Strategic Global Communication

Organizations need communication professionals with thoughtful and effective cross-cultural communication skills.

The Graduate Certificate in Strategic Global Communication responds to that need.

In this program, you'll gain in-depth understanding of intercultural theories and how to apply them on the job.

You'll study strategies for reputation, crisis and change management and examine how workplace culture influences business outcomes.

You'll learn cultural and governance principles and think about the role communications plays in promoting — or impeding — social change.

Throughout the program, you'll apply an intercultural lens.

You'll be empowered to lead communication initiatives that support community and organizational development.

Who's it for

This certificate is designed for people who specialize in organizational development and communication. It's a good fit for professionals working in the following fields: advocacy, diplomacy, development and social change.

You can build from here

You can apply credits earned in the Graduate Certificate in Strategic Global Communication toward a master's degree, either the MA in Intercultural and International Communication or the MA in Interdisciplinary Studies.

The three courses you'll take in the Graduate Certificate in Strategic Global Communication are part of the Master's in Intercultural and International Communication.

You can also apply course PCOM 635 toward the MA in Professional Communication.

Program outcomes

Once you've completed this program, you'll:

• have skills in organizational communication applicable to crisis management, corporate image, identity and reputation, organizational culture and culture change, leadership theories, social relationships and networks, communication audits, power and control in organizational life, conflict in organizations, ethics and values and corporate social responsibility
• be able to analyze organizational structures and management styles with a focus on culture
• have insight into the historical and contemporary nature of issues and theories that have influenced the field of development communication
• be skilled at exploring the complex relationships between communication and socioeconomic development and the role that communication plays in promoting (or impeding) social change and development
• have tools for professional and personal development in a diverse society and workplace
• be skilled at developing a rationale and framework for interdisciplinary research projects, which can be combined with communication, sociology, psychology, business, mass media and developmental studies

Standard admission

• Completion of a four-year (or comparable) undergraduate degree in a related field, with a minimum cumulative GPA of B (3.00/4.33), from a recognized post-secondary institution.
• Normally, at least one year of work or volunteer experience, preferably in a leadership capacity. This experience should have immersed the applicant in a multicultural, intercultural, or international setting and fostered a basic understanding of intercultural communication.

Flexible admission

Applicants who do not meet the standard admission requirements will be considered for flexible admission and assessed as follows:

• All applicants must show evidence of having sufficient knowledge, skills and abilities to complete a demanding academic course of study at a master's level and have significant professional communication experience.  
• Applicants without an undergraduate degree, but more than three years (90 credits) of relevant post-secondary education, should have at least two years of relevant work experience, preferably in a leadership capacity.
• Applicants with two to three years (60-90 credits) of relevant post-secondary education should have at least five years of relevant international/intercultural work experience in a leadership capacity.
• Applicants with less than two years (60 credits) of relevant post-secondary education should have at least ten years of high-level, professional communication experience in a leadership capacity.

English language proficiency

• If English is not your primary language, please review our English language requirements.

Additional recommendations 

• Evidence of having sufficient knowledge, skills and abilities to complete a demanding academic course of study at a master's level.
• Applicants may be requested to participate in an interview as part of a holistic adjudication process.
• If English is not your primary language, please review our English language requirements.

All applications to this program require submission of the following information and supporting documents before your file can be assessed for admission:

Application form

In order to apply online, you will be required to create a log-in account using your email address. You will be required to list all credit courses and/or programs you have completed or are currently enrolled in. An application fee will be required. If your application fees are being paid by a third party, review sponsored student information. Once submitted, you may check the status of your application at any time.

Official transcripts

Applicants are responsible for arranging for the submission of official transcripts from ALL post-secondary (higher education) institutions currently or previously attended, for all credit courses and/or programs. Transcripts are not required for non-credit programs or courses, though some programs may require proof of professional certifications or designations.

Transcripts are considered official only if submitted directly by the Registrar or other recognized authority of the providing institution in the institution's original, sealed envelope. If the envelope has been opened, the transcripts are no longer official and new (official) transcripts will be required to complete your application.

All international transcripts or credentials are subject to an international transcript and/or credential evaluation.

Statement of intent

The statement of intent should consist of (but is not limited to) a two to three-page essay and must address the following questions:

• What influenced your decision to apply to RRU's Graduate Certificate in Asia Pacific Trade and Investment program? 
• What do you hope to contribute to this program and the university?
• In 5‐10 years, how do you anticipate this program will add value?
• How is this program relevant to your personal and career goals?
• What training and/or academic courses have you done that relate to management?
• What experience have you had with distance education and self‐directed study?
• What experience do you have working collaboratively in a team?

If there is any other information that you feel might be of interest or relevance to your application, please include it in the statement of intent . 

Detailed resume

A detailed or structured resume is one that provides a comprehensive professional profile of the applicant. We are interested in knowing where an applicant has worked, for how long, and what they were responsible for in the positions held. Provide as much information as possible, with special attention to the past ten years of your career. Your detailed resume should include the following:

• Education: List all post‐secondary education, degrees, diplomas, and certificates you have achieved.
• Work experience: Please include name of organization, position, length of service (month and year), and a brief description of responsibilities.
• Training and professional development: List career related training and professional development programs completed with the past five years. Include the source of training, and the duration and year completed. List other training and personal development programs not already identified.
• Voluntary/unpaid work experience: List and describe any voluntary/unpaid post-secondary employment and/or community service experience. Please include name of organization, length of service and a brief description of duties. 
• Information technology training and experience: Briefly describe your level of training and experience in the use of information technology including computers, software and telecommunications networks as tools for business, education, teaching and personal use. 
• Professional memberships/affiliations: List memberships and positions you hold/have held in professional associations, service clubs, community/volunteer sector. 
• Other relevant information: Provide any other information which you believe is relevant to your application and will be of assistance to the review committee.

Letters of reference

One reference letter should be based on work experience and the other based on either academic performance or community service. However, two work-related references are acceptable in certain cases.

The reference letters should confirm that an applicant is a suitable candidate for the Graduate Certificate in Asia Pacific Trade and Investment program. The writer(s) should articulate why they feel the applicant will succeed in such a program, whether they feel it will benefit the applicant (and why), and any other information about the applicant which could identify them as a good fit for the program. The context in which the referee has come to know the applicant should also be mentioned. Length and level of detail in the letters may vary; there is no set standard.

If applicable:

• Applicants declaring permanent resident or Convention Refugee status in Canada, must submit a copy of their Permanent Resident Card (PR card) along with their application.
• Transcript evaluation fee or credential evaluation report, if submitting international transcripts.
• An official English language proficiency score report or other evidence of proficiency if English is not your primary language.
• Other information or documents as may be requested to determine your eligibility.

For information on how and where to send your supporting documents, please refer to the document submission guidelines.