Communication Skills For Professionals - Major #5433

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 for Professionals Certificate program is designed to enable students to achieve recognition of development in such areas as public speaking, group problem solving and communication, leadership, persuasion and healthy interpersonal relationships in the workplace. In these courses, students will learn how to sharpen communication skills as well as deal with difficult situations with a flexible, genuine and self-confident approach. Students will also learn how to create persuasive messages based on a sound theoretical foundation and apply influence strategies to gain commitment from others and foster collaboration. The certificate can be completed either in traditional face-to-face classes or online hybrid courses.

Upon completion of the program, students will:
  1. 1. Using the workplace as a context, students will construct effective messages that gain commitment from others and foster collaboration.
  2. 2. Respond appropriately and genuinely to messages within the workplace.
Effective Term: 2022 Fall Semester

Certificate Requirements 

12 units

COMM 1
Introduction to Public Speaking

3 units
Effective Term: 2022 Fall Semester
Theories and techniques of public speaking from the perspective of the speaker and the audience. Emphasis on research, logical organization, composition and effective delivery of informative and persuasive speeches. Practice in clearly stating and developing ideas. (A, CSU-GE, UC, I)
Course Details:
  1. Advisory: ENGL 1A
  1. C: Oral Communication
  1. A1 - Oral Communication
  2. CSU Transfer Course

    COMM 2
    Interpersonal Communication

    3 units
    Effective Term: 2022 Fall Semester
    Introduction to interaction processes in interpersonal communication settings. Emphasis on effective and appropriate uses of verbal and nonverbal messages in the initiation, development, maintenance, and termination of personal and professional relationships. (A, CSU-GE, UC)
    Course Details:
    1. Advisory: ENGL 1A
      1. A1 - Oral Communication
      2. CSU Transfer Course

        COMM 4
        Persuasion

        3 units
        Effective Term: 2022 Fall Semester
        Theories and practice of influence, advocacy, and reasoning from the perspective of both persuader and audience. Practice preparing effective and ethical persuasive appeals. (A, CSU-GE, UC, I)
        Course Details:
        1. Advisory: ENGL 1A
        1. C: Oral Communication
        1. A1 - Oral Communication
        2. CSU Transfer Course

          COMM 8
          Group Communication

          3 units
          Effective Term: 2022 Fall Semester
          An introduction to group communication as a vehicle for solving problems, reaching decisions and making recommendations on policy. Students will study and practice the theories, behaviors and processes of group communication. (A, CSU-GE, UC, I)
          Course Details:
          1. Advisory: ENGL 1A
          1. C: Oral Communication
          1. A1 - Oral Communication
          2. CSU Transfer Course
            Total: 12 units