Communications

Professional Communication Essentials certificate

This three course, nine credit certificate is designed for students in programs or in workplace environments that require good communication skills. The certificate focuses on the communication essentials of business writing and public speaking. The writing includes direct, indirect, and persuasive messages, document/webpage design, and emails, memos, letters, and reports. Public speaking includes running meetings, giving oral presentations, and working in teams.

This certificate is given as a completion credential. Any student successfully completing the three courses is eligible for the certificate. Some students might complete the certificate while enrolled in their current programs, while others may be admitted to UFV for the purpose of taking the certificate.

Entrance requirements

New students should apply to Qualifying Studies. Students will be required to meet the admissions requirements for the university, as well as meet CMNS course prerequisites.

Students currently enrolled in post-secondary programs are required to meet only the course prerequisites.

Fees and additional costs

See the Fees and Other Costs section. Other than the $25 graduation fee, there are no additional fees for the certificate. Students will be eligible for financial aid if they take all three courses in the summer.

Program requirements

Certificate requirements: 9 credits

Residency

Students are required to take two of the three courses at UFV.

Graduation requirements

Students are required to have a completion GPA of at least 2.5 in the three courses to be eligible for the certificate, with a minimum of a C grade in any individual course.

Students can apply and be eligible for the certificate retroactively to Fall 2005. All three courses must be completed within a 10 year time period.

Course listings

For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section. All Communications courses (except CSM 104, CSM 108 and CMNS 115) require some proficiency with email, web-based research, and word-processing packages. CMNS 125, 155, 251, 325, 351, and 360 are offered online, as well as in classroom format.