Certificate in Workplace Interpersonal Relationships

The Workplace Interpersonal Relationships Certificate (WIRC) is designed for individuals who want to learn how to foster positive interpersonal relationships at work, which can be achieved by understanding how conflicts start, gaining the ability to understand multiple points of view, and developing the strategies and skills needed to resolve and transform conflicts.

At the completion of the certificate program, you will be able to:

  • understand theories, concepts, and principles underlying conflict and its causes
  • understand the different perspectives of those involved in a conflict and be able to work toward a mutual understanding that can facilitate change
  • produce positive change, particularly in challenging environments.

This undergraduate certificate program is appropriate for students from varied academic programs who want to be effective leaders and workers in environments that are constantly changing.

For more information on specific classes, see our Workplace Interpersonal Relationships certificate information in the KSU Undergraduate Catalog.

How to Earn the Certificate

After Fall 2024 classes start, current KSU students can add the certificate in Owl Express using the “Declare or Change Major/Minor” link under the Student Records tab.

Students attending KSU only for this certificate will need to apply to KSU as an undergraduate student. On the application, select this certificate as the program of interest. 

Students should speak with their academic advisors before starting classes for the Workplace Interpersonal Relationships Certificate.

Certificate Requirements

This certificate has required courses that may be allowed as electives in some undergraduate programs. The certificate requires 16 semester hours (5 courses), and all coursework must be completed with a “C” or better. Course options include face-to-face, online and hybrid formats.    

Required Courses (10 Credit Hours)

  • SOCI 3370: Strategies for Conflict Transformation: Theories and Tools
  • SOCI 3374: Sociology of Work and Occupations

 and either

  • CMPD 4470: Alternative Dispute Resolution

or

  • POLS 4470: Alternative Dispute Resolution

Understanding Conflict Elective (3 Credit Hours)

Select one of the following:

  • ANTH 3307: Cultural Anthropology
  • HIST 4251: U.S. Social and Cultural History
  • ORGC 3376: Interpersonal Communication
  • PERS 2700: Perspectives on the World of Work
  • PSYC 3355: Cross-Cultural Psychology
  • SOCI 3333: Technology and Society

Conflict Management Strategy Elective (3 Credit Hours)

Select one of the following:

  • IPE 4413: Interprofessional Care and Collaboration
  • LDRS 2200: Contemporary Leadership Issues
  • ORGC 3459: Communication and Conflict
  • SOCI 3304: Social Organization
  • SOCI 4444: Social Movements and Social Change

Total Number of Credit Hours: 16

For More Information, Contact

Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice
Kennesaw State University
402 Bartow Ave MB#2204
Kennesaw, Georgia, 30144
Social Sciences Building (402), Rm 4057

Phone: 470-578-6739
Email: scjdeptksu@kennesaw.edu

©