Online Foundations of Health Communication Graduate Certificate

Learn the Essentials to Lead in Health Communication

Boston University’s online Graduate Certificate in Foundations of Health Communication provides the essential knowledge, insights, and training to prepare you for work in the growing health and wellness industries, where business-to-consumer and business-to-business communication is vital. The curriculum provides a baseline understanding of health communication, including awareness of health systems and stakeholders, population-based research, campaign planning, and practice using health literacy strategies and plain language for diverse populations.

Healthcare is entering a transformative period. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, by 2030 aging baby boomers will outnumber children for the first time. By 2034, more than 77 million (one in five residents) will be age 65 or older. In addition to this predicted demand for healthcare needs, an increase in chronic lifestyle diseases—diabetes, blood pressure, asthma, arthritis, cancer, dementia, and other stress-related disorders—is helping drive expansion of the wellness industry, the value of which is poised to grow by $1,299.8 billion through 2024, according to a report by Technavio. Healthcare organizations, along with the many health and wellness businesses affiliated with them, will all need professional health communicators.

The certificate program develops the foundational and transferrable knowledge necessary for understanding and communicating with myriad audiences within the healthcare sector. For those whose work intersects with healthcare or wellness, the certificate provides an understanding of the systems, populations, policies, tactics, and practices necessary to implement effective communication within the bounds of regulatory, privacy, and ethical considerations.

Marketing communication professionals, brand specialists, consultants, journalists, analysts, clinicians, and business development professionals working in a health or wellness context have the opportunity to fill gaps in their existing knowledge, whereas those just beginning careers in these and related fields will gain the foundation to employ dynamic communication skills, understand the systems and complexities of the healthcare industry, and develop effective strategies and high-quality materials for stakeholder groups.

Curriculum

A total of four courses (16 units) is required.

Dates & Deadlines

View BU MET’s academic calendar for online programs, including important dates and deadlines.

Application Requirements

Learn about application requirements for BU MET graduate degree and certificate programs.

How You Benefit from a
Boston University Education

A BU credential can help lay the foundation for career advancement and personal success.

• Benefit from an average 24:1 student-to-instructor ratio.
• Work closely with experienced health professionals and faculty experts from across Boston University, including the College of Communication, School of Public Health, and Metropolitan College.
• BU MET’s Health Communication program provides practical, hands-on education that you can apply on the job.
• Study principles of healthcare and communication alongside peers with industry experience, learn from faculty who have valuable contacts in the field, and benefit from an alumni community with strong professional connections.

Graduate with Health Communication Expertise

Students who complete the Graduate Certificate in Foundations of Health Communication will be able to demonstrate:

• Awareness and understanding of the basic foundations, systems, framework, and complexities within healthcare, and the regulatory, privacy, ethical, and legal considerations inherent to health and wellness communication.
• The ability to interpret and apply basic communication research fundamentals to the field of health communication.
• Understanding of the methods, techniques, and best practices for developing high-quality, audience-specific health communication materials that are strategic, clear, and concise.

“The most valuable aspect of BU MET for me is the ability to blend academic rigor with practical application. The program’s focus on real-world skills and current industry practices has been invaluable. The curriculum’s relevance to my work in health communications meant I could immediately apply what I learned in the classroom to my [job position]. This not only enhanced my professional capabilities but allowed me to make meaningful contributions to my current organization and any organization I may join in the future.” Read more.

Advance Your Career

BU MET’s Foundations of Health Communication Graduate Certificate prepares you for a wealth of different roles in public health communications, patient advocacy, health education, community health organizing, healthcare marketing communications, patient experience, social media communications, healthcare administration, and crisis management among others.

Recent graduates have found job opportunities and career paths at companies such as:

Take Advantage of Career Resources at BU MET

You will find the support you need in reaching your career goals through MET’s Career Development office, which offers a variety of job-hunting resources, including one-on-one career counseling by appointment for online students. You can also take advantage of tools and resources available online through BU’s Center for Career Development.

Health Communication Faculty

Justin Joseph

Program Director, Health Communication
Associate Professor of the Practice, Public Relations, Boston University College of Communication

Felipe Agudelo Acevedo

Lecturer; Associate Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine

Alane Bearder

Lecturer and Program Facilitator
Digital Marketing Strategist, Strategic Communications Consultant

Interested in Learning More?