Learn the value of robust, honest and constructive dialogue that advances public interest. With your ability to imbue public disagreement with civility and consideration, you will be able to contribute to building and nurturing communities.
Program Description
The Hugh Downs School of Human Communication certificate program in civil communication provides students specific training in dialogue-based methods of civility, the application of critical civil communication skills in public spheres, and civil and productive modes of argumentation.
This specialization provides students with the ability to recognize and competently practice and facilitate the ever-increasing demand for civil discourse in society and workplace organizations. The foundational courses offer the opportunity for transdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement.
Requests to declare this certificate are reviewed by the academic advisor in the academic unit offering the certificate. Students may be contacted to discuss the certificate prior to the addition of the certificate to the student record.
A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded prior to the award of an undergraduate degree. A student already holding an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.
Enrollment Requirements
The certificate requires 18 credit hours, nine of which are chosen from the list of elective courses:
Required courses: (9 credit hours)
COM 222 Argumentation, L (3)
COM 225 Public Speaking, L (3)
COM 327 Civil Communication (3)
Elective courses: (9 credit hours)
COM 312 Communication, Conflict and Negotiation (3)
COM 319 Persuasion and Social Influence, SB (3)
COM 321 Rhetorical Theory and Research, L or HU, H (3)
COM 325 Advanced Public Speaking, L (3)
COM 341 Social Contexts for Performance (3)
COM 421 Rhetoric of Social Issues, HU (3)
A "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or better is required for all upper-division course work.
Nine of the 18 credit hours must be ASU resident credit courses, including six upper-division credit hours offered by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Depending upon a student's undergraduate program of study, prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificates.
Program Contact Information
If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly.
Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.
Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. ASU offers students two ways to earn concurrent degrees: by choosing a predetermined combination or creating their own combination. Predetermined combinations have a single admissions application and one easy to follow major map. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Either way, concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor’s degree in 2.5 or 3 years.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master’s degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.
Accelerated bachelor’s degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
This is only the first required math course. This program may contain additional math courses; See Major Map for details.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the General level: MAT 142
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Moderate level: MAT 117, MAT 119, MAT 170, MAT 210, SOS 101, CPI 200
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Substantial level: MAT 251, MAT 265. MAT 266, MAT 267, MAT 270, MAT 271, MAT 272, MAT 274, MAT 275
To add a minor, please consult with the academic advisor for your major.
To add a certificate, please consult with the academic advisor for your major.