PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
Updated July 28, 2008
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Emerson College's Professional Communication Program consists of two intensive modules constructed to help the learner develop professional-level speaking and writing skills appropriate for internal and external communications, including mass media. Objectives of the two-course program include training participants to:
- Write and deliver oral presentations
- Think critically and analytically for oral presentations
- Research, explain, outline and cite sources
- Describe the processes and functions involved in the creation of human speech
- Recognize and describe individual vocal qualities
- Develop career speech and distinguish career speech from ordinary speech
- Transcribe the International Phonetic Alphabet
- Review and revise documents using basic copy editing skills
- Create written content and oral narrative for visual presentations
- Outline the basic parts of a business letter
- List and describe the various contents of a press packet and explain their individual functions
- Outline the elements utilized in public service announcements for radio and television assignments
- Describe the components that comprise corporate brochures and newsletters
- Develop audience analysis skills and determine the purpose of a speech
- Describe and prepare various types of speeches
WHO SHOULD ENROLL
The Professional Communication Program is designed with the professional of all fields in mind. The non-credit program is particularly well suited for individuals with degrees in such fields as business, education, integrated marketing, media, government, health care, publishing, and manufacturing.
The Department of Professional Studies and Special Programs understands the need for academic flexibility based on different professional goals, obligations, and backgrounds. Participants may enroll in one or both of the program's modules, when offered during the same semester, to match his or her professional objectives and schedule. The certificate, however, will be awarded only to participants who successfully complete both modules comprising the Professional Communication Certificate Program.
Note: Participants must hold a minimum of a high school diploma or GED to enroll in courses and programs offered by the Department of Professional Studies and Special Programs.
Modules begin in the fall and spring semesters.
PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION MODULES
CE0112-9 Writing for Professional Communication
12-session module, offered fall and spring semesters. (Required for certificate candidates) $975.00
The Writing for Professional Communication module provides a comprehensive survey of writing techniques for professional communication. In addition to reviewing and improving basic writing and copy-editing skills, participants will complete formal assignments such as basic memo and letter correspondence, news releases, brochures, speeches, company and government reports, press kits, newsletters, public service radio and television spots, and Internet communications.
CE0114-9 Speech Communication Techniques
12-session module, offered fall and spring semesters (Required for certificate candidates) $975.00
The Speech Communication Techniques module is designed to develop in the individual a wide range of vocal command and versatility in pitch, volume, and quality so as to meet the vocal and speech demands called upon in professional conversation, sight and prepared reading, and public speaking. Participants will develop "career speech" and the ability to adapt their speaking style to a variety of situations and audiences. Projects will include use of professional communication situations, audio and video aids, and new technology to enhance the rhetorical effectiveness in message preparation, development and delivery.
CERTIFICATE PROGRAM COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS
Professional Studies participants may choose to work towards a Professional Communication Certificate. The following guidelines apply to all non-credit, non-degree certificate individuals at Emerson College:
- Individuals must satisfy the certificate program requirements published for the term in which they register for the first course toward the certificate.
- All individuals must complete coursework for a certificate program within a period of three years from his or her initial date of registration.
- Only learning activities offered by Emerson College's Department of Professional Studies and Special Programs may be applied to fulfill the requirements of a certificate program.
- Enrollment in non-credit, non-degree certificate programs is open to all individuals who have a high school diploma or GED. Prerequisite requirements apply in some instances. To receive a certificate, individuals must submit a "Request for Certificate" form to the Department of Professional Studies and Special Programs within one year of program completion.
PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION CERTIFICATE PROGRAM TUITION & PAYMENTS
Tuition is due upon registration for all Professional Communication Program courses or modules offered through the Department of Professional Studies and Special Programs. Tuition is calculated per course and individuals must pay tuition in full prior to participating in the courses of their choice.
Participants may incur additional course-related expenses. Such additional expenses are separate from tuition costs and payments.
Emerson College reserves the right to change any provision of its programs and courses at any time. The College specifically reserves the right to change its tuition rates and any other financial charges. The College also reserves the right to rearrange its courses and class hours, to drop courses for which registration falls below the minimum enrollment, and to change instructor assignments.
