#1 public university in Ohio for career prep
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Career opportunities
The online strategic communication graduate certificate puts you in the driver’s seat of organizational messaging and stakeholder engagement.
Build expertise in strategic messaging, stakeholder analysis, integrated communications planning and crisis communication management. These skills are particularly valuable for those working in or studying:
- Corporate communications. Today’s businesses need professionals who can craft cohesive messaging strategies that align with corporate objectives, manage internal and external communications and maintain brand reputation across multiple channels and stakeholder groups.
- Public relations. Organizations rely on leaders who can develop comprehensive communication strategies, manage stakeholder relationships and protect organizational reputation – proactively and reactively.
- Government and public affairs. Public sector employees need strategic communicators who can effectively engage citizens, manage public information campaigns, navigate complex political environments and ensure transparent communication while advancing policy objectives.
- Nonprofit and advocacy organizations. Nonprofits need dedicated communicators who care about the cause and are capable of developing compelling narratives for social causes, coordinating multi-channel communication campaigns, engaging diverse stakeholder groups and maximizing impact through strategic messaging and coalition building.
- Healthcare and financial services. Highly-regulated industries need expert communicators who can translate complex information for various audiences, ensure compliance with industry standards, build stakeholder trust and manage sensitive communications during critical situations.
Career paths
- Account manager
- Campaign manager
- Communications strategist
- Corporate communications director
- Investor relations coordinator
- Legislative affairs coordinator
- Media relations manager
- Patient communications coordinator
- Program communications coordinator
- Public information officer
- Public relations specialist
- Stakeholder relations manager
Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Curriculum
The 15-credit graduate certificate in strategic communication equips students with advanced skills in public relations, advertising and social media across shared, earned, owned and paid media.
Students learn to:
- Develop integrated communication plans
- Analyze complex challenges
- Evaluate the impact of strategic messaging on organizational outcomes
The forward-thinking curriculum blends theory and practice to strengthen credentials, support career advancement and prepare students for further academic study.
Sample courses
- Advertising Research and Practice
- Audience Research
- Communication and Conflict
- Health Communication
- Interpersonal Communication
- Intercultural Communication
- Organizational Communication
- Professional/Technical Writing
- Public Relations Research and Practice
- Social Media Campaigns
Media and communication graduate certificates at BGSU
In addition to the online strategic communication graduate certificate, the School of Media and Communication at BGSU offers graduate certificates in:
- International/Intercultural communication – Master global communication across borders, cultures and contexts for today’s interconnected world.
- Social and interactive media – Combine strategic thinking with hands-on digital expertise to lead in social media and interactive communication.
Graduate certificate programs are open to current BGSU graduate students, prospective candidates and working professionals looking to advance their careers or strengthen their credentials.
#1 university in Ohio – big or small, public or private – students would choose again
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The strategic communication graduate certificate is part of the School of Media and Communication in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Updated: 12/01/2025 10:35AM