In this course, communication professionals will build the strategic skills needed to move beyond tactical execution and grow into trusted consultants, advisors, and leaders.
Application Deadlines |
Bundle and Save on the Full Program |
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Fall 2025: Oct. 6, 2025 – April 5, 2026 |
$4,770 (Six courses)
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Spring 2026: April 6 - Sept. 27, 2026 |
$4,770 (Six courses)
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Monthly payment option: $795 per course for six months
Become a Strategic Voice in a Communication-Driven World
In today’s fast-paced, high-stakes communication environment, public relations professionals are expected to be more than media managers—they are strategic advisors, ethical stewards, content creators, and data-informed decision-makers. The Rutgers Public Relations Certificate Program equips both emerging and upskilling professionals with the tools, insights, and forward-thinking skills needed to thrive in modern communication roles across industries.
Designed for professionals who are expanding their communication responsibilities, making a career pivot into public relations, or looking to elevate their strategic impact, this six-course program blends theory, practice, and the latest technologies influencing the field, including artificial intelligence, multi-channel storytelling, and measurement tools that connect communication outcomes to business goals.
Rutgers developed this PR Certificate program by incorporating the strengths of a research-focused university with current industry best practices. The result is a contemporary curriculum instructed by practicing communication leaders to guide the student’s development of in-demand hard and soft skills, ongoing expansion of a deep toolbox, and generating the respect to guide senior leadership through organizational change.
A highlight of the program is the Public Relations Capstone Project, which gives students the opportunity to design a real-world campaign aligned with their career goals, organizational needs, and professional context, resulting in a strategic, portfolio-ready asset they can apply immediately in their work.
In this course, communication professionals will build the strategic skills needed to move beyond tactical execution and grow into trusted consultants, advisors, and leaders.
In this course, students will learn to recognize and evaluate ethical challenges, strengthening their ability to navigate complex situations and lead with integrity in their campaigns.
This course helps professionals harness the power of storytelling to strategically engage target audiences while integrating AI tools and crafting effective prompts to enhance their writing process.
In this course, students will learn to design and execute sophisticated social media campaigns by combining compelling content, visuals, strategy, timing, and cadence to maximize impact and online effectiveness.
This course equips students to strategically integrate owned, earned, shared, and paid channels, harnessing their unique strengths and measuring impact to amplify the effectiveness and value of PR through marketing communication.
This course guides public relations professionals through planning, measuring, and reporting campaign effectiveness using SMART objectives, industry frameworks, dashboards, and data-driven insights to connect PR efforts to real business value.
As the culminating experience, students will develop a comprehensive public relations capstone project tailored to their professional setting or aspirations. This real-world project allows participants to apply the skills and strategies gained throughout the program to design, present, and potentially launch a campaign that advances their organization or their career.
*Continuing and Professional Studies (CPS) at Rutgers University's the School of Communication and Information offers 18 Continuing Education Units (CEU) for the Public Relations Certificate Program. CPS maintains all CEU records and can provide documentation in support of CEU attainment.
Pay in full:
Pay as you go:
It’s quick and easy! Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Seek Employer Support
Many employers support the upskilling costs of this certificate program. Connect with your human resources department to understand your organization’s policy, and reach out to cps@comminfo.rutgers.edu regarding your next step.
Pay by Credit or Debit Card
Once you enroll in the program, a member of the CPS team will provide you with a link to the program and course registration. You may purchase this certificate’s bundled tuition savings or the monthly course rate. Online registration is completed with a credit or debit card. Registration is complete when your credit or debit card information is processed.
SallieMae loans may be suitable for you
Step 1: Apply here https://www.salliemae.com/
Step 2: Your application will come to our department for certification.
Step 3: Once you are certified and SallieMae approves your loan, reach out to cps@comminfo.rutgers.edu to complete your registration.
Students within Continuing and Professional Studies are not considered matriculated Rutgers University students and therefore are not eligible for Rutgers University’s financial aid.
For general program questions or to register:
CPS@Comminfo.Rutgers.edu
848-932-7169