Communicate with Confidence

Strong writing and communication are essential skills for the successful professional. Communication skills are listed as necessary in nearly 50% of jobs locally and globally and are the number-one skill sought after by the top 10 companies in the United States. 

The University of Minnesota offers comprehensive programs to boost your confidence and capability to deliver clear and compelling messages to your intended audience.

Certificates in this Area of Study

  • Business Writing Certificate - Professional Development tile
    Certificate

    Business Writing Certificate

    Gain support for your positions in a way that avoids misunderstandings and conveys information in an appropriate manner and tone.

    Upcoming courses:
    • Foundations in Business Writing | July 28-29, 2026
    • Business Grammar Update | Aug. 6-7, 2026
    • Technical Writing | Aug. 13-14, 2026
    $2,200 | 3.0 CEUs | 30 contact hours
  • Communications Certificate - Professional Development tile
    Certificate

    Communications Certificate

    Get the top skills employers are seeking: exceptional writing, speaking, teamwork, customer service, critical thinking, and business communications.

    Upcoming courses:
    • Negotiate for Agreement | June 23-24, 2026
    • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving | July 14-15, 2026
    • Foundations in Business Writing | July 28-29, 2026
    $4,440-$4,480 | 6.0 CEUs | 60 contact hours
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration Certificate - Professional Development tile
    Certificate

    Cross-Functional Collaboration Certificate

    Learn strategies to foster collaboration, resolve conflicts, and improve communication to achieve organizational success and create a more engaged workplace.

    Upcoming courses:
    • Negotiate for Agreement | June 23-24, 2026
    • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving | July 14-15, 2026
    • Emotional Intelligence | July 22-23, 2026
    $3,600 | 4.8 CEUs | 48 Contact Hours

Courses in this Area of Study

  • Advanced Editing and Proofreading Strategies - Professional Development course tile
    Short Course

    Advanced Editing and Proofreading Strategies

    Maximize professionalism and quality by honing your editing and proofreading skills.
    Next start dates:
    • Nov. 18-19, 2026 | Online
    • April 6-7, 2027 | Online
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Allyship: Creating an Inclusive Workplace - Professional Development course tile
    Short Course

    Allyship: Creating an Inclusive Workplace

    Learn how to promote a workplace culture of diversity, inclusion, and acceptance.
    Next start dates:
    • Nov. 17-18, 2026 | Online
    • May 18-19, 2027 | Online
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Business Grammar Update - Professional Development course tile
    Short Course

    Business Grammar Update

    Produce error-free business communications to protect and enhance your professional image.
    Next start dates:
    • Aug. 6-7, 2026 | Online
    • Feb. 11-12, 2027 | Online
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Change Management Foundations - Professional Development course tile
    Short Course

    Change Management Foundations

    Explore the critical role of change management in driving business outcomes, aligning initiatives with strategic goals, and fostering a culture of adaptability and innovation
    Next start dates:
    • Nov. 9-10, 2026 | Online
    • May 20-21, 2027 | Online
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Communicating Across Cultures - Professional Development course tile
    Short Course

    Communicating Across Cultures

    Communicate effectively on cross-cultural teams.
    Next start dates:
    • Sept. 10-11, 2026 | Online
    • Oct. 13-14, 2026 | Online
    • Dec. 10-11, 2026 | Online
    • Mar. 9-10, 2027 | Online
    • June 8-9, 2027 | Online
    $480.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Communicating in the Moment - Professional Development course tile
    Short Course

    Communicating in the Moment

    Develop your ability to communicate spontaneously.
    Next start dates:
    • Oct. 6-7, 2026 | Online
    • Nov. 12-13, 2026 | Online
    • Jan. 21-22, 2027 | Online
    • April 22-23, 2027 | Online
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Conflict Resolution - Professional Development course tile
    Short Course

    Conflict Resolution

    Become a confident and effective conflict manager by learning the basic strategies for resolving interpersonal conflict.
    Next start dates:
    • Aug. 5-6, 2026 | Online
    • Oct. 27-28, 2026 | Online
    • Feb. 24-25, 2027 | Online
    • Mar. 25-26, 2027 | Online
    • May 19-20, 2027 | Online
    $480.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving - Professional Development course tile
    Short Course

    Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Develop and implement creative solutions to complex problems.
    Next start dates:
    • July 14-15, 2026 | Online
    • Sept. 17-18, 2026 | Online
    • Nov. 19-20, 2026 | Online
    • Feb. 2-3, 2027 | Online
    • April 1-2, 2027 | Online
    • June 1-2, 2027 | Online
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Develop Effective Business Conversation Skills - Professional Development course tile
    Short Course

