The Brian Lamb School’s New Online Grad Certs Teach In-Demand Communication Skills in Healthcare, Sports Media and More
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University is launching four new online graduate certificates in communication covering branding and marketing, health communication, digital media and communication technology, and sports communication.
The graduate certificates from Purdue’s Brian Lamb School of Communication prepare students to tackle pressing challenges in a field that already has been changed radically with the advent of technologies such as the web, social media, smartphones and now –artificial intelligence.
“After talking with students and conducting market research, we quickly moved to add the four new certificates,” said Matt Charles, Lamb School Online Graduate Program Director and Continuing Lecturer. “Students can put to work what they learn the next day at their job, while completing the certificate within two semesters, and in some cases, one. Many employers are seeking jobseekers with these actionable skills and credentials and promoting those already at their organization who attain them.”
The Online Graduate Certificate in Branding and Marketing prepares students for fast-paced marketing careers by teaching them how to craft effective marketing strategies, launch successful branding initiatives and engage stakeholders to make gains across all platforms and audiences. Utilizing coursework in public relations, marketing and advertising, the certificate gives students hands-on experience building comprehensive marketing and branding campaigns.
The Online Graduate Certificate in Health Communications focuses on providing students with the tools they need to communicate successfully in various healthcare contexts. Students complete hands-on projects that teach them how to effectively communicate complex healthcare information, craft effective public health messages and improve patient-provider interaction.
The Online Graduate Certificate in Digital Media and Communication Technology gives students first-hand experience working with emergent digital communication technologies to optimize communication strategy. Courses cover online content creation, social media analytics, using digital communication data and newer technologies that include AI. This certificate is a convenient upskilling opportunity for communicators who work with social media and digital platforms.
The Online Graduate Certificate in Sports Communication teaches strategic communication and media management skills focused on the sports industry. The sports media industry – valued at over $62 billion – is a fast-growing industry in need of skilled communicators. This certificate focuses on the sports news cycle, managing social media, crisis communication and enhancing organizational reputation.
These new certificate programs will be offered in addition to the Purdue’s existing online graduate certificates in communication and leadership and strategic communication management. Credits from all of the graduate certificates can be taken as standalone credentials, or they can be applied to the online Master of Science in Communication or the master’s in corporate training and communication degree programs from Purdue. The certificates can be used by working professionals seeking an accessible way to enhance their skill sets in a particular area, or they can be “stacked” to build skills in multiple areas.
Each of the graduate certificates consist of three fully online courses and can be completed in as little as two semesters, making them a faster way to learn new skills than a traditional graduate degree. The graduate certificate programs are taught by communication industry practitioners who bring real-world experience and valuable industry connections to the virtual classroom.
To learn more about the Brian Lamb School of Communication’s new online graduate certificates, visit the school’s graduate certificate webpage.