Communication: Public Relations Certificate (COMM-CC-PR)

This 2024-25 Curriculum Guide is intended as a reference for Fall 2024 registration. The complete 2024-25 Academic Catalog will be finalized on July 1, 2024.

The certificate program in Public Relations, bridging the disciplines of communication and business, is designed to appeal to several populations: new students considering a degree program in communication, employees in other areas of communication seeking retraining, and students with associate or bachelor’s degrees seeking rapid certification in the skills necessary for entry-level positions in public relations. The program is designed for maximum flexibility. Students who are already proficient in specific areas of communication or technology will be able to fill in the voids in their training by customizing their courses to their individual needs. Similarly, students seeking a broad range of training in all areas relevant to public relations-including marketing, written and oral communications and effective use of social media-will achieve a generalist’s knowledge.

Learning Outcomes:

• Design, implement and evaluate a marketing/PR campaign.
• Write for internal and external publications with an understanding of the needs of the target audiences.
• Establish media contacts.
• Serve as an effective spokesperson for an organization or business.
• Apply ethical principles to decision making and crisis management.
• Understand the role of the public relations practitioner within the context of mass communication.
• Understand the impact of print and broadcast media on the practice of public relations