Ridgewater College MENU ×
  • Logins
    • New Student Portal
    • D2L – Brightspace
    • Email & Office 365
    • Employee Portal
    • e-Services
    • MediaSpace
    • StarID
  • Bookstore
  • Library
    • Find What You Need
    • Library Services
    • Research Assistance
    • Contact Us
  • Calendar
    • Academic Calendars
    • Current Events
  • Contact Us
    • Appointments
    • Request Information
    • Staff Directory
  • Give
  • Athletics
  • Apply Now
  • About
    • Academic Calendars
    • College Governance and Policies
    • Data and Reports
    • Employment
    • Maps and Locations
    • Marketing, Communications, Recruiting & Outreach
    • President's Welcome
    • Vision, Mission, Equity & Anti-Racism Commitment & Guiding Principles
  • Academics
    • A to Z Listing of Programs Offered
    • Academic Calendars
    • Archived Catalogs
    • Areas of Study
    • Course Descriptions and Outlines
    • Course Catalog
    • Course Schedule
    • Customized Training
    • Minnesota Transfer Curriculum
    • Online Programs and Options
    • Study Abroad
    • Transfer Pathways
    • Types of Degrees
    • Undecided?

    Areas of Study

    • Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering Technology
    • Agriculture & Veterinary Technology
    • Art, Design & Visual Communications
    • Automotive Trades
    • Business & Marketing
    • Construction Trades
    • Cosmetology
    • Education
    • Health Care & Massage Therapy
    • Information Technology
    • Liberal Arts and Sciences
    • Mathematics, Science & Engineering
    • Occupational Skills
    • Peace Officer, Legal & Emergency Services
  • Admissions & Aid

    Admissions

    • Admissions & Aid
    • Admissions Checklist
    • Apply Now
    • How to Apply
    • Orientation, Advising and Registration
    • PSEO - Post-Secondary Enrollment Options
    • Visit
    • Why Ridgewater

    Cost & Financial Aid

    • Cost: Tuition & Fees
    • Financial Aid
    • North Star Promise Scholarship Program
    • Paying for College
    • Pay Your Tuition
    • Scholarships

    Information for Students

    • College in the Schools - Concurrent Enrollment
    • Incoming Transfer Students
    • International Students
    • Nontraditional Students
    • Online Students
    • Returning Students
    • Senior Citizens
    • Veterans
  • Inclusion

    About

    • Contact Us
    • Calendar
    • Equity 2030

    Employee Programs

    • Affinity Groups
    • Brave Space Discussion Groups
    • Safe Zone Trainings

    Student Programs

    • Multicultural Club (Willmar)
    • Multicultural Student Advisory Board (MSAB)

    Admissions & Aid

    • International Students
  • Student Success & Activities

    Student Success

    • Academic Coaching
    • Academic Support Center (Tutoring)
    • Advising and Support
    • Bookstore
    • Career Services
    • Counseling
    • Accessibility and Disability Services
    • Food Services
    • Housing & Community
    • Library
    • Multicultural Outreach
    • Student Records & Registration
    • Technology Services
    • Test Centers
    • TRIO Student Support Services
    • Veterans Resource Center

    Student Resources

    • Basic Needs Resources
    • Maps and Locations
    • Class Cancellations
    • Final Exam Schedule
    • Graduation
    • Star Alert
    • Student Emergency Resources
    • Student Forms
    • Student Health Resources
    • Student Rights & Responsibilities
    • Transcript Requests
    • Warrior Card (Student ID)
    • Student Workshops

    Student Activities

    • Student Life (Campus Activities)
    • Fitness Center
    • Lunch Buddy Program
    • Performing & Visual Arts
    • Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
    • Student Clubs & Interest Groups
    • Student Senate
  • Alumni & Foundation

    About Us

    • Ridgewater College Foundation
    • Board Members
    • Foundation Staff
    • Policies & Fees

    Giving

    • Why Give
    • Ways to Give
    • Give Now
    • Fundraisers & Events
    • Scholarship Donors
    • Recognition

    Scholarships, Support, & Resources

    • Scholarships
    • Prepare Your Scholarship Application
    • Student Emergency Resources

    Alumni

    • Alumni Services
    • Alumni Stories
    • Transcript Requests
  • Customized Training

    Customized Training Solutions

    • Commercial Driver Training (CDL)
    • Agriculture & Environment
    • Building & Construction Trades
    • Crane Operation & Certification
    • Emergency Medical Services
    • Healthcare & Human Services
    • Manufacturing & Industry
    • Motorcycle Safety
    • Nondestructive Testing
    • Workplace Safety & Compliance
    • Leadership & Professional Development
    • Workforce Development Solutions
    • Contact Us

Communication Studies and Transfer Pathway

  • Starting Cost: $4,237*
  • Apply By: January 5, 2026
  • Classes Start: January 12, 2026
Apply Now
Listen

The Communication Studies Certificate provides a foundation in oral communication skills that enhance work skills and complement many different programs of study. The Communication Studies Transfer Pathway is a solid educational foundation that can lead to a variety of careers that require two-year or four-year degrees. People strong in communication skills may work in media, social media, business, politics, or many other careers where communication is critical.

