Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion

What you'll study

The curriculum focuses on building clear, audience-centered messages and applying communication strategies to support business and organizational goals. Courses use video, case studies and hands-on practice to develop confidence in public speaking and professional communication. Students also examine the role of emotional intelligence and explore how AI tools are used to support messaging, planning and audience engagement.

• COM-110
• COM-115
• WRI-235
• COM-211
• COM-209
• COM-280
• COM-352

Entry requirements

Applicants must be accepted either as a regular degree-seeking student or as an unclassified student. Unclassified admission requires proof of high school graduation. To complete the certificate students must earn 15 credit hours from the selected courses; degree-seeking students must take at least nine of those credits at IWU, while unclassified students must complete all credits at IWU. A minimum grade of C is required in each course.

Career prospects

The certificate prepares learners for roles where concise messaging, public speaking and strategic communication are valued—such as business support, leadership communications, customer-facing roles and organizational outreach. The practical focus aims to increase readiness for workplace communication tasks and to enhance effectiveness in team and leadership settings.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

IWU indicates financial aid options including grants, loans, scholarships, veterans’ benefits and employer reimbursement may be available. Tuition rates are locked in at program start for students who remain continuously enrolled; additional fees for resources or prerequisite and elective courses may apply. Prospective students can request cost sheets or speak with an enrollment counselor for details.