Program Overview

Introduction to Public Relations

Gain foundational knowledge of public relations along with valuable insights into different career pathways, whether independent, within an agency, or as part of an organization. You'll develop the essential skills for a successful PR career, including designing effective PR campaigns, managing projects, defining target audiences, drafting key messages and preparing and managing budgets. You’ll learn how to apply these skills effectively and ethically in areas of personal interest.

Overview

• Location: Online
• Duration: 5 weeks
• Tuition: $595
• Can be applied to:
  • Public Relations Certificate
• Automatically applies to:
  • Foundations of Public Relations Microcertificate

Upcoming Offerings

• Start Date: Thu, Jan 15, 2026
  • Schedule: Thu, Jan 15 - Wed, Feb 18 (self-paced within deadlines)
  • Location: Online
  • Instructor: Kylie McMullan
  • Cost: $595.00
  • Seats Available: 21
• Start Date: Thu, May 7, 2026
  • Schedule: Thu, May 7 - Wed, Jun 10 (self-paced within deadlines)
  • Location: Online
  • Instructor: -
  • Cost: $595.00
  • Seats Available: 25
• Start Date: Thu, Sep 10, 2026
  • Schedule: Thu, Sep 10 - Wed, Oct 14 (self-paced within deadlines)
  • Location: Online
  • Instructor: -
  • Cost: $595.00
  • Seats Available: 25

What you will learn

After completing this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

• Describe PR career pathways and the key skills of the PR practitioner
• Define target audiences and draft key messages
• Implement the steps and concepts for developing PR campaigns
• Evaluate the effectiveness of PR campaigns based on feedback and analysis
• Apply project management strategies to PR campaigns
• Develop strategies for budget management throughout the project lifecycle

How you will learn and be evaluated

• Prepare to spend 10 hours per week on coursework
• Expect readings and other assignments on a weekly basis
• Plan to access the course at least once every few days to keep up with your work and class discussions You will be evaluated on:
• Assignments
• Participation in online discussions

Learning Materials

No textbook is required. We will provide all course materials online.

Technical Requirements

For online courses, you will need a computer with audio and microphone that is connected to the internet. Canvas is the online system that will be used for the course.

English Language Requirements

To succeed in this course, you will need an advanced level of written and spoken English. If you are unsure whether your English language skills are sufficient, we recommend you complete the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with the following minimums:

• Overall band score minimum 6.5
• No band below 6.0
• Writing band score minimum 8.0 Please note we can’t refund your registration fees after the course start date if you find your English language skills are not adequate.