Program Overview

Certificate in Public Relations

The public relations certificate at the University of Missouri-St. Louis builds professionals with expertise in crafting messages, promoting public images, and handling crises. It prepares students for success as they pursue a career in communication and public relations. The curriculum includes hands-on learning and real-world experiences designed to adhere to the requirements set forth by the Public Relations Society of America.

Program Overview

A student may decide to major in communication or add the certificate to another major to gain insight into communication research, the legal and ethical issues associated with mass communication, and gain an understanding of diverse audience dynamics, among other concepts. The beauty of a certificate in public relations is that it is easily pursued by students majoring in many other areas.

Career Opportunities

For example, a student in the department of education may also pursue a certificate in public relations with a goal of one day serving as the spokesperson for a local school system. Or a student studying music may also pursue a certificate in public relations with a goal of one day serving as a publicist for a local band.

Student Interests

PR students typically have an interest in:

• Writing
• Creative Expression
• Advocacy
• Planning
• Research
• Analysis
• Digital & Social Media
• Communication

Student Involvement

Students are invited to join the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) Chapter at UMSL. On a national basis, PRSSA aspires to advance the public relations profession by developing ethically responsible pre-professionals who champion diversity, strive for an outstanding education, and advocate for the profession of public relations.

The Barnett Agency

Students also have the opportunity to work at The Barnett Agency, a student-run organization at the University of Missouri - St. Louis in the Department of Communication & Media focused on providing clients with strategic communication campaigns and public relations solutions that are developed to meet clients' needs. Services provided to both on-campus and community clients can include:

• Communication research
• Content creation
• Writing
• Photography
• Social media management

Employment Opportunities

Our students are employed at various organizations, including:

• FleishmanHillard
• Nestle Purina
• Emerson
• Build-a-Bear
• Cigna/Express Scripts
• MoDot
• Perficient
• First Bank
• Show Me Sales
• Nymble Agency
• Switch
• PreventEd
• G2