Why the Communication Instruction Certificate
This certificate was created for individuals wanting to earn 18 graduate-level hours for the purpose of teaching 1000-level and 2000-level courses in the Communication discipline, with the possibility of continuing an MA at a later date. The required courses for the certificate are specific for teaching courses routinely offered in Tennessee colleges and universities to Communication students.
The potential student works at a college or university and has an interest in teaching communication, but lacks an MA or MS in the discipline. The students can complete the certificate requirements and would be prepared to teach Public Speaking, Introduction to Media/Communication, Interpersonal Communication, and Organizational Communication.
All graduate faculty teaching the certificate classes have degrees in Communication and are experts in their areas of interest.
No other universities or colleges are offering a similar program in the state.
Admission Requirements
For information related to admission requirements or to view the courses within each program, please visit the graduate bulletin.
What Will I Learn
- COMM 5030 Applied Comm Theory – The communication process is approached from a theoretical perspective; A variety of theories and their application to dyadic, small group, public, and mass communication are studied.
- COMM 5650 Media Law – An in-depth examination of the legal and ethical impact of new technologies on mass media involving lecture, discussion, extensive reading and writing assignments.
- COMM 5110 Leadership and Communication – this course focuses on leadership as a function of communication behavior. Through discussion, cases and exercises, participants explore effective communication strategies within an organization setting. The course will cover team leadership skills, rhetorical sensitivity, charisma and practical suggestions.
- COMM 5250 Survey of Mass Media – this course is an overview of the history, social role, function, and organization of mass media in American society. The class provides a look at the origins and current structure of print, film, broadcast, and digital media as it relates to our politics, entertainment, business, and economic existence in the Age of Information.
- While all Communication courses are applicable, it should be noted that some courses (Ex: COMM 5020 Organizational Communication, COMM 5700 Interpersonal Communication) are more commonly part of a communication curricula statewide; however, final choice of electives is up to the student.