Certificate in Digital Communication

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Boost your professional or academic career by mastering the communication tools of the digital age, while learning about the social media environment.

The Certificate in Digital Communication (CDC) helps students understand the best practices of social media, virtual worlds and emerging forms of online communication. Based on practical explorations of media theory, this program is ideal for students who want to pursue a career in digital communications. It's also geared towards students who want to augment their professional or academic pursuits with a powerful set of tools and competencies that include:

  • principles and production of social media, digital media and virtual worlds
  • online information and organization
  • creating and overseeing digital content
  • theoretical and practical application of virtual worlds and simulated spaces
  • producing and managing online communities
  • gaming, social networking, social movements, search engines, graphic design, digital imaging and website design
The Certificate in Digital Communication is open to any student who is currently completing an undergraduate degree at Western. The Certificate may be combined with any module/program and students across all disciplines are invited to apply.

Process

Admission Requirements

Students must be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program and have an average of at least 65% in 5.0 courses 1000-1999. While no particular background is required, Certificate students should be prepared to write essays at the university level. Admission is not guaranteed. If demand exceeds the capacity of the program, admission will be competitive. Course offerings vary by year and enrolment is not guaranteed.

Access to a laptop may be required for specific courses offered as part of the Certificate program. Students should check with the Faculty of Information and Media Studies (FIMS) regarding minimum specifications and performance requirements at the time of application.

Program Requirements

To complete the Certificate in Digital Communication, students must achieve an overall average of 70% in these 3.5 courses:

0.5 course:

  • Digital Communication 2001A/B - Social Media

3.0 courses from:

  • Digital Communication 2002A/B - Virtual Worlds
  • Digital Communication 2200F/G - Social Networking: Theory & Practice
  • Digital Communication 2203A/B - Introduction to Web Design & Digital Imaging
  • Digital Communication 2204A/B - Introduction to Graphic Design
  • Digital Communication 2309A/B - Fundamentals of Digital Marketing
  • Digital Communication 2310A/B - Social Media, Virtual Gaming & Networked Life
  • Digital Communication 2311F/G - Writing Across Digital Media Platforms
  • Digital Communication 3203F/G - Search & Discovery
  • Digital Communication 3204F/G - Search Engines & Web Data Mining
  • Digital Communication 3205F/G - Net-Work: Labour & Profit in Web 2.0
  • Digital Communication 3206F/G - From Arcades to Esports: Video Game Culture, Technology, & Industry
  • Digital Communication 3209F/G - Social Media & Organizations
  • Digital Communication 3210F/G - Virtual Worlds: Theory, Practice & Communications
  • Digital Communication 3304F/G - Special Topics in Digital Communication
  • Digital Communication 3307A/B - Special Topics in Digital Communication

NOTE: It is recommended that students consult with an academic advisor to ensure that they are fulfilling the necessary requirements for both their degree and the certificate.

How to Apply

To apply, most students will complete the Intent to Register process for the Certificate in Digital Communication. Intent to Register is a process that occurs each year that requires students to declare their status for the following academic year. Academic advising services are widely available during this time and students are strongly encouraged to consult with advisors to ensure they're staying on track.

Questions about the Certificate in Digital Communication should be directed to Undergraduate Student Services, via: fims@uwo.ca