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SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL ADVANCEMENT
Online Graduate Certificate in Strategic Communication
Online Graduate Certificate in Strategic Communication at a Glance
Enhance your current skill set and transform your career with strategic communication expertise.
This flexible 12-credit (four-course) online graduate certificate is ideal for graduates and professionals looking to advance their knowledge, skills, and applied understanding of public relations, digital marketing, and graphic design. Across four foundational courses, you’ll learn how to research, plan, implement, and evaluate PR and digital marketing campaigns. You’ll practice clear, concise strategic writing. And you’ll explore key principles of design while bolstering your skills as a presenter and visual communicator.
Affordable
Tuition
Online
Courses
Expert
Faculty
No Test
Scores
Rolling
Admission
Multiple
Start Dates
How an 8-Week Term Works
A course taken during an eight-week term covers the same material and earns the same credit as a traditional 16-week course. Classes are offered in an asynchronous format, offering you greater flexibility to accommodate your schedule. This accelerated format lets you focus on shorter classes while staying on track to complete your degree.
Not sure if an 8-Week term is right for you? For more information, visit our 8-Week Terms page.
What Can You Do With an Online Graduate Certificate in Strategic Communication?
Whether you work for, with, or as a communication professional, strategic communication skills are a marketable complement to many career paths—in government, media, business, healthcare, education, nonprofits, and more.
What You Will Learn Earning Your Graduate Certificate in Strategic Communication
This graduate certificate equips you with essential skills to excel in today’s dynamic digital landscape. You’ll explore core concepts in graphic design, strategic communications writing, public relations, and digital marketing. Through project-based courses, you’ll learn what goes into making strong designs, compelling messages, and strategic PR and digital marketing campaigns.
The curriculum covers topics such as design fundamentals, research and planning, media relations, and audience engagement. You’ll refine your presentation skills and gain proficiency in industry-standard tools, preparing you to create culturally relevant solutions to real-world communication challenges.
MDES 6001 Graphic Design Principles
Explore fundamental design concepts and their applications to enhance visual communication.
MDES 6002 Strategic Communications Writing
Develop high-impact writing skills for strategic communication settings.
MDES 6003 Public Relations Principles & Strategy
Learn the process of public relations and how to create effective strategies.
MDES 6004 Digital Marketing Principles & Strategy
Understand digital marketing concepts and their role in achieving business goals.
All four courses are foundational and require no specialized prior knowledge or coursework. While it’s possible to earn your graduate certificate in as little as one academic year, the schedule is flexible, so you can tailor your pace to fit your personal and professional needs.
The Tulane School of Professional Advancement awards the Graduate Certificate in Strategic Communication following the completion of 12 credits. The certificate can be earned entirely online. See the Tulane University course catalog for requirements.
Explore Tulane's Media + Design Program
From digital marketing campaigns to motion graphics to cutting-edge app prototypes, the Media + Design program prepares students to use public relations, digital marketing, graphic design, and interactive design to shape the world around us.
Take a look at all 12 of our applied degree, certificate, and minor offerings. See the work our students and alumni are creating. And find out how everything fits within the larger picture.
Expert Faculty to Guide Your Path
Our diverse faculty is comprised of award-winning industry professionals and subject-matter experts working in the fields of advertising, digital marketing, graphic design, interactive design, influencer strategy, corporate communication, and public relations. They guide you through an accredited, industry-driven curriculum developed to give you the expertise and skills most in demand today.
SoPA Faculty Feature
“In a society where media is so pervasive and ever-changing, I think it's vital; for students to learn the problem-solving skills necessary to create strategic, innovative, cultural, and socially significant communications solutions.”
Tamar Gregorian, Ph.D.
Associate Director
Professor of Practice
Media + Design Student Spotlight
“I really appreciated the ability to learn both in and out of the classroom by getting credit for internships I've completed. I am someone who learns best by doing, and the real-world experience of working in a variety of settings with industry professionals is irreplaceable. I've been able to get credit for internships in digital marketing, web design, and a summer at IBM as a software designer, and each experience has helped me hone in what I want to do after graduation.”
Megan Calvin
Tulane SoPA class of 2020
An Engaging & Flexible Online Learning Experience
Connect with motivated classmates and experienced professionals in an environment that nurtures creativity and collaboration
Year after year, our students earn local and national recognition for their exceptional work. Take a look—and get inspired!
Navigate degree requirements and prepare for the workforce with personalized help from our academic advisors and dedicated career counselor.
Meet our advisory board, the media and design leaders who inform our coursework based on current needs and trends.
Quick Facts
Tulane SoPA accepts students on a rolling basis, year-round. Start dates every August, January, May, and June. We never require test scores or recommendations. Visit our Admissions Process page to learn more.
One size doesn't fit all when it comes to education. For some, traditional semesters will always be the preferred method of learning. For others, the introduction of 8-week terms offers a variety of benefits to students who have goals with a timeline attached. For more information, visit our 8-Week Terms page.
All tuition is charged by the credit hour and we have minimal fees. Visit our tuition page to see our current tuition rates and use our net price calculator.
We strive to make a Tulane SoPA education affordable for all students. Learn about financial aid, discounts and scholarship opportunities here.
You may transfer up to 60 credits to our undergraduate programs. Review admissions information for applying as a transfer student.
SoPA offers credit for your prior work experience through an assessment of your work portfolio. Undergraduates can earn up to 24 credits.
8-Week Term Start Dates
Applications are due one week before each term start date. Visit our admissions page for more information. For a complete list of important dates, see our 8-Week Terms Academic Calendar.
FALL 2026
TERM I
AUG
17
FALL 2026
TERM II
OCT
18
SPRING 2027
TERM I
JAN
11
SPRING 2027
TERM II
MAR
15
SUMMER 2027
TERM
MAY
17
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By submitting this form, you agree to receive information about the Tulane School of Professional Advancement’s programs via email, phone and/or text. You may opt out at any time.
