Online Public Relations (PR) Certificate Programs

The field of public relations involves marketing information about businesses, events and even people. Busy professionals who can't go back to school full-time could complete an online certificate program, at the graduate or professional level. In many cases, these courses can be completed online, with an option to take courses in a traditional classroom.

Overview of Online Professional and Graduate Public Relations Certificates

At many colleges and universities, students may find public relations content within marketing or journalism programs. Other schools offer PR training in stand-alone public relations programs. In many cases, students are required to complete certain courses, like writing for the media, prior to admission into the certificate program. A bachelor's degree may be required for admittance into a graduate-level certificate program, or it may only be highly recommended.

Requirements and Information for Online PR Study

Coursework and testing may be offered entirely online, or students may have an option to take courses in a traditional classroom at the same time. These programs can require from 8.5 credits to 12 or more credits. They often specify a maximum time limit for an individual to complete the program. Courses may have a fixed start and end date, and students may need to go to a specific site for proctored examinations.
One of the most important tools for online students is a working computer with a reliable Internet connection. Specific Internet browsers may be recommended. Software necessities may include PDF readers or video and multimedia players. Some courses do require textbooks. These requirements will be spelled out in program descriptions and upon enrollment.

List of Popular Online Public Relations Courses

Required courses vary from school to school, but in general, online public relations certificate programs require courses in writing, research and planning for PR campaigns. Use of social media and building relationships with traditional media are two other topics that may be covered. Some programs have set curricula; others allow students to completely tailor their programs to their interests.

Public Relations Writing

Many programs begin with a writing course that includes instruction on production of material for a variety of formats. Students also learn to focus their messages for varied audiences.

Public Relations Principles

Principles of PR courses include a job description of a public relations specialist. These courses often touch on the different settings where an individual in PR may work, whether in a general communications role or for specific crisis-related functions.

Planning and Research for Public Relations Specialists

Individuals learn about the various methods of conducting research in a variety of courses. Within research classes, some programs include instruction on creation of public relations plans meant to spread a specific message.

Using Social Media

With the popularity of sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, blogs and other social media tools, a public relations professional has tools for spreading messages wider than traditional media may reach. Some online programs include courses that teach students to use these tools to their advantage in a public-relations setting.

Professional Certification

Public relations professionals who are members of the Public Relations Society of America may earn the Accredited in Public Relations credential through the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB). For those who have five years of experience and a bachelor's degree, the process includes a review of written submissions, a portfolio and an interview with a 3-member interview board. After the readiness review comes a computer-based test. Successful candidates earn professional certification. The Accredited Business Communicator designation (ABC) is available through the International Association of Business Communicators.

Career Information

Public relations specialists may start their own businesses, working for clients who need marketing or community relations assistance. Others work in corporate communication departments, in government positions or with news services.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2008, more than 275,000 U.S. individuals were employed as public relations specialists. In May 2008, the median wage for public relations professionals was just over $51,000. The bottom 10 percent of public relations specialists earned less than $30,000 annually, while the top 10 percent brought home more than $97,000.