Student Comments

“[T]he backgrounds of the people coming in are so diverse. The professors do a great job in presenting the material in a universal way for everyone. The technology was updated and timely. A lot of the [information] was new to me and I didn’t know about it.”
Marcie Barnes, Business Systems Analyst, SAS, Cary, N.C.

"[The Certificate] was informative and allowed me to freshen up skill sets that have not been used before. I learned a lot from the various courses and they were very relevant to my line of work. I have used what I learned to improve and build upon the skills I had already possessed. Some of the courses reaffirmed what I had already known but other courses taught me new things that I didn't think about (i.e. information trapping, using [search engine optimization] methods, better use of social media and integrating it into a communication plan)."
Angela Brockelsby, Director of Communications, NC State University College of Design, Raleigh, N.C.

"I decided to enroll in this program...as a way to improve my skills on the job. What I didn't anticipate were the many ways in which the coursework, fellow students, and faculty would broaden my perspectives on so many levels."
Marina Calabrese, Communications Director, Medical Mutual Insurance Company of North Carolina, Raleigh, N.C.

"I would readily recommend the program to individuals that are interested in gaining a better understanding of the many facets of digital communication."
Tom Clapham, Marketing Manager, Duke University Health System/Duke Medicine, Durham, N.C.

"This program at UNC was perfect. It fit in with my schedule. It allowed me to complete the classes on my own time... and I think by taking those classes,that helped me advance further in my job."
Boris Hartl, Senior Web Content Strategist, Walgreens, Chicago, Ill.

"The [Certificate] program was challenging and really opened my mind; it was fun to be part of an academic environment again. The program is a great way for working people to do graduate school work … that helps them understand the changing digital world we all now deal with."
Blake Keating, Attorney, One Beacon Professional Insurance, Raleigh, N.C.

"I enjoyed each class in the certificate program. It was all so valuable; I wish I could do it again! I 'met' people in my classes with whom I'm still in contact via social media. I value them as colleagues and online friends and I find I'm still learning from them."
Amanda Kelso, Associate Director, Global Education for Undergraduates, Duke University, Durham, N.C.

“I graduated from UNC journalism as an undergrad.  I had never had an online education before; it was just terrific.  It takes a couple of weeks to get used to how things work, to get used to Blackboard, to manage your time to do all the readings.  Once you figure all of that out after the first couple of weeks, it’s a great experience. And you feel close to your counterparts and your professor because you’re a part of this online community with this vibrance.”
Teresa Kriegsman, Former Design Editor, The News and Observer, Raleigh, N.C.

"The program exceeded my expectations in the amount of new information I learned. Although it was like drinking from a fire hose at times, the class discussion was very helpful because it allowed students to share experiences and their knowledge, which built on the course content."
Al Lunt, Doctrine Developer/Analyst, U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, Fort Bragg, N.C.

"The Certificate program armed me with a new set of skills that I could apply to my current position. Overall, I had a great time with the certificate program and would do it again."
Trey Mayo, Academic Services Coordinator, Department of Modeling, Simulation and Visualization Engineering, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Va.

“My purpose in getting the [Certificate] was to prepare for what’s ahead. Everything on television is going online. I was preparing myself for what’s down the road. I feel like I’m certainly in a better position.”
Raphael Seth, Producer, NBC Network News, Charlotte, N.C.

"I use what I learned every day to help clients make decisions about their own Web communications and to determine how the Internet can fit into a strategic communication and business plan."
Amelia Townsend, Director of Communications, Finishing Contractors Association, Vienna, Va.

"I manage Web content for several organizations, both volunteer and paid. This program has increased my knowledge and ability to excel in my job. I believe that the skill set I've gained in this program will help me secure additional clients in the future."
Ashlie White, Director of Project Development, Adaptive Technologies, Inc., Raleigh, N.C.

"The Certificate program was a fantastic way for me to take master’s level classes without leaving my job or changing my work schedule. The professors and staff are top notch and are constantly making improvements to the curriculum and the program."
Leslie Wilkinson, Managing Editor, Turner Sports, NASCAR.com, Altanta, Ga.

What advice would you give to someone considering the program?

"I would encourage them to do it. The online aspect of the courses made it possible to enroll while working full time. The workload was substantial, but the course content was so interesting I almost didn't notice except when crunch times at work and in class coincided."

"Online learning can be challenging in terms of the time commitment. So pace yourself and have fun."

"Use your time wisely--time management is key. Also, do not be afraid to voice your concerns or opinions because sometimes what you bring can enlighten others."

"Don't hold back. The most intimidating aspect of the program is participating in the online discussion board. This is a time-intensive requirement in each class. The more involved you can be--the more you express your ideas, concerns, comments--the more you gain from the program. In some cases, I learned as much from my classmates as I did from my instructors."