Public Relations Certificate

Why a Certificate in Public Relations?

Public relations is a broad term that encompasses a multitude of communication functions that a Fortune 500 company, a small nonprofit, a celebrity brand or a college will need:

  • Marketing communication
  • Public affairs
  • Community relations
  • Social media outreach
  • Crisis communication, issues management, and image repair
  • Employee communication
  • Media relations

Public relations is a growing field of interest and employment. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook:

“Employment of public relations specialists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2014 to 2024, about as fast as the average for all occupations. The need for organizations to maintain their public image will continue to drive employment growth.”

What Will I Learn? 

This certificate integrates communication theory with practical application. Students will develop a portfolio of skills and abilities valuable to any employer: critical thinking, problem-solving, effective listening, trend awareness, persuading, and effective written communication.

Where Can I Work?

Students enrolled in this certificate can explore these career paths:

  • Media relations
  • Political affairs
  • Lobbying and public policy
  • Community relations
  • Human resources/employee communication
  • New media and social media
  • Marketing communication
  • Advertising

Certificate in Public Relations Courses

The certificate will require 15 credit hours. Students must earn a C or higher in each class to receive the certificate.

  • COMM 4383: Persuasion
  • COMM 2362: Introduction to Public Relations
  • COMM 3362: Public Relations Writing
  • COMM 4360: Communication Research
Plus one from:
  • COMM 4362: Public Relations Cases and Campaigns
  • COMM 4370: Issues Management

Additional Information

To learn more about the program, contact the Department of Communication at (409) 880-8153 or communication@lamar.edu.