It is an unfortunate fact that crisis communication lessons can be learned almost every day in our world. Bad things happen. Being prepared with effective communications can lessen the negative impact of those bad things. The crisis communication graduate certificate from the Scripps College of Communication will prepare you to guide your organization and communicate before, during, and after a crisisusing industry-proven crisis communication techniques and social media. Become the person your organization turns to when the next crisis hits. You can earn this certificate as a stand-alone credential or combine it with other coursework to pursue an online master's degree in communication or organizational communication .
The Student Experience
"My experience with the crisis communication certificate program has been nothing short of superb, and I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyoneconsidering a career in government communications. The program’s real-world, tradecraft-over-textbook approachto communications is an immeasurable benefit.
Flexible online course schedules and knowledgeable, field-experienced faculty demonstrate the University’s commitment to ensuring that students grow as much professionally through this program as they do academically."
-Josh Holder, Public Communications Coordinator
Seminole County, Florida
Who should apply?
Because crisis situations impact all areas of an organization, this certificate benefits people in every role—from leaders and communicators to those just getting started in their careers. You’ll learn how to plan for a crisis and help your peers, partners and stakeholders weather a crisis and emerge stronger. Specific fields might include:
- Law enforcement
- Healthcare
- Education administration
- Public service
- Politics
- Public relations
OHIO Online Incentive Scholarships are available to OHIO alumni, as well as employees of our 50+ corporate partners, military active duty, and veterans. The 15% scholarship applies to instructional, program, and non-resident fees.
Required Courses
- COMM 5011: Crisis Communication Workshop - Learn about crisis types and develop a crisis communication plan.
- COMM 5300: Crisis Communication and Planning - Learn to recognize, communicate and operate within a crisis and to recover from the crisis.
- COMM 5310: Crisis Communication Strategy - Focus on communicating with speed, accuracy and credibility, and learn how to monitor information and prevail with the truth in a crisis.
- COMM 5320: Social Analytics in Crisis Communication - Learn how to collect, analyze and present social data from a crisis situation to ensure resiliency and timely crisis management.
Note that course offerings vary by term. To ensure that you complete the certificate in your desired timeline, contact program advisor Laura Costa dos Santos to create a certificate plan.
Here to Help
Laura Costa dos Santos, program advisor in the Scripps College of Communication, can assist you with the application process. You can reach out to Laura any time with questions. We look forward to hearing from you!