Program Overview

Program Overview

The Center for Executive and Professional Education at Portland State University offers a comprehensive program in Strategic Communications and Public Relations. This program includes a course on Crisis Communications & Image Management, which focuses on communication strategies for dealing with crisis situations.

Course Description

The Crisis Communications & Image Management course (PR404) is designed to help participants understand the key concepts and principles of crisis communications and image/reputation management. The course covers the different types of crises that may occur, how to develop a communications plan before a crisis happens, and how to manage the flow of information during a crisis.

Course Details

• Format: Online
• Frequency: Once per year (Spring)
• Length: 4 weeks
• Cost: $659

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, students will have gained the knowledge to:

• Understand and apply the key concepts and principles of crisis communications and image/reputation management
• Identify potential risks/threats and crises that can befall organizations
• Understand the PR practitioner's role in risk identification, crisis communications, and image/reputation management
• Develop a crisis communications plan and prepare for potential crises
• Evaluate audiences and stakeholders to tailor crisis messaging appropriately
• Use effective communication strategies and channels during a crisis

The Learning Environment

This class is fully online and includes live, online sessions with the instructor.

Certificate Track

The Crisis Communications & Image Management course is part of a certificate program in Strategic Communications and Public Relations. The program includes four courses:

• PR401: Intro to Strategic Communications & Public Relations
• PR402: Developing the Strategic PR Plan
• PR404: Crisis Communications & Image Management
• PR405: Navigating Truth and Deception in Digital Media Courses may be taken individually and in any order, unless otherwise noted. To complete the certificate, all courses must be finished within three years.

Instructor

The course is taught by Kelly Bantle, M.S., a 25-year practitioner in public relations, brand and reputation management, marketing, and crisis communications.