    Develop Effective Business Conversation Skills

    Master verbal and nonverbal language skills.
    Next start dates:
    • Aug. 11-12, 2026 | Online
    • Oct. 1-2, 2026 | Online
    • Mar. 2-3, 2027 | Online
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Effective Meetings - Professional Development course tile
    Short Course

    Effective Meetings

    Transform the way you use meetings to engage meaningfully with colleagues and produce excellent work. 
    Next start dates:
    • Oct. 20-21, 2026 | Online
    • Feb. 4-5, 2027 | Online
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Foundations in Business Writing - Professional Development course tile
    Short Course

    Foundations in Business Writing

    Use organization and format to improve your business writing clarity and consistency.
    Next start dates:
    • July 28-29, 2026 | Online
    • Sept. 17-18, 2026 | Online
    • Oct. 22-23, 2026 | Online
    • Dec. 3-4, 2026 | Online
    • Jan. 12-13, 2027 | Online
    • Mar. 9-10, 2027 | Online
    • May 11-12, 2027 | Online
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Negotiate for Agreement - Professional Development course tile
    Short Course

    Negotiate for Agreement

    Achieve mutually satisfying agreements.
    Next start dates:
    • June 23-24, 2026 | Online
    • Aug. 18-19, 2026 | Online
    • Oct. 13-14, 2026 | Online
    • Dec. 8-9, 2026 | Online
    • Feb. 9-10, 2027 | Online
    • Mar. 18-19, 2027 | Online
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Presenting with Impact - Professional Development course tile
    Short Course

    Presenting with Impact

    Deliver engaging and inspirational presentations, and discover your identity as a public speaker.
    Next start dates:
    • Nov. 3-4, 2026 | Online
    • June 8-9, 2027 | Online
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Principles of Collaboration - Professional Development course tile
    Short Course

    Principles of Collaboration

    Explore the core principles of collaboration, including communication, conflict resolution, and cross-functional teamwork.
    Next start dates:
    • Sept. 30-Oct. 1, 2026 | Online
    • April 8-9, 2027 | Online
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Storytelling for Influence - Professional Development course tile
    Short Course

    Storytelling for Influence

    Use the power of storytelling to influence and inspire your audience.
    Next start dates:
    • Sept. 24-25, 2026 | Online
    • April 7-8, 2027 | Online
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Strategic and Mindful Communications - Professional Development course tile
    Short Course

    Strategic and Mindful Communications

    Achieve your professional objectives through strategic, mindful, and nimble communication that builds trust and fosters productive collaboration.
    Next start dates:
    • Aug. 26-27, 2026 | Online
    • Nov. 10-11, 2026 | Online
    • May 4-5, 2027 | Online
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Team Communications - Professional Development course tile
    Short Course

    Team Communications

    Communicate effectively during team projects and meetings.
    Next start dates:
    • Aug. 20-21, 2026 | Online
    • Oct. 22-23, 2026 | Online
    • Feb. 25-26, 2027 | Online
    • Mar. 30-31, 2027 | Online
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Technical Writing - Professional Development course tile
    Short Course

    Technical Writing

    Produce powerful content and clear writing.
    Next start dates:
    • Aug. 13-14, 2026 | Online
    • Sept. 22-23, 2026 | Online
    • Nov. 3-4, 2026 | Online
    • Dec. 15-16, 2026 | Online
    • Feb. 2-3, 2027 | Online
    • Mar. 23-24, 2027 | Online
    • June 1-2, 2027 | Online
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Writing Business Reports and Proposals - Professional Development course tile
    Short Course

    Writing Business Reports and Proposals

    Write concise, professional reports and proposals that inform and persuade readers.
    Next start dates:
    • Oct. 8-9, 2026 | Online
    • Feb. 17-18, 2027 | Online
    • May 20-21, 2027 | Online
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Writing for the Web - Professional Development course tile
    Short Course

    Writing for the Web

    Write concise, compelling website copy.
    Next start dates:
    • Aug. 20-21, 2026 | Online
    • Feb. 4-5, 2027 | Online
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Writing Policies and Procedures - Professional Development course tile
    Short Course

    Writing Policies and Procedures

    Write effective policies and procedures that are easy to understand and apply.
    Next start dates:
    • Oct. 15-16, 2026 | Online
    • Dec. 9-10, 2026 | Online
    • Feb. 25-26, 2027 | Online
    • May 25-26, 2027 | Online
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours

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