Graduate Certificate in Communication and Leadership
Unlock your leadership potential with Purdue's online Graduate Certificate in Communication and Leadership. In just six months, you can enhance the strategic communication skills that are essential for corporate success. Gain expertise in cross-cultural leadership and elevate your career with this dynamic, industry-focused certificate.
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Overview
Enhance your leadership and management communication skills
Become a standout leader in as little as six months with Purdue’s online Graduate Certificate in Communication and Leadership. Gain advanced skills in strategic communication and management, positioning yourself for success in any organization. Our program focuses on practical applications, preparing you to lead effectively in diverse professional settings. Guided by experienced faculty, you’ll master techniques for cross-cultural teamwork plus learn to enhance collaboration and communicate in high-stakes situations. Topics include organizational communication theories, team productivity and the development of comprehensive communication plans.
This certificate provides stackable skills that can be utilized immediately or applied toward Purdue’s online Master of Communication or the master’s in Corporate Training and Communication.
Explore other Brian Lamb College of Communication graduate certificates, including strategic communication, branding and marketing communication, and health communication. These credentials give you even more options for stacking skills and building your resume.
The cost of attending Purdue varies depending on where you choose to live, enrollment in a specific program or college, food and travel expenses, and other variables. The Office of the Bursar website shows estimated costs for the current aid year for students by semester and academic year. These amounts are used in determining a student’s estimated eligibility for financial aid. You can also use our tuition calculator to estimate tuition costs.
Program Specifics
Learn more about the Graduate Certificate in Communication and Leadership
Learn to lead cross-cultural teams, boost collaboration and communicate effectively in diverse professional settings. Expert faculty guide you through organizational communication theories, team productivity and crafting communication plans. Gain a competitive edge with real-world insights and position yourself for career advancement.
More information on courses and faculty can be found at the program website.
Required Courses
- COM 60111 – Seminar in Strategic Communication
- COM 65000 – Communication and Leadership
Elective Courses (choose two):
- COM 65100 – Organizational Culture and Internal Communication
- COM 65200 – Communication Training and Education
- COM 64400 – Personal Branding
- ENGT 50700 – Fundamentals of Collaborative Leadership and Agile Strategy
Shared Course Opportunities
In some cases, a course from another Purdue University college can be used as an elective toward the graduate certificate. Possible courses are listed below. Please discuss your interests in a shared course with an academic advisor.
- Public Health Administration (CSR 68700/PUBH 60400)
- Theoretical Foundations of Health Behavior (HK 57601/PUBH 60200)
- Design And Analysis of Public Health Interventions (HK 67500/PUBH 60600)
- Fundamentals of Epidemiology (HSCI 54700)
- Leadership in Hospitality and Tourism (HTM 51200)
Acquire new skills quickly
The grad cert in communication and leadership is made up of four completely online courses and can be completed in as little as six months; helping you build job-ready skills quickly so you can make a career transition or move up in your current role.
Learn job-ready skills
You can acquire in-demand skills to excel in today’s evolving communication landscape. Courses equip students with expertise in strategic planning, leadership-driven communication, and the ability to craft inclusive and socially responsible brand narratives. With a focus on emerging technology and communication theory, students develop proficiencies in personal branding, training design and cultural alignment. These skills empower graduates to thrive across industries plus enhance productivity, collaboration and market impact.
Work with industry experts
Our esteemed faculty and lecturers are committed to delivering a transformative educational experience combining theoretical knowledge with practical application. Many course instructors are current practitioners in the communication field, giving them unique, real-time perspectives on the skills needed in communication roles in this ever-evolving industry.
Student Success Story: Hope Orono
Let me take you back to a time when I was at a real crossroads, unsure of what my future would hold. I had a degree in political science and a passion for government and politics. However, even though I was working at the Indiana Statehouse–where I wanted to be–I still wasn’t sure how to carve out my own space and make a lasting impact. That’s when my boss stepped in. She saw potential in me that I hadn’t yet tapped into and encouraged me to explore a career in communications. Her belief in my capabilities sparked a transformation, reshaping my career path and opening doors I hadn’t even considered.
Save time and money with a Purdue graduate certificate. A graduate certificate is a specialized credential that provides advanced knowledge in a specific field. Available to those with a bachelor’s degree, Purdue’s 100% online graduate certificates take less time than a full master’s degree program. They are valuable for individuals looking to quickly advance their careers or pivot to a new industry. Graduate certificates also can serve as a stepping stone toward a master’s degree since they allow students to earn academic credits that may apply to a future graduate program. Ask your enrollment counselor for details or learn more about graduate certificates here.
Career Outcomes
Top Job Titles
- Technical Writers
- Communications Specialists
- Copywriters
- Proposal Writers
- Communications Coordinators
Top Industries
- Colleges and Universities
- Professional Schools
- Engineering Services
- Large Corporations
- Government Agencies
Source: LightcastTM (2023). Unique job postings for July 2022-2023. Projected growth for years 2023-2033.
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Contact Us
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Get your questions answered, receive application help, or plan your degree journey by speaking with an enrollment counselor. Request more information today by filling out this form to connect with a Purdue University enrollment counselor and receive additional program materials.
Ready to Become a Purdue Boilermaker?
Are you ready to join the Purdue innovators and changemakers always striving to make giant leaps forward in our industries and fields? Start your application today!