Program Overview

---

Public Relations Certificate

Engage audiences with great storytelling

In the age of social media, public relations staff play a vital role to ensure that their organization not only builds a positive reputation, but also engages customers and grows in influence.

To enable you to seize opportunities in this fast-moving field, UFV’s Public Relations program equips you with practical knowledge in public relations, social media, image management, public speaking, media relations, and writing. These sought-after skills qualify you for varied employment opportunities or career advancement and are applicable across a wide range of disciplines.

Credential, Format, and Delivery

• Credential: Certificate
• Format: Part time
• Delivery: Online courses with no scheduled meeting times; practicum in person at an assigned work site

Duration and Tuition

• Duration: 1–3 years
• Tuition: Approximately $3900. Tuition is paid per course.

Practicum and Application Deadline

• Practicum required: Yes
• Application deadline: Students can apply at any time and will be considered for the next available intake.

Entrance Requirements

View entrance requirements in the UFV Academic Calendar.

Program Outline

Courses

To complete the Public Relations certificate, you must complete 12 courses and a practicum.

• These courses can be taken in any order, so you can start the program in Fall, Winter, or Spring.
• The courses in this program have no prerequisites. However, please note that you must complete all the courses before qualifying for the practicum.
• Each course is usually offered once per year.
• All courses are held online with no scheduled meeting times.

Courses are offered on the following schedule:

• Fall — September to December
  • (PR01) Fundamentals of Public Relations | Online | 15 | 3
  • (PR03) Storytelling that Matters: Public Speaking | Online | 15 | 3
  • (PR07) Persuasive Messaging | Online | 15 | 3
  • (PR10) Building a Media Kit | Online | 5 | 1
• Winter — January to April
  • (PR02) Social Media and Digital Citizenship | Online | 15 | 3
  • (PR04) Ask and Answer: Skills for Interviews | Online | 15 | 3
  • (PR05) Writing for the Internet | Online | 15 | 3
  • (PR06) Impression Management | Online | 15 | 3
  • (PR12) Marketing 21st Century Style | Online | 5 | 1
• Spring — May to August
  • (PR08) Visual Communications | Online | 15 | 3
  • (PR09) Copyright and Legal Issues | Online | 15 | 3
  • (PR11) Employment Messaging | Online | 5 | 1
  • (PR13) Practicum | Off site | Mon-Fri | 2

Please note that the Course Schedule is subject to change.

Practicum

Students complete a two-week practicum at the end of their program that provides a meaningful work-like experience and exposure to a professional records management setting. To qualify for the practicum, you must have successfully completed courses within the program.

Graduation

When you've completed all required courses and met the grade requirements, you can apply for graduation. Please note there is a graduation application fee.

Withdrawal Deadlines

See the School of Continuing Education's refund and withdrawal schedule.

Employment Facts

According to Money Magazine, the public relations field has high expected job growth. With the proliferation of social media and non-traditional media outlets, most companies need assistance with engaging their audiences and building a positive public image. As a consequence, PR jobs now exist not only with agencies, but also in-house for a variety of businesses, non-profits, and public sector organizations.

Sample Occupational Titles

• Public Relations Specialist
• Communications Specialist
• Community Relations Coordinator
• Social Media Manager
• Media Relations Manager
• Brand Ambassador
• Advocacy Officer
• Press Secretary
• Publicist
• Public Relations Coordinator
• Information Officer
• Event Coordinator

Sample Industries

According to National Household Survey data, jobs in public relations and communications exist in every industry. Some sample industries include:

• Human Resources
• Administration
• Business
• Education
• Environment
• Marketing
• Government
• Nonprofit
• Consulting

Textbooks

To find your textbooks, use the UFV Bookstore's textbook search tool. Select "CE - Continuing Education" as your area of study.

Computer Requirements

You will need a computer or laptop (PC or Mac) with reliable internet access and up-to-date software in order to access your online classes. View UFV's technical requirements for online courses.

Additional Supplies

Basic school supplies, such as notebooks and pens, will be an additional cost.