Upskill (Certificates)

The concepts of communication have never been more important.  Individuals consume more media from multiple channels than ever before in human history.  DWU’s certificate in Communication for the Digital Age will give individuals an advantage at home, in the workplace, in school or while volunteering.  Courses that are 100% online provide a foundation in communication theory and the ethical implications of communication. Individuals will use practical tools for communicating with target markets, including those that are traditional and more contemporary, such as social media. As part of learning about effective public relations, individuals will develop and implement realistic PR campaigns.  The certificate will also expose individuals to computer-generated graphics, imaging and photo manipulation using industry-standard software.

COM 205 Communications, Media & Society (3 credits)
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to important concepts and principles of communication in modern society. Material will cover the basics of communication theory, the history, structure, dynamics and functions of contemporary mass media, and the ethical implications of communication. This course will prepare students for courses in all four of the visual and digital communication areas of concentration. 

BUS 255 Contemporary Marketing Strategies (3 credits)
Students who engage in this course will learn strategies for improved understanding of various consumer and/or client markets and their associated behaviors. Students will also learn about, and practice using, practical tools for communicating with their markets, including those that are traditional and more contemporary, such as social media. Students will use hands-on learning to develop a content delivery strategy for one or more target markets. 

COM 315 Public Relations (3 credits)
Public relations theory and practice will form the two emphases of the course. Theory will be explored and discussed as foundation for the application of public relations concepts and strategies. Practice will be emphasized through a semester-long project in which students will be responsible for working with organizations in order to develop and implement realistic PR campaigns which reflect awareness of the significant knowledge and behaviors to achieve effective public relations. 

DMD 203 Digital Imaging (3 credits)
The course will provide an introduction to and application of computer-generated graphics, imaging and photo manipulation using industry-standard software. Includes lecture and laboratory. 

Total number of credits required: 12

Elevate your career with a certificate in nonprofit administration. Become an effective leader in the nonprofit sector by achieving the following outcomes:

• Analyze trends and forecasts for the nonprofit sector.
• Conduct a governance audit.
• Formulate an effective strategy for financial development.
• Assess community needs and design responsive programming.

NPA 101  Fundamentals of Nonprofit Administration (3 credits)
Throughout this course students will review how and why nonprofits are formed, including review of state and federal requirements, reflect on the role of vision, values, and mission in the formation and success of nonprofits, and analyze trends and forecasts in the nonprofit sector.

NPA 300  Governance and Management (3 credits)
During this course students will learn how nonprofits are governed and managed effectively by examining structure, policies and procedures of governance, understanding the role and responsibilities of the board and staff, and reviewing various training, development and management practices essential for effectiveness.

NPA 313  Resource Development and Stewardship (3 credits)
Throughout this course students will learn fundamental practices essential to funding nonprofit organizations. Topics covered will include grant writing, prospect development, donor relationships and recognition, case statement preparation, types of giving, and stewardship of resources. Students will also be engaged in experiential learning activities that may involve fundraising event assistance, writing a grant and analyzing an organization's fundraising strategy.

NPA 370  Program Design and Evaluation (3 credits)
This course helps students become proficient in designing and evaluating programming for nonprofit organizations. Throughout the course, students will discover best practices for program design and development, examine various methods and tools for program evaluation, explore strategies for communicating program outcomes and discover how to use program evaluation to inform improvement strategies.

Dakota Wesleyan University’s certificate in Organizational Leadership helps prepare individuals for leadership roles and is applicable to dozens of career fields. The certificate is 100% online and is designed to help you make progress toward an associate or bachelor’s degree. Courses provide individuals with skills like identifying a leadership style, communicating effectively; evaluating and applying leadership styles through case studies; exploring conflict and change management; developing insights into individual and group behavior; understanding organizational structure and culture; and honing communication, teamwork, analytical, and presentation skills.

BUS 315 Leadership & Communications (3 credits)
Students will study principles and examples of leadership, with special emphasis on servant leadership and developing the communication skills essential to effective leadership.

BUS 321 Organizational Behavior (3 credits)
Organizational behavior is designed to provide students with insights into individual and group behavior, and understanding of organizational structure and culture, and experience with analysis and application of various organizational management tools. This course uses a critical-thinking approach to reflect, address, analyze and interpret text, film, case studies and activities related to organizational psychology and development.  

BUS 220 Principles of Management (3 credits)
Students will examine the managerial process, including planning, organizing, staffing, directing and controlling. The class includes study of the relationship of these functions to the daily work of the manager and development of managerial skills. 

BUS 318 Conflict & Change Management (3 credits)
This course will explore the methods of understanding conflict and how to handle it in a professional setting. Students will practice conflict management skills including but not limited to mediation. This course will also explore change management in a professional setting and understand resistance to change, how to introduce and manage change, and how to handle the conflict that comes with change initiative. 

Total number of credits required: 12