Civil Communication  (Certificate)


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.



Certificate Map

Major/Certificate Map archive


At a Glance: program details

  • Location: Tempe campus
  • Additional Program Fee: No
  • Second Language Requirement: No


Program Requirements

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.