The Strategic Communication graduate certificate provides an administrative focus for students in the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Organizational Leadership (MOL) programs, while also being a stand-alone certificate. An undergraduate certificate is also available.
As part of Rockhurst University's overall mission and vision, the Strategic Communication Graduate Program cultivates ethical and innovative leaders who are prepared to navigate and transform today’s communication landscape for societal betterment. Students develop essential skills to tackle business challenges and engage effectively with stakeholders. They learn to apply principles of persuasion, tailor messages for representative audiences, and critically evaluate communication events.
Why Choose This Certificate?
In a world where messages matter more than ever, Rockhurst University's new Strategic Communication Graduate Certificate equips you with the tools to lead with courage, clarity, creativity, and purpose. Learn to manage communication channels, develop persuasive messaging, and apply ethical decision-making across a variety of industries and audiences.
Whether you’re in marketing, public relations, nonprofit leadership, politics, or corporate communications, this program helps you become a more strategic, socially responsible communicator.
Program Highlights:
• 10 credit hours – flexible and designed for working professionals
• Focus on strategic communication planning, crisis communication, and professional presentation development
• Learn to influence perception, drive engagement, and achieve organizational goals
• Taught by industry experts in the heart of Kansas City
Who Should Enroll?
This program is ideal for:
• Mid-career professionals seeking a graduate certificate in communication
• Leaders in business, nonprofits, education, and health care
• Individuals looking to boost their organizational communication and media strategy skills
• Professionals preparing for roles in crisis communication, digital media, or stakeholder engagement
Program Outcomes
By developing competencies in strategic communication planning, crisis management, and stakeholder engagement, RU strategic communication graduate certificate earners are well-equipped to lead with compassion and integrity across various organizational environments. They learn to apply principles of persuasion, tailor messages for representative audiences, and critically evaluate communication events.
Effective communicators who are mindful of their social responsibility are leaders committed to making a positive impact in the world.
What is Strategic Communication?
Strategic communication is employed in various contexts, including corporate communication, public relations, marketing, politics, and beyond. It serves as a powerful tool for organizations to achieve their objectives, whether they are related to building brand awareness, gaining public support, influencing behavior, or managing crises.
Learning Outcomes
• Apply key theories and models of strategic communication to enhance organizational effectiveness and stakeholder engagement.
• Design comprehensive strategic communication plans that leverage audience insights and align with organizational goals.
• Evaluate the effectiveness and ethical implications of communication strategies across various contexts.
• Integrate digital and traditional media tools into cohesive communication strategies to reach representative audiences.
• Implement project management techniques to ensure the successful execution and continuous improvement of communication initiatives.
• Develop engaging presentations that utilize advanced multimedia tools to effectively convey information and foster audience connection.
• Demonstrate delivery mastery through effective voice control, body language, and audience engagement techniques.
• Formulate crisis communication strategies that protect organizational reputation and ensure timely, transparent messaging during crises.
• Assess case studies and real-life scenarios to identify best practices in crisis communication and improve organizational preparedness.
Course Map
Course details are listed below via the Rockhurst catalog.
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Additional Degree Info
An exciting option for this program is the CT 6800 Study Abroad: Organizational & Intercultural Communication Perspectives. In Spring 2026, the class will go to Spain and Portugal.
Leadership
- Advanced Leadership
- Business Administration (Required for MBA)
- Change Management
- Justice, Belonging, and Community Change
- Nonprofit Administration (IP)
- Organizational Leadership
- Strategic Communication
Finance
Data
Health Care
* STEM-certified
(IP = In-person classes required)
(PR = Requires prerequisites)
Note: MBA students take Business Administration, then choose two additional certificates.
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