Stephen Yungbluth, Ph.D., Department Chair
Jessica Kratzer, Ph.D., Graduate Program Director
The communication teaching certificate is an 18 hour program designed for students who have already earned a master’s degree or those who are working toward their degree. For those students who are working toward their degree only 1 additional course beyond the required 33 hours is needed to obtain this certificate. For those who already have a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a different area of study, this certificate provides the 18 content hours required to meet the current eligibility standards to teach communication in colleges and universities accredited by SACS. For those who are currently working toward the MA in COM, this certificate provides additional coursework focusing on pedagogy to prepare them for teaching communication in the college classroom. This will allow students to obtain positions as adjunct teachers, lecturers, and teaching assistants for those who choose to apply to a Ph.D. program.
This graduate level certificate primarily focuses on establishing the communication understandings and skills needed to teach courses covering communication content at the collegiate level. More specifically, students will be able to explore interests in communication, work with instructors who are currently teaching communication, improve communication skills relevant to teaching, understand a variety of teaching and learning methods and concepts through a communicative perspective, gain knowledge on communication theory, and engage in current academic research and trends in the field. Finally, the concepts gained will also allow practical communication skills that are versatile and applicable to a variety of personal and professional situations.
This certificate will provide students with an in-depth knowledge of at least two areas of communication, provide them with an understanding of topics and concepts appropriate for the communication classroom, and offer hands-on development of communication teaching methods from current communication teachers.
Admissions Requirements
In order to be considered for regular admission to the Communication Teaching Certificate program, applicants will need:
- An online application for graduate admission to Northern Kentucky University (apply.nku.edu).
- A bachelor’s degree at a regionally accredited institution with a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
- Previous graduate work, if any, with a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
- Official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate work, including all work transferred into other institutions.
- An academic writing sample (such as an undergraduate research paper). Students who do not have a current academic writing sample can contact the graduate program director for an alternative writing prompt.
- A 500-word statement of interest explaining why you seek to earn a Communication Teaching Certificate.
- Three letters of recommendation (specifically explaining your academic preparation and potential for success in graduate study) and completed NKU Graduate Education reference forms. These may be found at https://inside.nku.edu/graduate/admission-process/additional-forms.html. The letters should be addressed to Dr. Jessica Kratzer and should be sent by the person recommending you directly to Northern Kentucky University, Office of Graduate Education, AC 302, Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, KY 41099 or emailed to graduate@nku.edu.
♦ Indicates prerequisite.
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