AI and Data-Based Communication Strategy Certificate (online)

Graduate Certificate
100% Online
Communications Media
Image depicting generative AI

In Short

Learn to integrate AI into communication strategies, evaluate AI systems, and navigate the societal and ethical impacts of AI advancements.

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Certificate Overview

The certificate is designed to provide you with an in-depth understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics concepts, technologies, and their applications in the field of communication.  

As technology continues to evolve, businesses, organizations, and governments are increasingly relying on these technologies to inform their communication strategies and decision-making processes. However, the use of AI and data analytics raises important ethical and societal considerations, such as privacy, bias, and the potential for unintended consequences 
(Coeckelbergh, 2020; Dubber, Pasquale, et al, 2021). For example, Boris Eldagsen recently won a World Photography Organization's Sony World Photography Award using a photograph that had been generated by AI, though declined the cash prize. It's important to understand how and when it is appropriate to use AI. 

This certificate is designed to address these issues by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of AI and data analytics concepts, technologies, and their applications in the field of communication. The program's learning objectives focus on developing your knowledge and skills in ethical and effective implementation of AI and data analysis technologies in communication and social media, evaluating their impacts on society, and considering factors such as privacy, security, and potential biases. 

You'll learn to:

  • Understand the substantive legal, policy, and ethical dimensions of artificial intelligence, big data, predictive analytics, algorithms, and automated decision-making through exposure to a variety of sources of information and diverse perspectives. 
  • Identify how businesses, individuals, organizations, and governments use data and Al. 
  • Develop strategies for the ethical and effective implementation of AI and data analysis technologies in communication, considering factors such as privacy, security, potential biases, and the need for human-centered design. 
  • Evaluate and critique the impacts of data and AI on society. 

Overall, the program will prepare you for careers in communication, marketing, advertising, data analysis, and related fields where the integration of AI and data analytics is becoming increasingly important. The program's focus on ethical and effective implementation of these technologies will also help to ensure you are equipped to address the important societal and ethical considerations associated with their use. 

Total Credits

Plan of Study
Total of 12 credits. Courses can be completed in any order.

COMM 7400 - AI In Communication Strategy
COMM 7005 - Communication Ethics
COMM 7006 - New and Emerging Media
COMM 9025 - Data and Analytics

Time Frame

While you can complete the certificate in one to two years but have up to six years to complete the program. 

Watch this video from Professor JJ Sylvia about the new course COMM 7400 AI in Communication Strategy which is part of this certificate program.

Curriculum and Other Information

AI and Data-Based Communication Strategy Certificate - Program information from the University Catalog.

  • Graduates will have a deep understanding of AI and data analytics concepts, technologies, and their applications in the field of communication. 
  • Graduates will be equipped with the skills necessary to effectively integrate AI into communication strategies and evaluate emerging AI systems and tools. 
  • Graduates will be able to identify how businesses, individuals, organizations, and governments use data and AI in communication. 
  • Graduates will be able to evaluate and critique the impacts of data and AI on society, and consider ethical factors such as privacy, security, and potential biases in their analyses. 
  • Official transcript of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution 
  • Professional resume 
  • Official transcripts for graduate level course work from a regionally accredited institution (if applicable) 
  • Graduate application and fee 

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