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Communication and Technology Graduate Certificate

12
Credits to Earn Your Certificate
95%
CSU Online Grad Students Secured Plans Related to Their Career
93%
Grad Students Would Choose CSU Online Again
$498M
In research expenditures in FY23
Certificate Overview Open Accordion

Earn your communication certificate online

Developed by faculty in CSU’s Department of Journalism and Media Communication, this graduate certificate program will give you the tools and in-depth knowledge of communication technology to deliver the right messages to the right audiences at the right time. Course topics in this program include:

  • Advanced communication strategy
  • Marketing and advertising strategy
  • Web content and publication design
  • Video production and media management
  • Website design and management
  • Professional writing
  • and much more

Discover how to integrate modern technology into strategic communication plans that deliver results. Learn essential skills like market analysis, audience research, copywriting, media production, PR, and media ethics as you prepare to take on leadership roles in the rapidly evolving field of marketing and communications.

Build the expertise to advance in the communications field

In a world increasingly flooded with advertising messages and information, effective communication has never been more crucial to achieving business objectives. Understanding how modern technology impacts and supports communication efforts is essential. Without the right skills, it’s nearly impossible to break through the noise. Many of the tactics that worked in marketing and communications just five or 10 years ago are no longer as effective.

"91% of consumers now prefer interactive and visual content over traditional, text-based or static media".

–Zohar Dayan

Organizations in every industry need capable experts who can understand the unique needs of their audiences, build strategic communications plans, develop the right marketing campaigns, craft effective messaging, and ultimately drive business growth. After completing this program, you will be able to:

  • Write for audiences in both professional and corporate environments
  • Create and manage effective photographs, video productions, and websites
  • Design and oversee communication efforts by utilizing various digital tactics
  • Communicate ethically and strategically with diverse, multicultural audiences

Apply credits toward your master’s degree

This online graduate certificate in communications is a companion to the Master of Communication and Media Management program, which means up to 12 credits may be transferred into the master’s program (with a grade of B or better) and can be applied toward the degree after formal admission per University transfer policies. Note: Successful completion of the courses or certificate does not guarantee admission to the degree program.

Curriculum Open Accordion

Note: You must be admitted into this program for the graduate certificate to appear on your official University transcript. You may complete up to nine credits prior to admission into the program; however, for the graduate certificate to appear on your transcript, you must complete the final, three-credit course after formal admission into the program. See the graduate school website for deadlines.

Courses (select four):

How to Apply Open Accordion

Application Deadlines

Fall semester July 19
Spring semester November 15
Summer semester April 1

Start your application online and upload materials directly into the online system. You can save your progress and return any time.

Important note: Both your application and all supporting documentation (transcripts, statement of purpose, etc.) must arrive by the application deadline.

Apply Now

1Review Admission Requirements

  • A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited postsecondary institution or a CSU-recognized international institution is required.
  • Minimum 2.75 GPA. Applicants whose GPA is below 2.75 are still encouraged to apply. You may be required to demonstrate your potential for academic success by providing additional evidence (e.g., letters of recommendation). Please contact a JTC faculty member to discuss your options.
  • GRE scores are not required.

Note: Meeting the minimum requirements does not ensure admission to the certificate program.

2 Prepare Application Materials

Statement of purpose

The Statement of Purpose serves as an academic writing sample. The statement of purpose will be used by faculty to determine your readiness for graduate level writing, learn more about you, and ascertain how your goals align with this certificate. Please limit your Statement of Purpose to between 500 and 1000 words. Address all of the following in your statement.

  • Reasons for seeking the Graduate Certificate in Communication & Technology
  • A summary of your long-term professional, educational, or personal goals and how the certificate will meet your goals
  • Your expectations for the certificate program

3 Complete Online Application

Complete the online graduate application and pay the nonrefundable application processing fee (payable online). As soon as you have completed the required information, please submit your application. Your application will not be reviewed until it is complete and all required materials have been received.

  • Choose “Communication and Technology (Certificate) – Distance” when choosing the Program of Study. (Note: You must first select "Certificate" at the top.)

4 Request Transcripts

Request one official transcript from the institution where you earned your bachelor's degree. Transcripts must be received directly from the originating institution to be considered official. Transcripts from Colorado State University are not required.

Electronic (preferred):
Digital Transcripts must be submitted by the originating institution using a secure service such as parchment, eScrip-Safe, the National Student Clearinghouse, or e-Quals. Transcripts received via emails are considered unofficial.

Use institution code 4075 for Colorado State University or gradadmissions@colostate.edu if the secure service requires an email address.

Mail (if necessary):
Graduate Admissions
Colorado State University – Office of Admissions
1062 Campus Delivery
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1062

Check Your Application Status

View your application status at any time to ensure your application checklist is complete or to check on updates.

Once your complete application, including supporting materials, is received, the department admission committee will review your application and notify you of their decision.

For International Applicants

Proof of English language proficiency is required for applicants from countries or United States territories where there are official languages other than (or in addition to) English. This includes the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Puerto Rico.

Learn more about English language proficiency requirements.

Questions?

We love learning about your goals and answering any questions you have.

Alex Broz
Prospective Student Support Coach
Schedule Time to Talk

Program Details

Courses
Online
Credits
12
Tuition
$774 per credit
Same in-state tuition for all.
Learn more about financial aid and scholarships Tuition/fees are just part of the cost to attend CSU. Learn more about the full Cost of Attendance
Certificate Awarded
Graduate Certificate in Communication and Technology
Time Frame
Can be completed in less than a year
Admission Reqs.
  • Minimum 2.75 GPA
  • Undergraduate degree from an accredited four-year institution.

Application Dates

Fall semester
July 19
Spring semester
November 15
Summer semester
April 1

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