Professional Communication Certificate

In today's dynamic professional landscape, effective communication isn't just a soft skill — it's a critical driver of success for leaders and managers. The Certificate in Professional Communication is for professionals like you who are committed to enhancing their leadership capabilities and accelerating their career trajectory.

Complete four required courses and one elective course (5 total courses) within 3 years.

Registering for the full certificate from this page incurs no cost. It declares your intention to complete the certificate and gives you access to the Certificate Hub and an exclusive 10% discount.

Strong communication underpins every successful initiative, project, and team.

Effective communication

• Enhances team productivity and efficiency
• Creates stronger professional relationships
• Minimizes misunderstandings
• Cultivates greater team cohesion and engagement
• Builds your individual credibility and impact as a trusted leader
• Improves stakeholder satisfaction

This certificate program empowers you with the communication skills essential for navigating complex professional challenges, fostering high-performing teams and building a reputation for influence and credibility.

At a glance
Required Courses

• Communication Skills for Challenging Conversations
• Conflict in the Workplace: Crafting and Adapting Your Role in Resolution
• Consensus Building through Effective Communication and Collaboration
• Mastering Modern Presentation Skills

Elective Courses

• Intrapersonal Communication: How Your Inner Voice Influences Your Outer World
• Professional Writing: Effective Workplace Communication

When
Most classes are offered twice per year and divided into half-days of live online instruction, or a blend of live and self-paced learning.

Where
All classes are delivered online via Zoom and Canvas platforms.

Cost
Approximately $2,405-$2,990. Register from this page to access a 10% discount. Continuing education credits CEUs for the total certificate are approximately 5.5-5.8, representing 55-58 instructional hours. Contact Brittany Browning at [email protected]

Who Should Enroll

Content in this certificate's coursework is geared towards current, seasoned, or aspiring leaders, but the certificate is open to anyone who has an interest in the subject areas.

Coursework

The certificate requires completing a series of four core required courses plus one elective. Most courses involve some degree of pre-work, such as completing an assessment. Pre-work expectations are presented in course descriptions, course materials and course announcements.

Courses must be completed within three years from the start of the first class to earn the certificate.

Additional Details
The certificate's classes are not transferable to for-credit courses at UW–Madison or other UW for-credit programs.

There are no formal requirements or eligibility limits for the certificate other than proficiency in English. In general, learners are supported by their organizations to engage in the series, so if language proficiency is not strong, your organization may be able to assist.

Because certificate classes are only one or two days (with some divided into half-days), missed days must be made up. Classes within the certificate are offered once or twice annually, so makeup dates can be reasonably scheduled.

Registration

Each course is priced individually. Payment is made at the time of registration. Course prices are updated on official course listings and promotions.

Registration cancellation carries a $50 administrative fee, though a substitute learner may be sent. Cancellation less than three business days before the start of the class or non-attendance requires full payment. See individual class listings for exact cancellation fees.

By participating in this class you will earn:

Instructional Hours	55
University of Wisconsin Continuing Education Units	5.5

Explanation of Continuing Education Hours