Highlighting Grady Certificates
by Anna Kobbe
The Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication not only offers strategic courses in advertising, journalism, public relations, and entertainment media studies, but Grady also offers five excellent certificate programs that offer a wide-range of opportunities for students.
Students across all majors stay involved in different certificate programs and come together at PRSSA meetings bi-weekly.
Each program allows for hands-on experience allowing students to expand their existing knowledge on each related subject.
New Media
The New Media certificate is currently the biggest certificate program, which focuses on curriculum for students to learn and understand the world of emerging media technologies. This program relies on interactive digital media with aspects such as graphic design, web development and digital storytelling This certificate is a great resource for students wanting to learn the strings behind the constantly evolving digital world. Applications open early fall and early spring and are open to any UGA student.
Strategic Health and Risk Communication
The Strategic Health and Risk Communication certificate aims to provide students interested in health communication, health marketing and healthcare management the tools and skills needed to respond to the healthcare needs of society. Alongside courses such as Health and Wellness (HPRB 1710) and Health and Risk Communication Campaigns (ADPR 5742), students complete a health campaign for a community client as their capstone. Applications open early every spring for any Grady major who meets the necessary requirements.
Sports Media
The Sports Media Certificate offers hands-on experience for students interested in sports broadcasting and producing sports digital/social content. With courses such as Sports Media Relations (SPTM 5810) and Social and Digital Media Production for Sports (SPTM 5750), students learn the role sports plays in our digital society. Applications open every fall and spring and are open to any major.
Public Affairs
The Public Affairs Communications certificate gives students the opportunity and skills to advance in careers involving public affairs on public policy, legislation or political issues. Classes offered include Intro to Public Affairs Communication (ADPR 3860), Intro to Applied Politics (POLS 5030) and many other courses. Toward the end of the certificate track, students will choose between related internships, field studies or upper-level courses to further their studies in public affairs. Students apply either when they apply to Grady or their first semester in their major. Applications are open to any UGA undergrad student.
News Literacy
The News Literacy certificate teaches and guides students to become literate with news media. Students will also study the role in which news organizations play in our society and to discern between credibility and unreliability. Students take classes such as Media, News and Consumers (JOUR 3030) and Journalism Ethics and Diversity (JOUR 5320). This certificate is not only open to any UGA students, but there is also no need for special permission or application in order to apply. Students can automatically enroll in the Certificate of News Literacy through their Athena account once registered for the introductory course, JOUR 3030.
