Certificate in Professional Development
Hours: 9 On-Campus Online
About
The Certificate in Professional Development at Fort Hays State University strengthens communication, writing, and presentation skills essential for success in any business environment. This certificate provides students with practical tools to confidently convey ideas through written documents and oral presentations across diverse professional contexts.
Designed for individuals seeking to enhance their career opportunities, the certificate helps participants distinguish themselves through polished and professional communication abilities. It is available both online and on campus, offering flexible options to fit various schedules.
Why pursue a Certificate in Professional Development at Fort Hays State University?
The Certificate in Professional Development offers a flexible structure, allowing students to complete requirements online or on campus. This adaptability makes it well-suited for working professionals and individuals with demanding schedules. The certificate focuses on developing advanced written and verbal communication skills, preparing students to confidently address a wide range of workplace communication challenges.
Additionally, the certificate’s curriculum is designed in collaboration with industry experts to ensure that the skills acquired remain current and relevant in today’s job market. FHSU emphasizes practical application, enabling those who complete the certificate to understand communication theory as well as effectively apply these skills in real-world professional settings.
Who is this program for?
This certificate is available online and on campus, offering flexibility for students to balance professional, personal, and academic commitments.
- Professionals seeking to enhance their business communication skills
- Recent graduates entering the workforce
- Individuals considering a career transition
- Mid-career professionals aiming for promotion
- Employees looking to improve their interpersonal communication abilities
- Those preparing for leadership or management roles
Learning Outcomes
The Certificate in Professional Development is designed to equip students with essential communication skills needed for success in today’s business environment. Its learning outcomes focus on developing a well-rounded skill set that supports both personal and professional growth, preparing students to excel across various business settings. Upon completion, students can expect to achieve the following key learning outcomes:
Craft Powerful Communication
Students will develop strong writing, listening, and presentation skills essential for impactful business communication. Through courses such as Business Communication for Professional Development and Strategic Business Communications, students learn to create compelling business documents and deliver presentations that engage diverse audiences.
Job Search Mastery
This certificate provides students with the essential tools to navigate the job search process effectively. Through courses such as Business Communication for Professional Development, students learn to confidently and strategically present their qualifications, enhancing their chances of securing desired positions.
Become an Adaptable Communicator
In today’s globalized business environment, the ability to adapt communication styles to diverse audiences and situations is essential. Through courses such as Strategic Business Communications and Global Business Communication, students learn to navigate complex intercultural interactions and virtual teamwork, preparing them to be valuable assets in any global organization.
Lifelong Communication Development
The Certificate in Professional Development fosters a growth mindset, encouraging students to continuously enhance their communication skills throughout their careers. Each course within the certificate builds a strong foundation in business communication while promoting ongoing skill development for long-term success.
Real-World Applications
Through the Certificate in Professional Development, students gain the skills to create clear, concise, and impactful business communications vital to any professional setting. The curriculum emphasizes practical application, enabling students to immediately apply their communication skills in current or future roles.
Additionally, the certificate prepares students to approach the job search process with greater confidence. By covering key strategies such as resume writing, cover letter development, and interview techniques, it equips students with the tools needed to stand out in a competitive job market.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
The certificate places strong emphasis on digital communication, preparing students to thrive in an increasingly digital workplace. By keeping pace with industry trends, the Certificate in Professional Development ensures students are equipped to adapt to emerging communication technologies and practices, providing a competitive edge in their careers.
The curriculum is regularly updated to reflect shifts in the business communication landscape, including the rising importance of virtual communication and remote work. This commitment to staying current ensures that students remain ahead of industry changes and are well-prepared to meet the demands of today’s dynamic business environment.
Hands-on Activities
Through interactive projects, students participate in practical exercises such as writing business reports, delivering presentations, and engaging in mock interviews. These activities build confidence and competence, enabling students to effectively apply their learning in professional settings.
This hands-on approach helps students internalize theoretical knowledge and transform it into practical skills highly valued by employers. Additionally, the certificate provides opportunities for collaboration on group projects, fostering teamwork and leadership development.
What You’ll Learn:
- Develop impactful business documents
- Enhance professional communication skills
- Master job interview techniques
- Learn effective presentation strategies
- Navigate the job search process confidently
How You’ll Learn:
- Online and on-campus coursework
- Interactive assignments and projects
- Real-world case studies and examples
- Collaboration with peers and instructors
- Feedback and guidance from industry professionals
The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere
Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $1,833.57* (on-campus) or $2,385.45* (online) per semester.
*Estimated cost based on 9 credit hours at the Undergrad resident/regional tuition rate ($203.73/credit hour) for on-campus courses, or the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate (265.05/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.
Ready for the next step?
Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.
Related Programs
Fort Hays State University offers related programs that complement the Certificate in Professional Development, providing additional skills in business communication and enhancing career prospects. These programs include:
- Minor in Business Communication
- Certificate in Business Report Writing
- Master of Liberal Studies (Corporate Communication)
- Master of Business Administration (Corporate Communication)
- Certificate in Workforce Development
Information about the Department of Applied Business Studies
The Department of Applied Business Studies at FHSU is committed to preparing you for a successful career in business by aligning your goals and abilities with the needs of the world. Whether you choose to study on-campus or online, our degree programs provide you with practical business insights, real-world case studies, and future-forward decision-making skills that are crucial in an ever-evolving field.
Our programs cover a broad spectrum of business disciplines, including business education, marketing, and tourism and hospitality management. Our immersive curriculum, taught by faculty who stay current with industry trends, will help you gain the knowledge and experience needed to thrive in various sectors, from small-town businesses to global corporations. Our graduates are highly sought after in the job market, and we take pride in our high placement rates and the success of our alumni.