Program Availability
The online Health Communication Graduate Certificate is open to U.S. and international applicants who satisfy admission requirements.
Generally, if students have access to Internet service, they can be admitted to and complete this online program. However, international students must be living abroad, or else must hold a visa status that allows them to study online while living in the U.S., to be admitted. Demonstration of English Language Proficiency is also required.
Students residing in countries where government restrictions or firewalls restrict Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) access or functionality cannot participate in this program.
Why Earn a Health Communication Graduate Certificate at Indiana State?
Healthcare is an important area of communication for all people, whether it be in conversations with health professionals or in advocacy for the health of others. Medical providers and others working in healthcare disciplines require clear, empathic, culturally sensitive communication skills to be successful. Our certificate program addresses these needs.
Benefit from a Program Designed for Working Professionals
The online Health Communication Graduate Certificate is a 15-credit program that includes five courses in the areas of research/creativity, cross-cultural communication, interpersonal communication, and health communication theory and application.
A major benefit of this program is its flexibility. Taking advantage of the online format, you can work full-time as you complete the coursework. The certificate can be completed in three to four semesters (excluding summer terms).
Coursework from other colleges and universities does not count toward completion of the program. Individuals have the option of completing the certificate or enrolling in one or more courses.
Upon successful completion of the program, you will be awarded a certificate of completion.
Note: Coursework in this certificate program may be applied toward completion of the University’s on-campus Master of Arts in Communication.
Course Delivery
Selected courses in this certificate program are offered asynchronously, with no set meeting dates or times. Other courses are only offered synchronously. Dates and times for these courses are listed in the class schedule.
Learn from Our Excellent Faculty
Faculty in the Department of Communication at Indiana State University will assist you in your professional development through personalized attention and mentorship. Many of our professors have award-winning professional experience in media, marketing, advertising, and related communication fields, in addition to their extensive academic and research credentials.
What You’ll Learn in the Online Health Communication Graduate Certificate Program
Our online Health Communication Graduate Certificate provides training in interpersonal communication skills, ethical and cultural communication principles, and research design—and provides a foundation for the analysis and evaluation of discourses surrounding various health topics. Upon completion of the program, you will have the skills and experiences needed for a variety of careers in health promotion and patient advocacy, as well as for improving your current work within the medical field.
Career Possibilities for Health Communication Graduates
With increasing focus on preventive healthcare and health education, there is a growing need for professionals who can effectively communicate health information to diverse audiences. This trend is likely to continue as healthcare systems seek to reduce costs by promoting healthy behaviors and preventing disease.
There is high demand for professionals who are proficient in using communication channels and technologies, such as social media platforms and telehealth services, to deliver health messages and engage with patients and communities.
In addition, there is growing recognition of the importance of addressing health disparities and ensuring that health communication efforts are culturally sensitive and accessible to diverse populations. Professionals who have expertise in multicultural communication and health literacy are valued in addressing these challenges.
Admission Requirements and Application Instructions
The Office of Admissions reviews applications year-round for graduate certificate programs offered by the Department of Communication. Once enrolled, you may begin courses in the next term (fall, spring, summer).
Returning Indiana State University students must apply for re-admission if they have not attended the University in more than two calendar years.
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
Admission Requirements
Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree granted by a regionally accredited institution (for international students, a degree granted by a recognized institution).
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.7 in all undergraduate coursework
Applicants must submit a one-page statement of intent. This is a written statement explaining your reasons for entering the program, including specific areas of interest and professional goals that you hope the certificate will help you achieve.
International Applicants: To be considered for admission, applicants must have evidence of English Language Proficiency sent directly from the testing center to: Indiana State University, Graduate Admissions, Welcome Center, 318 North Sixth Street, Terre Haute, IN, 47809. Accepted language tests include Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Duolingo.
The GRE (Graduate Record Exam) is not required.
Application Instructions
Complete your online application for program admission at apply.indstate.edu/portal/apply?tab=overview.
Submit a nonrefundable application fee of $45.00 (or $55.00 for international students) payable by Visa, MasterCard, or check or money order to: Indiana State University, Graduate Admissions, Welcome Center, 318 North Sixth Street, Terre Haute, IN, 47809.
Submit official transcripts from all colleges previously attended. To be official, transcripts must be sent directly from the college attended to: Graduate Admissions, Indiana State University, Welcome Center, 318 North Sixth Street, Terre Haute, IN, 47809. E-transcripts should be sent to admissions@indstate.edu.
International applicants must submit credential evaluation in addition to undergraduate transcripts and may be required to submit additional documentation to ensure full evaluation. We do accept credential evaluation reports from these select members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).
Applicants must submit a one-page statement of intent. This is a written statement explaining your reasons for entering the program, including specific areas of interest and professional goals that you hope the certificate will help you achieve.
International Applicants: To be considered for admission, applicants must have evidence of English Language Proficiency sent directly from the testing center to: Indiana State University, Graduate Admissions, Welcome Center, 318 North Sixth Street, Terre Haute, IN, 47809. Accepted language tests include Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Duolingo.
Next Steps
Once admitted, students receive notification from the University as well as their University ID number needed to activate their University Username in the MyISU Portal. The Portal offers access to online registration, University records, and other important University services, including e-mail and University announcements
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Communication (Accelerated MA)
Accelerated Master's Master's
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Communication Sciences and Disorders (BS)
Bachelor's