This certificate is a graduate level certificate, meaning you will be taking master's level classes.
When completed this certificate can be transferred into 91³Ô¹ÏÍø’ Online Master’s in Communication and Leadership program. You will be nearly halfway finished with a master’s when complete.
Program Details
- 12 Credits
- 4 Classes
- Fully Online
- Estimated Completion Time: 2 Semesters
- 5 Start Dates a Year
Classes
You will choose 4 classes from the following list.
COML 505: Digital Storytelling – 3 Credits
The digital age has changed the way we tell stories. Current technology allows users access to a range of digital tools to not only create their own stories but share them widely through social media. But how do stories make an impact on audiences, given that there is so much more information available? This course teaches you different forms of storytelling using digital media tools. Readings will help you better understand different narrative and persuasive styles of storytelling as well as understand the major theoretical and policy-related issues. Through hands-on assignments, you will acquire technical skills that will help you become a more effective communicator in the digital age.
COML 509: Social Media Engagement and Analysis – 3 Credits
In this course, we look at the development and dynamics of social media platforms. Through course readings and assignments, we will not only better understand how these platforms can be used to communicate, but also how they can increase audience interactivity. Key to this course is an understanding of how social media has changed the way that audiences engage with organizations and networks. Google defines this new group of users as “Generation C,” a global group of consumers who thrive on content creation, curation, connection, and community. Generation C values authenticity and transparency, and they want both personalization and community. You also have the option of earning your Hootsuite Certification during this course.
COML 516: Disinformation in the Digital Age – 3 Credits
This course offers tools and theoretical frameworks for communication professionals to develop critical thinking about media in all its forms. Topics include news and data literacies, inequalities in media representations, media manipulation, disinformation, and social media activism. At the end of the course, you will better understand how to use media strategically to work toward social justice and counter the spread of disinformation.
COML 540: Digital Media Analysis – 3 Credits
In this course you will learn how to measure and evaluate the effectiveness of digital communication, including website traffic and social media.  You will gain specific tools for analysis and presentation of data in meaningful ways and develop media strategies based on data insights.  This class will use case studies and practical exercises to help you understand analytic techniques.
COML 541: Advanced Digital Media Analysis – 3 Credits
Prerequisite: COML 540
In this course, you will build upon fundamental concepts of how to measure and evaluate the effectiveness of digital communication and apply those principles more fully in the realm of digital marketing.  Part of the class includes preparing a portfolio campaign proposal.  The class is grounded in best practices behind the strategy, execution, measurement and analysis of multichannel campaigns.
COML 545: Digital Surveillance, Algorithms & Ethics - 3 credits
The internet plays a large role in our lives, but what really happens when you log into social media or search for a job, news, a political issue or even a restaurant online? In this course we will raise the curtain on what is really happening behind the scenes in these digital spaces. Who is collecting your data, how is it being used and stored, should it be used and stored, and how do algorithms really work? We will cover the issues surrounding privacy and surveillance and the ethical questions facing organizations and individuals. Some of the other topics we will study include, algorithmic bias, network neutrality, accessibility, content moderators, intellectual property and surveillance capitalism.
COML 550: Visual Data Communication – 3 Credits
There is a vast quantity of data out there and it is not neutral, so how do you communicate important information gathered from data clearly and efficiently? In this course you will learn how to visualize information in a way that is easier for your audience to use and understand. You will strategize how to move beyond the written word and traditional presentations to create engaging graphic representations that are accessible and ethical and send a clear message. One of the best examples of how data is used today is the visual representations surrounding the COVD-19 pandemic. Part of your course work includes using data visualization, graphic and analytic tools.
Questions?
Contact:
Heather Schmitt
Call or Text: (509)313-6240 or (866)380-5323
Email: schmitth@gonzaga.edu