Civil Communication (Certificate)


At a Glance: program details

Certificate Map

Learn the value of robust, honest and constructive dialogue that advances public interest. With your ability to engage in public disagreement with civility and consideration, you'll be able to contribute to building and nurturing communities.

Program Description

The certificate program in civil communication provides students with 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 enables students to recognize and competently practice and facilitate civil discourse --- for which there is an ever-increasing demand --- in society and in workplace organizations. The foundational courses offer the opportunity for transdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement.


Program Requirements

The certificate requires 18 credit hours. 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. Twelve credit hours must be completed at the upper-division level. All courses must be completed with a grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or better.
Required Courses -- 9 credit hours
Electives (select three) -- 9 credit hours
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.

Enrollment 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.


Career Outlook

Graduates who have combined the certificate in civil communication with their major program of study may be more marketable to employers. They often decide to pursue employment in social services, public policy or workplace organization.

Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.

Example Careers

Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.

Communications Teachers, Postsecondary


  • Growth: 3.4%
  • Median Salary*: 76250

Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary


  • Growth: 3.9%
  • Median Salary*: 80910

Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers


  • Growth: 3.7%
  • Median Salary*: 73150

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education


  • Growth: 1%
  • Median Salary*: 62360

Instructional Coordinators


  • Growth: 2.5%
  • Median Salary*: 66490

Lawyers


  • Growth: 7.5%
  • Median Salary*: 135740
  Bright Outlook

News Analysts, Reporters and Journalists


  • Growth: -3.3%
  • Median Salary*: 55960

Political Scientists


  • Growth: 6.6%
  • Median Salary*: 128020
  Bright Outlook

Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary


  • Growth: 3.7%
  • Median Salary*: 83770

Public Relations Specialists


  • Growth: 6.1%
  • Median Salary*: 67440
  Bright Outlook

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).




Program Contact Information

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