Family Communication ,Certificate
Interdisciplinary, Resilience, Studies, TRAUMA, aging, counseling, dynamics
Want to study how families communicate and grow? Learn to analyze family interactions, deepen your understanding of diverse dynamics, and apply insights to careers focused on relationships and community well-being.
In the certificate program in family communication, you focus on issues that affect communication within the family. This program complements the communication program by bringing together an array of courses with implications for the family unit, such as new media and health courses. You are also encouraged to take courses in other disciplines that complement the family-related communication courses.
- College/school:
New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences
- Location: West Valley
2026-2027 Catalog Year
| Requirement | Minimum Grade | Credit Hours |
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| Requirement | Minimum Grade | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
|
The certificate in family communication consists of 19 credit hours of coursework, of which a minimum of 13 hours must be upper division. A minimum of six upper-division credit hours must be earned through courses offered by the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences. All courses used to satisfy requirements for the certificate must be completed with a grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or better. |
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|
COM 312 Communication, Conflict, and Negotiation
(CIVI)
or
COM 410 Advanced Interpersonal Communication
or
COM 417 Communication and Aging
3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
COM 411 Communication in the Family
(SOBE)
3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
COM 485 Communication Portfolio
1 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
|
C | 1 |
| Family Communication Electives | ||
|
Students must complete courses from at least two different areas below. Students must also complete at least two courses outside of the COM subject.
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Students must complete courses from at least two different areas below. Students must also complete at least two courses outside of the COM subject.
Social and Cultural Elements of the Family Electives: Health and Family Development Electives: Technology, Media and the Family Electives: Community Application Electives:
6 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
|
C | 6 |
|
Students must complete courses from at least two different areas below. Students must also complete at least two courses outside of the COM subject.
Social and Cultural Elements of the Family Electives: Health and Family Development Electives: Technology, Media and the Family Electives: Community Application Electives:
6 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
|
C | 6 |
|
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.
|
This certificate program is open to students in any major. Students who wish to pursue the certificate should consult an academic advisor in the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences to ensure that an appropriate set of courses is taken.
A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded before an undergraduate degree is completed. A student who already holds an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:
- Synthesize theories and concepts relevant to family communication literature in a specific communication context (e.g., partner abuse, discipline of children, family conflict).
- Design communication materials that convey best practices in family communication based on theory and research.
This is a valuable certificate for students who plan to enter careers or graduate study in fields such as psychology, counseling, family studies, social work, medicine, nursing, law, aging, pastoral care, human services, media or communication technology.
School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
|
FAB N101
sbsadvising@asu.edu
602-543-3000
Program term definitions
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
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ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
