1. Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
  2. Have no financial or library obligation to the college.
Certificate Requirement
COM 101Public Speaking3
or BUS 107 Business Speech Communications
COM 113Fundamentals of Speech Communications3
COM 212Introduction to Communication Research3
COM 215Introduction to Group Communication3
ENG 107Technical Communications I3
or BUS 106 Business English
ENG 101Composition I3
or ENG 100 Composition Enhanced
or ENG 113 Composition I for International and Multilingual Students
Total Units18

Program Outcomes

Students completing the certificate will:

PSLO1:  Apply interpersonal and strategic communication skills to to real-life situations.

PSLO2:  Demonstrate effective public speaking skills, including topic research, speech structure, audience analysis, technical communication, and speech delivery.

PSLO3:  Identify, analyze, and utilize effective group communication strategies.  This includes the understanding of group roles, the application of leadership and power, group problem-solving strategies, and conflict management.