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Communication Certificate

Communication Certificate

Develop the communication skills you need to express ideas clearly, influence others, and succeed in today’s workplace.

Certificate at a Glance

Build practical communication skills through coursework in speaking, writing, interpersonal communication, and mass media.

24 CREDITS

Complete three required communication courses and five communication electives.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Strengthen your persuasive speaking, presentation, writing, and communication abilities.

CAREER-READY

Apply communication skills across business, education, public relations, sales, media, and other fields.

THE CGS DIFFERENCE

Pursue the certificate on its own or alongside another degree at Pitt.

Who Should Participate

For Professionals & Community Leaders

  • Business people and professionals whose success may be enhanced by improved communication skills and further understanding of the communication process.
  • Those who wish to increase their personal knowledge of communication for use in their careers.
  • Citizens involved in community and public positions in which persuasive delivery and analysis are vital.

For Students & Lifelong Learners

  • Persons seeking a better understanding of the impact of interpersonal, organizational, public, and mass communication in the contemporary world.
  • Students already enrolled in the College of General Studies or other University programs who want to concentrate on communication skills.

Program Expectations

Through this certificate, you will develop the knowledge and skills to:

Persuasive Presentations

Understand the makeup of a persuasive presentation and apply strategies for communicating ideas clearly and effectively.

Writing & Speaking

Polish and refine written and oral communication skills for academic, professional, and public settings.

Specialized Communication

Apply knowledge of specialized communications topics and explore the role of communication in contemporary life.

This certificate is applicable to fields such as education, writing, broadcasting, public relations, sales, communication training, personnel, promotions, advertising, market research, lobbying, politics, communications, and related fields.

Credit Requirements

  • The Communication Certificate is composed of three basic communication courses (nine credits) and five communication elective courses (15 credits), for a total of 24 credits.
  • Students must achieve a minimum grade of C (2.0) or better for all courses required for the program.
  • Up to nine credits may be transferred from other accredited educational institutions through a transfer-of-credit evaluation process. A minimum of five courses (15 credits) must be completed at Pitt.

How to Declare

To pursue the Communication Certificate, students must meet the admission requirements for the College of General Studies and complete an online application with CGS.

Learn More and Apply

Coursework

Complete 24 credits through three required communication courses and five communication electives.

Required Courses: 9 credits

Choose three of the following courses.

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Electives: 15 credits

Choose five COMMRC courses. Explore areas such as interpersonal, organizational, public, and mass communication, persuasion, rhetoric, and public speech.

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Resources & Flexible Options

Plan your certificate around your schedule and use CGS resources to explore course options and track your progress.

Flexible Learning Options

Many courses include online and hybrid formats, allowing you to build your communication skills wherever you are.

View Online Courses

Planning Resources

Use the Communication Certificate Checklist (PDF) to plan your courses and track your progress.

Download Checklist (PDF)

Pitt Opportunities

Put your communication skills into practice through student media, organizations, and opportunities across the University.

The Pitt News

Gain experience in writing, reporting, editing, and communicating with a campus audience.

WPTS Pitt Radio

Explore broadcasting, audio production, programming, and on-air communication.

Pitt Tonight Show

Develop skills in writing, performance, production, and entertainment media.

Rhetoric Society of America

Connect with a broader community interested in rhetoric, persuasion, and communication.

Communication Clubs

Explore student organizations and connect with others interested in communication.

Note: Requirements are subject to change. Check with an academic advisor before registering.

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