Students learn skills in:

  • Public speaking
  • Small group communication
  • Interpersonal communication
  • Intercultural communication
  • Written communication

Some graduates go directly into the workforce, but many combine the certificate with other degrees and diplomas or transfer to a partner Minnesota State university to earn a bachelor’s degree in a related field to pursue more advanced careers in literature, mass communications, business, etc.

* Tuition/fees and additional costs are approximate and based on 2025-26 school year.
  • 16 credit certificate
  • 60 credit degree
  • Online courses
  • Start in fall or spring
Apply Now
Request Info
Financial Aid

Program Delivery

  • Fully online
  • No set meeting time; students attend lectures and access class materials according to their schedules
  • Fall and spring starts

Program Cost*

Tuition/Fees

  • AA Transfer Pathway: $13,601
  • Certificate: $3,619

Additional Costs

  • Books: ~$618/semester

Program Highlights

The Communication Studies Transfer Pathway AA is designed for a student to attend a partnered Minnesota State university:

  • Metropolitan State University
  • Minnesota State University-Mankato
  • Southwest Minnesota State University
  • St. Cloud State University
  • Winona State University

Awards & Certificates

Liberal Arts and Sciences AA Communication Studies Transfer Pathway AA Communication Studies Certificate

Careers & Jobs

  • Author
  • Journalist
  • Education
  • Administration
  • Marketing and Sales

Faculty

Beverly Knudsen

Beverly Knudsen

Communication Studies Instructor

Beverly Knudsen
Call Email

Beverly Knudsen

Communication Studies Instructor

MA, MS
Office F-124, Willmar Campus

Darcy Lease Gubrud

Darcy Lease Gubrud

Communication Studies Instructor

Darcy Lease Gubrud

Darcy Lease Gubrud

Communication Studies Instructor
Call Email
Dr. Bradley Wolfe

Dr. Bradley Wolfe

Communication Studies Instructor

Dr. Bradley Wolfe
Call Email

Dr. Bradley Wolfe

Communication Studies Instructor

Dr. Bradley Wolfe has been teaching communication classes since 2014.  He started as a graduate teaching assistant at Minnesota State University, Mankato for two years.  Then Dr. Wolfe worked as an adjunct instructor at MSU, Mankato and South Central College while earning his doctorate in educational leadership.  He started at Ridgewater College in the fall of 2021 as a full-time communication instructor.

Awards

2023 Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota – Outstanding New College Teacher
2022-2023 BlueSky Online Charter School – Outstanding Board Member
2022 Phi Theta Kappa – Paragon Award for New Advisors
2022 MSU, Mankato – Award for Excellence in Social Justice Education

Education

Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, Minnesota State University, Mankato, May 2020
M.S. in Teaching and Learning, Minnesota State University, Mankato, July 2022
M.A. in Communication Studies, Minnesota State University, Mankato, May 2016
M.S. in Cross-Disciplinary Studies, Minnesota State University, Mankato, May 2016
M.S. in Social Responsibility, St. Cloud State University, May 2013
Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership, Minnesota State University, Mankato, May 2016
Graduate Certificate in Communication Education, Minnesota State University, Mankato, May 2015
B.A. in Communication Studies, St. Cloud State University, May 2012
A.A. in Psychology Transfer Pathway, Ridgewater College, May 2024
A.A. in Liberal Education, Normandale Community College, May 2010
Certificate in Poultry Management, Ridgewater College, May 2024

Ridgewater College
Instagram Facebook LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
Request Info Plan Your Visit Enroll for Free Give

Willmar Campus

2101 15th Ave NW
Willmar, MN 56201
320-222-5200
Map & Directions

Hutchinson Campus

2 Century Ave SE
Hutchinson, MN 55350
320-234-8500
Map & Directions

Resources

  • Apply
  • Events
  • Title IX

More

  • Ridgewater College Foundation
  • Employment
  • Request Information
  • Employee Portal
Minnesota State

© 2026 Ridgewater College. All rights reserved.

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Privacy Policy Sitemap

© 2026 Ridgewater College. All rights reserved.   |   Privacy Policy   |   Sitemap

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Ridgewater College is an equal opportunity employer and educator.

Minnesota State
Translate »

4/10: College closed for staff and faculty professional development.