<iframe src="//www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-TJCKC2" height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe> Online Public Relations Certificate | Drexel Online

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  • Online Public Relations Certificate

    Drexel University’s online Graduate Certificate in Public Relations (PR) focuses on the basic building blocks PR professionals need. Courses cover the foundations of public relations, PR writing, PR planning, and strategic social media communication. Whether you’re new to the public relations field, are trying to expand your knowledge of PR, or find yourself needing additional PR training in your current position, this certificate will help you build a strong public relations foundation.

    What is a PR certificate?

    A certificate in public relations is designed to help current or future PR professionals brush up on the day-to-day skills they need on the job. Rather than take a broader view on communication or media, a PR certificate focuses on the specific skillset PR professionals need, like media relations, social media strategy, and crisis management.

    Certificate in Public Relations Program Features

    • Courses cover topics such as:
      • Strategic social media communication
      • Corporate social responsibility
      • Reputation management
      • Crisis communication
      • Media relations
    • Learn from faculty with experience in the field
    • Can be completed 100% online
    • Will prepare you for work in a wide range of organizations and industries
    • Credits can be transferred into the online MS in Strategic and Digital Communication program, should you choose to complete a full master’s degree

    How Long Does it Take to Earn a Public Relations Certificate?

    This certificate requires 12 quarter credits, for a total of four classes. Typically, this certificate can be completed on a part-time basis in one year.

    Unlike many universities, Drexel’s classes run on a quarter system. Each quarter is 10 weeks long, and there are four quarters per academic year. Learn more about the quarter system.

    What Does Someone in Public Relations Do?

    As a public relations professional, you will help promote your clients through unpaid, or "earned," media. Unlike advertising, PR professionals don’t pay for media representation. Instead, it will be your job to convince outside media entities to produce positive content about your client or create your own content for distribution. You may also have to handle public relations crisis situations. Some common skills PR professionals can expect to use on the job are:

    • Writing and distributing press releases
    • Pitching media outlets
    • Speech writing
    • Writing and blogging for internal and external outlets
    • Social media management

    How Do You Get Into Public Relations?

    PR professionals often have completed undergraduate or graduate programs in communication or a similar field. While not required, those new to the field may get an internship, either doing in-house PR for an organization or at a PR agency, to get first-hand experience and begin making connections. Networking is also a crucial skill for PR professionals, both in their daily jobs and in their career search. Joining an industry organization like the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) or its student group is a great place to get started. Drexel’s faculty can also assist in providing guidance to those who are looking to break into the field.

    What Type of Degree Do You Need for Public Relations?

    Many professionals entering the field of public relations will have earned an undergraduate degree, master’s degree, or graduate certificate in public relations, journalism, English, communication, or a related area. At Drexel, you can complete the Graduate Certificate in Public Relations or choose to pursue an MS in Strategic and Digital Communication. The credits from the public relations certificate will transfer into the master’s program, which provides a broader overview of the communication field.

    Related Programs


    State restrictions may apply to some programs.

    Curriculum

    This program is organized into four 10-week quarters per year (as opposed to the traditional two semester system) which means you can take more courses in a shorter time period. One semester credit is equivalent to 1.5 quarter credits.

    The curriculum and course descriptions for this program can be found in the Drexel University Course Catalog.

    Admissions Criteria

    • A four-year bachelor's degree in any major from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or an equivalent international institution
    • GPA of 2.5 or higher preferred
      • If your GPA is lower, please submit a 400-word statement summarizing your professional experience as it relates to public relations

    Required Documents

    With multiple ways to submit documents, Drexel makes it easy to complete your application. Learn more by visiting our Completing Your Application Guide.

    • A completed application
    • Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions attended (including trade schools)
    • Essay/Statement of Purpose
      • In approximately 500 words, describe why you want to enter the program
    • Resume
    • Additional requirements for International Students

    Tuition

    The tuition rate for the academic year 2023-2024 is $773 per credit.

    For the academic year 2023-2024, students enrolled in an online graduate academic program will be charged a graduate online program fee of $125 per year.

    • This program is eligible for Financial Aid.
    • Special tuition rates available for Drexel University AlumniMilitary members, and members of our Partner Organizations
      • These rates apply only to new online students and students being readmitted.
      • Tuition rates are subject to increase with the start of each academic year in the fall term.
      • All students must contact applyDUonline@drexel.edu within the first two weeks of the term to request tuition savings for which they qualify.
      • Special rates cannot be combined. If you qualify for more than one special rate, you'll be given the one with the largest savings.
      • When receiving special tuition plans with Drexel University Online, you may not combine them with other tuition benefits that may be available from Drexel University.

     

    Academic Calendar

    2023-2024 Academic Year

    Term

    Classes Begin

    Classes End

    Exams Begin

    Exams End

    Fall 2023

    September 26, 2023

    December 9, 2023

    December 11, 2023

    December 16, 2023

    Winter 2024

    January 8, 2024

    March 16, 2024

    March 18, 2024

    March 23, 2024

    Spring 2024

    April 1, 2024

    June 8, 2024

    June 10, 2024

    June 15, 2024

    Summer 2024

    June 24, 2024

    August 31, 2024

    September 3, 2024

    September 7, 2024

     

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