Undergraduate Certificate in Crisis, Risk and Resilience Communication

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The Undergraduate Certificate in Crisis, Risk and Resilience Communication, offered through the College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Humanities and Communication, equips students to manage communication challenges during crises, including natural disasters and organizational disruptions. The program emphasizes the application of risk communication principles, crisis response strategies and resilience-building approaches in real-world scenarios, with a focus on transparency, accuracy and maintaining public trust.

This certificate is well suited for students pursuing careers in emergency response, aviation and government, where effective communication is essential for managing uncertainty. With an emphasis on industry experience and applied learning, the program prepares students to communicate clearly and lead effectively in high-stakes situations.

Note: Certificate programs are not eligible for Title IV Federal Financial Aid unless taken as part of a degree program.

Some certificates may not be eligible to pair with a minor. See the Minor Restrictions list for details.

 
 

Program-Level Student Learning Outcomes

Students will:

  • Apply strategic communication principles in risk and crisis situations to effectively and ethically convey information to diverse audiences in high-stakes situations.
  • Develop communication strategies that support risk management, crisis response, and resilience-building within multiple contexts.
  • Integrate strategic, decision-making frameworks to enhance preparedness, response, and recovery communication across the national preparedness cycle.
  • Analyze historical, legal, and policy foundations of risk and crisis communication for modern civil security challenges.

Worldwide Certificate Requirements

COMM 222Business Communication3
COMM 365Communication for Resilience3
COMM 460Crisis Communication3
Choose One of the Following:3
Fundamentals of Emergency Management
Community Risk Reduction for the Fire and Emergency Services
Introduction to Homeland Security
Strategic Planning and Decision Making in Homeland Security
Total Credits12