Certificate

Public Relations

Spread your message and manage the reputation of organizations, brands, and individuals. In this certificate program, you’ll learn to connect with influencers, leverage mass media, and choose engaging digital tactics that help spread your message. Gain hands-on experience in researching target markets, developing public relations and communication plans, and measuring the results of your efforts.

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At a Glance

Classes Begin
September 11
Format
Term Length
10 Weeks
Admission
No GRE or GMAT
4 Course Certificate
Tuition
$12,896
Time
As few as 6 months
6 Course Certificate
Tuition
$19,344
Time
As few as 12 months
U.S. News Best Colleges
Top-Ranked University

U.S. News & World Report Rankings
Diana McQuarrie
Talk to an Enrollment Manager

Diana McQuarrie

Free Application


University College is committed to educational access, and given the difficult circumstances currently impacting millions of people, we are waiving application fees.

Skills You'll Learn


Craft targeted messages that connect with your target markets


Develop persuasive PR and communication plans


Analyze and assess the reach and impact of your message

Curriculum

Specialized Graduate Certificate in Certificate of Advanced Study in Public Relations requires completion of 16 credit hours (4 courses).

All students are required to complete a zero-credit Student Success Course.

4
Concentration Courses

Sample Schedule

Finish a graduate certificate in as few as six months or take up to a year. Choose your time to completion to get a better sense of what your schedule will look like during your certificate program.

Time to Completion
Year 1 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
4-Course Certificate Classes 2 2 0 0
6-Course Certificate Classes 3 3 0 0

Interested in a master's degree?


Explore our Master of Arts in Communication Management with a concentration in Public Relations.

Take a Course Before You Apply


We know how important it is to get started when you're ready and that's why you can enroll in a course before you officially apply.

Career Outcomes

Predicted outcomes for graduates of Public Relations


Public relations professionals can expect to see a 10% growth of employment as organizations continue to a maintain a public image, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The continued rise of social media will contribute to employment growth for public relations professionals.


Job candidates can expect the highest concentration of job opportunities at larger public relations firms and organizations with larger media exposure. According to Forbes, industries with the highest percentage of PR professionals include civic, professional, scientific and technical organizations.


U.S. News and World Report ranked Public Relations Specialist #2 in Best Creative & Media Jobs for factors such as salary and job market.

Job Titles

Communications Director
Community Relations Director
Public Relations Specialist
Public Affairs Director
Public Relations Director
Public Relations Manager
Consultant

Public Relations Director Salary: National Average

$90,585
(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Get Ahead with Career Services


One-on-one career coaching and mock interviews


Job database dedicated to DU students and alumni


Résumé and cover letter guidance

Hear from Our Students

Theme: Job Satisfaction
Flexible Online Classes

Flexible Online Classes

We understand the demands of balancing work, friends and family, and school can be challenging. That's why at University College, you can complete your program entirely online. Our online learning platform makes it easy to work anywhere at any time.

Advisory Board

Our programs are developed and updated with the input of advisory boards composed of industry leaders and employers. This ensures that you'll learn what employers are looking for, and gain the most current information with a view to future industry trends, connecting you to future success.

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Megan Castle
Communications Manager, Department of Transportation
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Erin Iwata
VP, Digital Marketing Heinrich Marketing
Rich Khleif
Rich Khleif
Senior Director-Communications, Connections, & Customer, Insights Oracle
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Lora Ledermann
Scream Agency
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Andy Mountain
President, GBSM
Bob Noguiera
Bob Noguiera
Director Human Resources, West Division Comcast Cable
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Julie Reeves
Vice President Marketing, Rachio

Featured Instructors

Accreditation

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Higher Learning Commission

University College programs maintain the highest level of accreditation offered by The Higher Learning Commission, one of the regional accrediting bodies recognized by the federal government. The University of Denver and all of its academic programs are regionally accredited by this commission, and regional accreditation is the highest standard for universities in the United States.

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