Cross-Cultural Communication

On the global level, communicators require awareness, agility, and strategies within multicultural environments. When considering social justice, the emphasis may not be focused on international cultural comparisons, but gaining understanding of unconscious perceptions that influence communication between various identities described by generations, races, religions, and socioeconomic groups.  

Cross-cultural communication is the process of recognizing both differences and similarities in order to effectively interact with various groups in society. This certificate offers communication insights into a broad range of society and business needs from interactions at the grass roots level to boards of directors and public entities to global corporations. With effective skills in cross-cultural communication, one could seek opportunities in consultancy, governmental bodies, nonprofit organizations, public relations, sales, social service, and tourism. In addition, there are a vast range of roles within corporate departments, such as communications, customer service, development, human resources, marketing, and sales. 

The Graduate Certificate in Cross-Cultural Communication will help to equip professionals with the knowledge and competencies to:

• Analyze personal cross-cultural awareness and implicit bias, in addition to interpreting organizational cross-cultural communication strategy to develop effective communication processes and activities
• Evaluate communication audiences from a holistic perspective, thereby constructing effective verbal and nonverbal interactions based on cross-cultural consumption
• Formulate enlightened cross-cultural communication and inclusive diversity strategies, processes, and policies
• Demonstrate critical-thinking skills through research, case analysis, role plays, and experiential learning demonstrating agility, quick response, and diplomacy employing cross-cultural communication strategies

More Details

The Graduate Certificate in Cross-Cultural Communication is a unique program offering two paths: international or social justice.

• Choose from two paths: international or social justice
• This unique certificate combines traditional communications strategies with personal cross-cultural awareness
• This program offers International Field Study Experience, which includes on-site instruction in the region of study

• Online application
• Statement of purpose (500-1000 words): identifying your educational goals and expectations from the program; please be aware that the university's academic policy on plagiarism applies to applicant's statement of purpose
• Professional resumé: Current resumé that displays job responsibilities, relevant experience, and education history
• Unofficial undergraduate transcripts; official transcripts required at the time of admission
• Cross-cultural experience: Students must have two years of experience in either a diverse and/or multicultural work environment, or they must successfully complete CMN 6080 Intercultural Communications
• Proof of English language proficiency: ONLY for students for whom English is not their primary language

Once your application is submitted, received, and processed, you will be able to access your Application Status Check. If you are required to provide further information regarding your proficiency in English, you will be able to complete the requirement in several ways, depending on your familiarity with English, and the frequency with which you use English each and every day:

• Non-native English-speaking applicants will be required to submit official and valid results from one of the following English Language Tests:
  • C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (Cambridge English)
  • Duolingo English Test (DET)
  • IELTS Academic
  • PTE Academic
  • TOEFL Internt-based Test (CEEB Code: 3667) Northeastern will accept either the in-person version completed in a test center, or the TOEFL iBT Home Edition
• However, based on your academic environment and the primary instructional language in either your high school or university, you may be eligible for a waiver. All waivers must be submitted through your Application Status Check. For additional information and to determine whether or not you are eligible for a waiver, please read the section below on waiving the English proficiency requirement.

Please note: Northeastern’s Admissions Committee reserves the right to request proof of English language proficiency from any applicant, regardless of citizenship or first language, at any time during the evaluation process.

• 1.Create your application

  Submit your application through The Common Application or the Coalition Application (both are accepted). Once you have created your application, please select Northeastern University to directly submit your application to us. Application fee of $75 or need-based fee waiver* *Northeastern accepts need-based fee waivers from the Common Application, the Coalition Application, as well as organizations such as the College Board and ACT, or in a written request from a school official.

• 2.Submit all required materials

  Double check to make sure that you have submitted all required materials. Even if your application has been submitted, we cannot begin reviewing your file until all of your required materials have been received. For applicants applying for the 2022-2023 academic year, Northeastern University is test-optional and does not require standardized testing to complete an application for admission.

• 3.Check your application status

  Within seven days of applying, you should receive a confirmation email containing your Northeastern University ID number and instructions for setting up your Application Status Check account. To ensure all of the necessary documents have been submitted, and for updates or information about your application, visit your application status check.