Effective Communications - Major #5434

Certificate Program Map
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The program map below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this path. It is always recommended that you meet with your pathway counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.


The Communication Skills Certificate Program offers an overview of the methods of communicating. It also trains students to use their communication skills effectively in various situations. This program is designed to enable students to achieve recognition of development in such areas as presentational speaking, problem solving and decision-making, and interpersonal communication. Students will have the knowledge and key skills to communicate effectively using simple, concise and direct language in order to achieve results in their communications with others. This certificate program allows individuals to develop the confidence and clarity in communication to support their career and educational growth.


Upon completion of the program, students will:
  1. 1. Demonstrate the ability to handle difficult situations with a flexible, genuine and self-confident approach.
  2. 2. Demonstrate key skills to communicate effectively using simple, concise, and direct language.
  3. 3. Demonstrate increased proficiency with the basics of appropriate communication skills.
  4. 4. Identify appropriate conflict-resolution skills.
Effective Term: 2024 Spring Semester

Certificate Requirements

13.5-15 units

Required Courses

11 units

DEVSER 252A
Communication Skills and Strategies 1

4 units
Effective Term: 2024 Spring Semester
Communication Skills and Strategies 1 emphasizes developing foundational communication skills and social skills at home, school, and in the community, using a variety of basic skills. This course expands basic communication skills, including the various ways people communicate, appropriate versus inappropriate communication, the different messages we send, styles of communication, and using communication for general conflict resolution. This course is designed for students with disabilities.
Course Details:

          DEVSER 252B
          Communication Skills and Strategies 2

          4 units
          Effective Term: 2024 Spring Semester
          Communication Skills and Strategies 2 emphasizes developing strategies in the workplace and personal life related to personal disability, work ethics, communication and socialization important for employment. Students will expand their communication skills and use them as a vehicle for solving problems. This course is designed for students with disabilities.
          Course Details:

                  DEVSER 262
                  Group Interaction

                  3 units
                  Effective Term: 2024 Spring Semester
                  Group Interaction emphasizes the development and improvement of self-understanding through group interactions. This course is designed for students with disabilities.
                  Course Details:

                          Electives - Select 1 course

                          2.5-4 units

                          DEVSER 278
                          Intermediate Computer Applications

                          3 units
                          Effective Term: 2024 Spring Semester
                          This course emphasizes intermediate word processing, terminology and the understanding of Microsoft Office, including Microsoft Word, and Microsoft PowerPoint. This course is designed for students with disabilities.
                          Course Details:

                                  DEVSER 284
                                  Reading Comprehension 2

                                  4 units
                                  Effective Term: 2024 Spring Semester
                                  Reading Comprehension 2 emphasizes the further development of reading skills and strategies, while developing literal and critical comprehension. This course is designed for students with disabilities.
                                  Course Details:
                                  1. Prerequisite: DEVSER 283

                                        DEVSER 286
                                        Essay Development and College Writing

                                        2.5 units
                                        Effective Term: 2024 Spring Semester
                                        Essay Development and College Writing emphasizes the further development of college writing skills through composition, revision, and beginning research strategies. This course is designed for students with disabilities.
                                        Course Details:
                                        1. Prerequisite: DEVSER 285
                                              Total: 13.5-15 units