Healthcare Communication Graduate Certificate

College of Creative Arts and Media

Master Healthcare Communication

The Healthcare Communication Graduate Certificate empowers professionals to lead strategic, data-informed communication efforts in the healthcare industry. With a focus on real-world application, this program blends marketing expertise with health literacy to drive behavior change and improve outcomes.

• Strategic Campaign Development: Learn to design and manage integrated healthcare marketing campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences.
• Health Behavior Insights: Understand the psychological, social, and cultural factors that influence health decisions.
• Emerging Tech & Trends: Explore the use of AR/VR, content marketing, and digital tools to enhance engagement.
• Legal & Ethical Foundations: Navigate the complex regulatory landscape of healthcare communication with confidence.
• Expert-Led Learning: Gain insights from faculty who are seasoned professionals in healthcare marketing, entrepreneurship, and academia.

Dive into an exciting curriculum that tackles the legal and ethical challenges in healthcare communications. You'll explore innovative content marketing techniques and cutting-edge technologies like augmented and virtual reality. Guided by expert faculty, the Healthcare Communication Graduate Certificate equips you with the skills to implement comprehensive integrated marketing communications strategies, setting you up for a successful career in the growing healthcare industry and preparing you to:

• Effectively develop healthcare communication campaign plans using an integrated marketing communications strategy.
• Identify the latest ethical considerations and federal guidelines associated with digital and social media marketing activities within the health care space.
• Plan content to utilize in web and social media assets: i.e. b/vlogging, video news letters, short video for social media site production, podcasts, etc. for public education, advocacy and/or corporate purposes.
• Identify target audiences and understand behavior change theories as they relate to healthcare marketing campaign planning for these audiences.
• Recognize how to brand, build credibility, and effectively manage public relations efforts.
• Demonstrate the benefit of cause marketing strategies for corporations, nonprofits and consumers.
• Recognize how AR/VR can be used in IMC campaigns to enhance user experience.
• Develop strategy and learn tactics and techniques that relate to the use of AR/VR technologies within a healthcare marketing communications campaign.
• Evaluate ROI for healthcare communications activities and public interest communication plans.

• Designate your Admission Type as Graduate Certificate. Under Intended Program, select Healthcare Communication (CG51). The primary delivery method is ONLINE.
• Pay the $60 non-refundable graduate application fee.
• Submit 300-500 word personal statement about your interest in the IMC program and how it will meet your career objectives.
• Submit resume that illustrates relevant and professional experience. Please convert your resume to PDF to ensure that no formatting is altered.
• Letters of Recommendation (optional). Input the name and contact information of each recommendation provider in the “Recommendations – Recommendation Providers list” section.
• GRE or GMAT scores (optional). The destination code for the GRE is 5904 and the GMAT is C2S-FB-24.
• TOEFL or IELTS Scores for International Students. WVU requires international students to submit their TOEFL or IELTS scores directly to WVU Hub, 62 Morrill Way - Suite 220, Morgantown, WV 26506. Use the destination code 5904 to have TOEFL scores sent. Generally, applicants whose first language is not English must submit adequate TOEFL or IELTS results before an application can be considered for admission: TOEFL (Internet-Based) = 79; TOEFL (Computer-Based = 213; TOEFL (Paper-Based) = 550; IELTS = 6.5.
• Request official transcripts from all institutions attended (other than WVU) and mail to:
• WVU Hub
  P.O. Box 6004
  Morgantown, WV 26506
• or email to: GraduateAdmissions@mail.wvu.edu

How to Apply

Tuition and fees are usually not the only educational expenses you may have while pursuing a degree. You may have other costs such as books, supplies, and living expenses. Visit the Estimate Costs and Aid webpage to estimate and plan for other potential expenses.

Tuition per credit hour is listed on the page of your program of interest. Please note, tuition and fees are reviewed and subject to change at the start of each academic year.

• Learn More about Tuition and Financial Aid
• Explore All WVU System Tuition and Fees
• Understand Restrictions on University Tuition Waivers

In the ever-changing and competitive healthcare industry, effective communicators are essential for developing integrated marketing strategies. Healthcare communications professionals play a vital role in ensuring clear communication within healthcare organizations and between providers, patients, and the public. Their work builds trust, promotes health literacy, and enhances the overall patient experience.