• Total Courses
    7 required, 3 elective courses
  • CEUs | Contact Hours
    6.0 CEUs | 60 contact hours
  • Cost
    $4,440-$4,480
  • Format
    Primarily online
  • Time to Complete
    As little as 5–6 months
  • Funding Resources

Master the Art of Communication—Your Path to Success

Effective communication is the cornerstone of professional and personal success. It's the ability to articulate ideas clearly, build strong relationships, and drive results. From crafting compelling messages to engaging diverse audiences, exceptional communication skills are in high demand.

Our Communication Certificate program equips you with the tools to excel in today's fast-paced world. By developing your verbal, written, and interpersonal abilities, you'll enhance your leadership potential, boost your career prospects, and become a more influential communicator.

Our program empowers you to:

  • negotiate effectively and build consensus.
  • deliver persuasive presentations and speeches.
  • create impactful written content for various audiences.
  • strengthen customer relationships and drive loyalty.
  • collaborate seamlessly within teams and organizations.

Communications Certificate Core Courses

To earn the Communications Certificate (60 contact hours), you'll take 7 required courses and choose 3 electives (listed in the section below).

  • Negotiate for Agreement - Professional Development course tile

    Negotiate for Agreement

    Achieve mutually satisfying agreements.
    Next start dates:
    • Feb. 11-12, 2025 | Online | Waitlist
    • Mar. 26-27, 2025 | Online
    • June 24-25, 2025 | Online
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Team Communications - Professional Development course tile

    Team Communications

    Communicate effectively during team projects and meetings.
    Next start dates:
    • Feb. 20-21, 2025 | Online | Waitlist
    • April 1-2, 2025 | Online
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Develop Effective Business Conversation Skills - Professional Development course tile

    Develop Effective Business Conversation Skills

    Master verbal and nonverbal language skills.
    Next start date:
    • March 4-5, 2025 | Online
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Communicating Across Cultures - Professional Development course tile

    Communicating Across Cultures

    Communicate effectively on cross-cultural teams.
    Next start dates:
    • March 19-20, 2025 | Online
    • June 17-18, 2025 | Online
    $480.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Strategic and Mindful Communications - Professional Development course tile

    Strategic and Mindful Communications

    Achieve your professional objectives through strategic, mindful, and nimble communication that builds trust and fosters productive collaboration.
    Next start date:
    • May 6-7, 2025 | Online
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Foundations in Business Writing - Professional Development course tile

    Foundations in Business Writing

    Use organization and format to improve your business writing clarity and consistency.
    Next start dates:
    • March 11-12, 2025 | Online
    • May 13-14, 2025 | Online
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Effective Meetings - Professional Development course tile

    Effective Meetings

    Transform the way you use meetings to engage meaningfully with colleagues and produce excellent work. 
    Next start date:
    • May 15-16, 2025 | Online
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving - Professional Development course tile

    Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Develop and implement creative solutions to complex problems.
    Next start dates:
    • April 15-16, 2025 | Online
    • June 3-4, 2025 | Online
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours

Electives

Choose 3 courses for 18 contact hours.

  • Writing for the Web - Professional Development course tile

    Writing for the Web

    Write concise, compelling website copy.
    Next start date:
    • Information coming soon
    Cost TBA | 6.0 hours
  • Writing Business Reports and Proposals - Professional Development course tile

    Writing Business Reports and Proposals

    Write concise, professional reports and proposals that inform and persuade readers.
    Next start date:
    • Feb. 19-20, 2025 | Online
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Conflict Resolution - Professional Development course tile

    Conflict Resolution

    Become a confident and effective conflict manager by learning the basic strategies for resolving interpersonal conflict.
    Next start dates:
    • Feb. 26-27, 2025 | Online | Waitlist
    • March 27-28, 2025 | Online
    • May 21-22, 2025 | Online
    $480.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Storytelling for Influence - Professional Development course tile

    Storytelling for Influence

    Use the power of storytelling to influence and inspire your audience.
    Next start date:
    • April 9-10, 2025 | Online
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Communicating in the Moment - Professional Development course tile

    Communicating in the Moment

    Develop your ability to communicate spontaneously.
    Next start date:
    • April 24-25, 2025 | Online
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Presenting with Impact - Professional Development course tile

    Presenting with Impact

    Deliver engaging and inspirational presentations, and discover your identity as a public speaker.
    Next start date:
    • June 10-11, 2025 | Online
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours

Career Outlook

Funding and Discounts

The U's professional development programs are affordable because they can be completed in relatively short order—sometimes within a few months—which can save you both time and money. What's more, there are other opportunities you can explore to potentially bring the cost down even further.

Funding

  • CCAPS offers scholarships of $500 to $2,500 to Minnesota residents who meet eligibility requirements.
  • If you're not employed, you may be able to take advantage of federal or state funding. Contact your CareerForce center to inquire.
  • Your organization may have funds set aside for employee education. Read about the benefits of employer investment in career development.

 Discounts

  • When you register and pay for all courses in the certificate at once, you'll receive up to a 10% discount.
  • University of Minnesota Alumni Association members receive a 10% discount.
  • U of M staff get 50% off most professional development programs.

See Discounts, Scholarships, and Other Funding for more information and possible exclusions to discounts.

Enroll

The cost of the Communications Certificate is $4,440-$4,480. But if you register and pay for all courses in this certificate at once, you'll get up to a 10% discount! (Discounts may range depending on your course selection.)

If you have questions about the registration process, payment options, or need to transfer or cancel your registration, contact the registration team:

612-625-2900 | [email protected]

Option 1

Enroll, Register, and Pay for All Courses Now

  • Earn up to a 10% discount
  • Enroll for free
  • Register and pay now, make needed changes later
  • Get program updates

Enroll and Register for All Courses Now

Option 2

Enroll in Certificate Now, Register and Pay for Courses Individually

  • Enroll for free
  • Register and pay for courses at your convenience
  • Get program updates
  • U of M employees: choose this option to receive your discount

Enroll in Certificate Now

Your Enrollment Advisor

Shanta Bhoelai, enrollment advisor

Shanta Bhoelai

I can help you choose which professional development programs are the best fit to meet your career goals. I am here to answer your questions regarding specific programs, courses, or other career topics you have on your mind. 

Don’t hesitate to send me an email or schedule an online appointment. I'm here for YOU!

Communications Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Effective Communication?

Effective communication helps the communicator get their intentions across to their audience. In professional settings, effective communication is key to success for individuals and organizations. This is true for HR managers explaining company guidelines and executive officers communicating strategic initiatives.

Why Is Communication Important?

Communication is an integral part of the human experience. In professional spheres, effective communication is a vital element for organizational success. Proficient communication skills are powerful tools for navigating operational aspects like project management, personnel training, strategic planning, and much more.

What Are the Keys to Good Communication?

Effective communication is built on proficient writing and speaking skills. These make the connection between communicator and audience through persuasive and informational approaches. Effective communicators understand how to match their style with each audience. For example, business writing would be used for a business audience.

What Are the Steps to Becoming a Better Communicator?

Advancing as a communicator is a matter of honing your written and verbal communication skills, as well as your interpersonal approach. The University of Minnesota College of Continuing and Professional Studies can help you refine your communication skills through our Communications Certificate program. Gain the edge you need in your career in as little as five months!

Source

Keys to Effective Communication (Welcome to the Jungle)

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