The Health and Risk Communication Graduate Certificate (HRCGC) will make you an expert in the theory and practice of health communication, one of the most pressing topics in today's world.
Our courses will prepare you for working at leading employers in the health sectors, such as:
The certificate is geared towards current graduate students as well as working professionals
Based in one of the largest colleges of communication in the world, you will master using modern mass communication to inform and influence people about public health - whether in traditional media or via social media channels.
Our Health and Risk Communication graduate certificate equips you with the skills to bridge the gap between complex medical information and the general public, making you an invaluable asset in the fields of healthcare, public health, and crisis management.
Jobs in health communication and risk communication are expected to grow throughout the next decades
Work in local, state, or federal health agencies, international and nonprofit organizations, as well as in companies and health startups.
Invest in your future and make a meaningful impact with a Graduate Certificate in Health and Risk Communication!
The HRCGC comprises 9 credits to make you an expert in health and risk communication. Students complete core courses in the following areas:
Mass Communication and Public Health (CAS825),
Health Communication for Diverse Populations (CAS826),
One of the following:
1
2
3
As a student in the Health and Risk Communication M.A. program, you will be able to use the resources of MSU
a R01 university with top-ranked academic units and a diverse academic community
a dedicated Health and Risk Communication Center with over 50 faculty examining all aspects of health and risk communication
a beautiful campus and a vibrant area, including with a rich cultural scene, exciting athletics and sports facilities, and a multitude of economic opportunities and entertainment options
Our college is the first communication college in the nation and home to multiple top-ranked communication programs across the globe.
Becoming a Spartan is to gain entry into one of the largest and most productive groups of alumni networks in the world.
Dr. Maria Lapinski is joint-appointed as a Professor in the Department of Communication and Michigan Ag-Bio Research at Michigan State University (MSU).
Dr. Besley studies public opinion about science and scientists' opinions about the public in the context of trying to help science communicators be more strategic. He wants to understand how views about decision-makers and decision processes affect perceptions of science and technology (S&T) with potential health or environmental impacts. This focus includes consideration of both mediated exposure through newspapers, television programs and web content, as well as face-to-face public engagement exercises (e.g., public meetings).
Brandt Endowed Professor of Environmental Communication
Department
Journalism
Bruno Takahashi is a professor of environmental journalism and communication at Michigan State University with a joint appointment in the School of Journalism and AgBioResearch.
Dr. Monique Mitchell Turner is Professor and Chair of the Department of Communication at Michigan State University. Prior to this appointment, she served as Associate Dean of MPH programs at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at the George Washington University.
Susan McFarlane-Alvarez (PhD, Georgia State University) is a Professor in the Department of Advertising and Public Relations at Michigan State University. With three decades of experience spanning academia and the professional advertising and PR industries, Susan has worked as a creative director in Hernandez/Foote, Cone & Belding, then as an independent consultant.
Dr. Holtz's research explores the adoption, perceptions, and outcomes of telemedicine, mobile phone health apps (mhealth), consumer grade sensors (i.e., Fitbit, Apple Watch, etc.), electronic medical records, AI, and social media for health topics.
Dr. Yoo Jung (Erika) Oh (Ph.D. University of California, Davis) specializes in artificial intelligence (AI) dialogue systems, commonly referred to as "AI chatbots." With an interest in the dynamics of human-AI communication, her research investigates the impact of persuasive AI on human perceptions and behaviors.
Dr. Hyesun Choung is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication at MSU. Before taking her current position, she served as a postdoctoral research associate in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences. Dr. Choung studies the implications of emerging technologies for human behavior and psychology.
Ralf Schmälzle, Ph.D. (SHMAL-ts-lee, 拉尔夫·舍马尔兹勒) is an Associate Professor of Communication Science in the Department of Communication at Michigan State University. His research focuses on brain responses to real-life messages in the domains of health communication and entertainment media. He is cross-trained in communication and psychology, and integrates methods from cognitive neuroscience and AI.