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.
At a Glance
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.
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.
| 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
Public Relations Director Salary: National Average
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
"I think the return on investment for me is very tangible. It helped me get a higher-level role and it helped me secure a better life for myself." —Martha Brown, graduate.
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.
Featured Instructors
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Accreditation
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.