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 HRC-Graduate Certificate is the little sister of the HRC-Masters program (HRC-MA). The HRC-GC is geared towards working professionals and current MSU graduate students, preparing them to harness the power of communication to promote positive public health outcomes: Students learn to craft effective health messages, prepare professional health communication and marketing materials, and design, implement, and evaluate public communication campaigns.
Whether you have an interest in research or practice, you will gain a broad understanding of health and risk communication strategies and their role for public health. You will practice creating effective programs and interventions and learn how to design, conduct and critique relevant research. This program will provide you with the prerequisite to effectively inform, influence, and persuade people to live happier, healthier lives.
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.
Hybrid and In-Person Courses
9 Credits (3 courses)
2- year program
Can be completed while working or while at MSU
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.
Advance Your Career in High-Demand Fields: The health sector is projected to expand significantly, offering numerous job and entrepreneurial opportunities. Position yourself for roles where health communication expertise is crucial.
Increase Your Earning Potential: Specialized training in health and risk communication can open doors to higher-paying positions and advancement opportunities.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with leading experts in the field, expanding your professional network and opening doors to new career prospects.
Stay Current with Industry Trends: Learn the latest best practices and technologies in health communication, ensuring you remain relevant and effective in your role.
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
Offered in Fall: Health campaigns in domestic and international contexts with a focus on principles of effective messaging. Students explore how mass media (including social media and digital interventions) influence public health perceptions, behaviors, and outcomes.
Health Communication for Diverse Populations
Offered in Spring: Theory, research, and practice of communicating with specialized populations in clinical and public health contexts. Students gain insights into culturally sensitive strategies and inclusive approaches for engaging diverse communities.
Persuasion
Principles and techniques of influencing attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors through effective communication strategies. Students will analyze persuasive messages, develop critical thinking skills, and apply theories to real-world scenarios to enhance their persuasive abilities in various contexts.
Risk Communication
Strategies and methods for conveying information about risks to the public and stakeholders. Students will learn to analyze, craft, and deliver messages that effectively inform and engage audiences, fostering informed decision-making and trust in various risk scenarios.
Communication & Technology
Examines the impact of digital technologies on human interaction, media, and communication processes. Students explore theoretical and practical aspects of how emerging technologies shape communication patterns, enhance connectivity, and transform the dissemination of information in contemporary society.
Intercultural Communication
Investigates the dynamics of communication across diverse cultures and social groups. Students learn to navigate cultural differences, develop intercultural competence, and apply effective communication strategies to foster understanding and collaboration in multicultural contexts, including health-related topics that are intertwined with culture.
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).
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.
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.
Fashina (Shina) Aladé is an Assistant Professor of Advertising & Public Relations, and also holds a courtesy appointment in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies. Her work lies at the intersection of media effects, developmental psychology, and early childhood education, with a focus on young children’s comprehension of and learning from educational media.
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.
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.
Professor Thorson joined the College of Communication Arts faculty at MSU in fall, 2016. Prior, she was Associate Dean for Graduate Studies, and Research Director of the Reynolds Journalism Institute at the Missouri School of Journalism. Thorson holds the Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Minnesota, and attended undergraduate school at Macalester College.
Wei Peng is a Professor in the Department of Media and Information, Michigan State University. She is affiliated with the Games for Entertainment and Learning (GEL) lab and the Health and Risk Communication Center.
I earned a Ph.D. in Management Information Systems from the University of British Columbia, Canada. Beginning from my master’s thesis, I published in premier journals, including MIS Quarterly, ISR, Communications of the ACM, and ACM Transactions on CHI, which are cited over 1,700 times (as of August 2022, Google Scholar).
Jim Dearing (Ph.D., University of Southern California) is the Brandt Endowed Professor in the Department of Communication at Michigan State University.
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.
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.
Take the next step in your career. Stay current with trends like AI in health communication, strategic health communication, and many more. Expand your professional network.
Since 1995
Our M.A. program exists for over 25 years at MSU. Our Communication programs are top-ranked and we are excited to expand this success story with our new graduate certificate.
In Person + Hybrid
Combining the benefits of in-person education
with flexible hybrid options, our program caters to the needs of working professionals and current graduate students.
For Working Professionals and Current Graduate Students
Our certificate will help you take the next step in your career. HRC-GC is designed for working professionals seeking to enhance their skills, covering core health communication theories, campaign practices, and state-of-the-art technology. Graduates will be prepared to:
Apply communication theory to create effective health-related content.
Learn to combine practical health communication strategies with theoretical insights for effective planning.
Use state of the art digital innovations like AI,, social media, VR, and big data in health communication.
Learn research skills for audience analysis/segmentation and program evaluation
Expand your expertise and open new career opportunities with the HRC-GC.
If you are a current student, the Health and Risk Communication Graduate Certificate (HRC-GC) is an excellent way to expand your skillset. This certificate is particularly beneficial for students pursuing an M.A. or Ph.D. in communication- or health-related fields.
Advanced Training: Gain expertise in health communication, risk management, and strategic communication.
Interdisciplinary Skills: Ideal for students in nursing, kinesiology, healthcare management, and related disciplines.
Practical Application: Learn to communicate complex health information and manage health-related content.
Career Enhancement: Stand out in the job market with skills to improve patient education and design effective health campaigns.
Expand your expertise and open new career opportunities with the HRC-GC.
