Graduate Certificate in Cross-Cultural Communication — Boston
The Graduate Certificate in Cross-Cultural Communication is a unique program offering two paths: international or social justice.
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From real-world case studies to employer-based projects, we prepare you to manage what comes next.
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Overview
On the global level, communicators require awareness, agility, and strategies within multicultural environments. When considering social justice, the emphasis may not be focused on international cultural comparisons, but gaining understanding of unconscious perceptions that influence communication between various identities described by generations, races, religions, and socioeconomic groups.
Cross-cultural communication is the process of recognizing both differences and similarities in order to effectively interact with various groups in society. This certificate offers communication insights into a broad range of society and business needs from interactions at the grass roots level to boards of directors and public entities to global corporations. With effective skills in cross-cultural communication, one could seek opportunities in consultancy, governmental bodies, nonprofit organizations, public relations, sales, social service, and tourism. In addition, there are a vast range of roles within corporate departments, such as communications, customer service, development, human resources, marketing, and sales.
The Graduate Certificate in Cross-Cultural Communication will help to equip professionals with the knowledge and competencies to:
- Analyze personal cross-cultural awareness and implicit bias, in addition to interpreting organizational cross-cultural communication strategy to develop effective communication processes and activities
- Evaluate communication audiences from a holistic perspective, thereby constructing effective verbal and nonverbal interactions based on cross-cultural consumption
- Formulate enlightened cross-cultural communication and inclusive diversity strategies, processes, and policies
- Demonstrate critical-thinking skills through research, case analysis, role plays, and experiential learning demonstrating agility, quick response, and diplomacy employing cross-cultural communication strategies
More Details
Unique Features
- Choose from two paths: international or social justice
- This unique certificate combines traditional communications strategies with personal cross-cultural awareness
- This program offers International Field Study Experience, which includes on-site instruction in the region of study
Transfer Credit Opportunities for Certifications from Professional Associations
Successful applicants for the Graduate Certificate in Cross-Cultural Communication with their Accreditation in Public Relations (APR):
- Will receive three quarter hours of transfer credit – a 17% savings in tuition
- Will be able to earn a graduate certificate by completing five courses, rather than six
- Transfer credit is awarded for the following course: PBR 6100 Introduction to Public Relations
Experiential / Co-op opportunities
Northeastern's signature experience-powered learning model has been at the heart of the university for more than a century. It combines world-class academics with professional practice, allowing you to acquire relevant, real-world skills you can immediately put into action in your current workplace.
This makes a Northeastern education a dynamic, transformative experience, giving you countless opportunities to grow as a professional and person.
Get Set with a Custom Course Plan
General Requirements
Required Courses
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 |
Required Track
Students must earn a minimum of 12 quarter hours from one of two tracks.
Concentrations
Social Justice Track
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 |
International Track
| 4.00 | ||
| 4.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | 4.00 |
Now Let's Talk Admissions
You know where you are headed and you've seen how our program will lead you there. So let's get going. Here's what you need to know before you enroll.
Application Requirements
- Online application
- Statement of purpose (500-1000 words): identifying your educational goals and expectations from the program; please be aware that the university's academic policy on plagiarism applies to applicant's statement of purpose
- Professional resumé: Current resumé that displays job responsibilities, relevant experience, and education history
- Unofficial undergraduate transcripts; official transcripts required at the time of admission
- Cross-cultural experience: Students must have two years of experience in either a diverse and/or multicultural work environment, or they must successfully complete CMN 6080 Intercultural Communications
- Proof of English language proficiency: ONLY for students for whom English is not their primary language
International Requirements
Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply.
Global Engagement Learn how our teaching and research benefit from a worldwide network of students, faculty, and industry partners.
Financing Requirements
Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.
How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.
Cost and Tuition
Estimated Total Tuition
This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2020-2021 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.
Application Deadlines
Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis; however, we do recommend following the application guidelines below to ensure you can begin during your desired start term.
Spring 2021
| Recommended Admissions Deadline: | |
|---|---|
| International out-of-country application complete (start date: April 12, 2021) | February 8, 2021 |
| International in-country application complete (start date: April 12, 2021) | March 8, 2021 |
| Domestic application complete (first half start: April 12, 2021) | April 2, 2021 |
| Domestic application complete (second half start: May 24, 2021) | May 14, 2021 |
Summer 2021
| Recommended Admissions Deadline: | |
|---|---|
| International out-of-country application complete (start date: July 12, 2021) | May 10, 2021 |
| International in-country application complete (start date: July 12, 2021) | June 14, 2021 |
| Domestic application complete (first half start: July 12, 2021) | June 28, 2021 |
| Domestic application complete (second half start: August 9, 2021) | July 26, 2021 |
Fall 2021
| Recommended Admissions Deadline: | |
|---|---|
| International out-of-country application complete (start date: September 20, 2021) | July 19, 2021 |
| International in-country application complete (start date: September 20, 2021) | August 23, 2021 |
| Domestic application complete (first half start: September 20, 2021) | September 7, 2021 |
| Domestic application complete (second half start: November 1, 2021) | October 18, 2021 |
Winter 2022
| Recommended Admissions Deadline | |
|---|---|
| International out-of-country application complete (start date: January 10, 2022) | November 8, 2021 |
| International in-country application complete (start date: January 10, 2022) | December 13, 2021 |
| Domestic application complete (first half start: January 10, 2022) | December 20, 2021 |
| Domestic application complete (second half start: February 22, 2022) | February 8, 2022 |
Spring 2022
| Recommended Admissions Deadline | |
|---|---|
| International out-of-country application complete (start date: April 11, 2022) | February 7, 2022 |
| International in-country application complete (start date: April 11, 2022) | March 14, 2022 |
| Domestic application complete (first half start: April 11, 2022) | March 28, 2022 |
| Domestic application complete (second half start: May 23, 2022) | May 9, 2022 |
Summer 2022
| Recommended Admissions Deadline | |
|---|---|
| International out-of-country application complete (start date: July 11, 2022) | May 9, 2022 |
| International in-country application complete (start date: July 11, 2022) | June 13, 2022 |
| Domestic application complete (first half start: July 11, 2022) | June 27, 2022 |
| Domestic application complete (second half start: August 8, 2022) | July 25, 2022 |
Student Body Profile
Below is a look at where our Communications and Journalism alumni work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization.
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Where They Work
- Boston Globe Media
- Fidelity Investments
- Harvard University
- TechTarget
- MIT
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What They Do
- Media and Communication
- Marketing
- Business Development
- Education
- Art and Design
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What They're Skilled At
- Social Media
- Editing
- Marketing
- Public Relations
- Public Speaking
Learn more about Northeastern Alumni on Linkedin.