MARQUETTE — Northern Michigan University will begin offering a workplace intercultural competency certificate this fall. The program targets professionals who are employed in diverse work environments and desire an added credential for potential advancement, but did not take extensive post-secondary language and culture courses.

“The certificate is an important educational component for students looking to up-skill their professional training,” said Rebecca Ulland, head of NMU’s Languages, Literatures and International Studies Department, in a news release. “It is specifically designed so that students gain a foundation in understanding intercultural differences and how to communicate and adjust management styles to account for cultural distinctions. Professionals who acquire the certificate will gain a broader global perspective, second-language proficiency — basic, intermediate or advanced, depending on course sequence — increased awareness of cultural diversity, and intercultural competence.”

There is an online pathway for completion through NMU’s Global Campus for those who cannot attend classes in person. Sixteen credits comprise the interdisciplinary program: eight in language and culture; and four each in management and communications divided among three areas: language and culture, management and communication.

The workplace intercultural competency certificate can be completed in as little as two semesters, with two classes per semester. Students can also extend its duration to four semesters, including the summer session.

Ulland said NMU is targeting alumni initially because they know the “quality of the courses and programs they’re going to get.’

NMU is also offering a workplace intercultural competency academic minor targeting undergraduate students who want to expand their intercultural competency, but who cannot add extensive language and culture courses to their schedules.

For more information, visit www.nmu.edu/languages/wic.