University of Texas Permian Basin

What you'll study

The certificate comprises four 8-week, 3-credit courses. Students must earn a grade of C or better in each course.

• COMM 3310 - Modern Media in Society (8 weeks, 3 credits): Introduces the structure and content of contemporary communication media and how those media interact with culture.
• COMM 3312 - Media Writing (8 weeks, 3 credits): Focuses on preparing messages for various media; topics vary and the course may be repeated for credit when topics differ. Prerequisite: COMM 3310.
• COMM 3313 - Social Media (8 weeks, 3 credits): Introduces digital and social media, exploring media strategies and effects on individuals, organizations, and society.
• COMM 3314 - Topics in Media Studies (8 weeks, 3 credits): Examines current digital-media issues, with topics that may include sports, arts, law and public policy, science communication, media industries, or other applied uses of digital media.

Entry requirements

Admission details are those used by UT Permian Basin. SAT/ACT are optional and when submitted may support admission and scholarship consideration. Transfer applicants need at least 24 transferable credit hours from a regionally accredited institution and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0, plus official transcripts from all prior institutions. Incoming freshmen with fewer than 24 transferable hours must provide official college and high school transcripts, and SAT/ACT scores if within the university's stated requirements. Official transcripts must be mailed in sealed envelopes or sent electronically to the Office of Admissions. The general application fee is $40, with fee-waiver options described by the university.

Career prospects

The curriculum targets practical skills used across digital-media roles—social media content creation, media writing, digital advertising strategy, and communication-technology use—and positions graduates to add marketable competencies useful for roles in digital communications and content production. The program notes broader market growth in digital media as a driver of opportunity.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

The program page highlights affordability within the UT System and mentions use of test scores for scholarship consideration. Prospective students should explore UT Permian Basin institutional scholarships, transfer-student awards, fee-waiver options for eligible applicants, and employer tuition support as potential funding sources.