The Strategic Communication Certificate and the Communication for Social Impact Certificate are non-credited professional certificates offered by Saint Peter’s University. Each certificate is composed of four stackable mini-certificates, which can be taken separately.

• Individuals who are looking to enhance their skills without committing to a traditional graduate program.
• Young and mid-career professionals who look to expand their skill sets and network.

• Saint Peter’s University has woven into its mission the philosophy of educating one student at a time. We understands that each student has unique needs and goals, which cannot be cultivated in a solely mass-produced program. Our dedicated faculty members are willing to meet participants where they are.
• We offer collaborative “live-remote” (synchronous) instructions to satisfy students’ crave for interaction with peers/faculty in a virtual setting.
• Saint Peter's Certificate Programs continuously reflect the industry trends and in-demand skill sets.

Yes. You can participate in the certificate programs. However, no financial aid can be applied towards the program at this point.

Strategic Communication, four mini-certificates are available:

1. Crisis Communication
2. PR Strategy
3. Social+Digital Media
4. Video Storytelling

Communication for Social Impact, four mini-certificates are available:

1. Social+Digital Media
2. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
3. Corporate Social Responsibility
4. Video Storytelling

No. No one is required to commit to all four mini-certificates when starting the program. Each mini-certificate can be earned separately.

No. Each mini-certificate is stand-alone. They are automatically stackable.

The mini-certificates can be accumulated over time to build up to either the Strategic Communication Certificate, or the Communication for Social Impact Certificate.

No. Although no digital badge will be offered for each mini-certificate, a digital “certificate of completion” will be offered to each participant, indicating the successful completion of the training.

Upon the completion of four stackable mini-certificates, a displayable digital badge will be issued by the Academic Dean’s Office.

Yes. There are overlaps between the two certificate programs.

The content is delivered synchronously online via one of the leading digital platforms, such as Zoom or Google Meet. Participants will have direct, live interaction with their peers and the instructor.

Instructors in the program are well established in the field of communications and are often industry leaders, who would bring the most up-to-date industry trends and in-demand skill sets.

Each mini-certificate program typically runs six weeks with six 3-hour meetings in the evening or during the weekend.

The mini-certificate programs are offered year-long on rolling bases.

The cost to participate in each mini-certificate program is $1,500/person.

If you are not satisfied, you have up until the start of the 2^nd meeting of the program to request a refund from the Enrollment Service Center at Saint Peter’s University.

In-class assignments are designed to assist the participants to deepen their understanding of the topic. Take-home assignments will vary and will facilitate the overall flow of the mini-certificate program. There will not be any in-class or take-home exams as the certificate program is geared to accommodate the schedule of the working professional. Additional assignments and/or exams will be available for individuals who seek to buy back credits on a case-by-case basis.

Yes. Although the mini-certificates are non-credit-bearing, we do offer a unique graduate credit buy-back option.

A participant, who successfully completes a mini-certificate program and wants to buy back graduate credits, should contact the instructor of the mini-certificate program to complete additional asynchronous assignments and/or exams/projects/term papers during the prescribed time frame by the instructor to receive an academic grade. Upon recommendation of the instructor, the Registrar’s Office will issue graduate credits to the participant.

Credits bought back can be applied to Continuing Education (CE) credits required by your industry or towards an existing SPU graduate program.

Each mini-certificate is equated to 3 credits at the graduate level.

The buy-back rate is $500/credit.

Although there is no limit on how many credits you can buy back as Continuing Education (CE) credits, you can only buy back up to 12 graduate credits and apply them towards an existing SPU graduate program.

No. You will still have to go through the graduate admission process.