You’ll build the skills to create more effective key messaging and persuasion in Advanced Public Relations Writing. Much more than grammar and sentence structure, students will delve into audience analysis, planning, and situational assessment to incorporate 360-degree mastery of their written content.
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Public Relations Certificate
Program Cohort, Registration, and Cost
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
Public Relations Certificate Overview
Become a master of influential communication with the leading-edge Rutgers Public Relations Certificate! We meticulously designed our six-course program for public relations professionals who want to strengthen their reputations and be more confident navigating the dynamic PR landscape successfully.
Earn the Rutgers Public Relations Certificate by taking six four-week courses. Each course is 100% online and asynchronous, allowing you to learn on your schedule. Our internationally renowned team of experienced instructors engages you in hands-on simulations, case studies, and collaborative projects to ensure the practical application of theoretical concepts. Delve into social media management, social media strategies, integrated marketing communication, smart PR measurement, advanced PR writing, ethics and the business of PR, and strategic public relations.
Elevate your expertise, build a robust professional network, and expand your diverse career opportunities. Enroll today—secure your PR certification, earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs), and become a certified public relations professional.
Who Will Benefit from the Public Relations Certificate?
- Public relations and public affairs professionals who are focused on growing their influence within their organization and with senior leadership
- Marketing, human resources, or other specialists seeing an increase in their areas of operation and internal communication needs
- PR practitioners with few in-house peers to guide their PR skill growth to create and execute campaigns and plans
- Public information officers that need to expand their abilities to impact a growing range of audiences and build reputations, trust, and credibility
- Social media specialists who are on the front lines of public perception
- PR agency staff and consultants seeking to add skillsets that will grow their business
- Journalists transitioning into PR who need to build skills well beyond media relations
- Non-profit leaders expanding areas of expertise or growing awareness of causes
- Lawyers and other legal professionals advocating for their clients or growing their footprint
- Candidates for certifications such as APR and ABC or advanced degrees
What You Will Gain from Completing the Public Relations Certificate
Advanced Public Relations Writing
Creating Trust and Reputation: Ethics Within Public Relations
Communication professionals are regularly challenged by environments that test their ethics. The Creating Trust and Reputation: Ethics Within Public Relations course will build the skills and competencies for students to recognize, anticipate, and evaluate ethical situations when creating and executing PR campaigns, then strengthen and navigate their communication approaches to provide principled outcomes.
Social Media Strategies
In the rapidly evolving Social Media Strategies, you’ll learn the latest techniques for influencing online audiences and how to assess and demonstrate your impact for senior leaders.
Smart Public Relations Measurement
Learn the latest techniques for influencing online audiences, assessing and demonstrating your impact for senior leaders by employing Smart Public Relations Measurements.
Integrated Marketing Communication
Public relations practitioners often influence or even lead other disciplines within their organizations, with Integrated Marketing Communication becoming an umbrella focus.
Strategic Public Relations
You’ll learn how to incorporate integrated marketing communication tools into your planning and create the customized solutions that form Strategic Public Relations, guiding your organization to measurable success.
Course Schedules
Winter 2025 Cohort
Course
*CEU Earned
Dates
Spring 2025 Cohort
Course
*CEU Earned
Dates
Measuring Your Communication Effectiveness
3.0 CEU
June 30 - July 27, 2025
Developing the Mindset of a Communication Strategist
3.0 CEU
July 28 - August 24, 2025
Increasing PR's Power Through Marketing Communication
3.0 CEU
August 25 - September 28, 2025
Fall 2025 Cohort
Course
*CEU Earned
Dates
Developing the Mindset of a Communication Strategist
3.0 CEU
October 6 - November 2, 2025
Powerful Storytelling for Contemporary Communicators
3.0 CEU
December 1, 2025 - January 11, 2026
Building Social Media Campaigns That Create Impact
3.0 CEU
January 12 - February 8, 2026
Increasing PR's Power Through Marketing Communication
3.0 CEU
February 9 - March 8, 2026
Measuring Your Communication Effectiveness
3.0 CEU
March 9 - April 5, 2026
Spring 2026 Cohort
Course
*CEU Earned
Dates
Developing the Mindset of a Communication Strategist
3.0 CEU
April 6 - May 3, 2026
Creating Trust and Reputation: Ethics Within Public Relations
3.0 CEU
May 4 - 31, 2026
Powerful Storytelling for Contemporary Communicators
3.0 CEU
June 1 - 28, 2026
Building Social Media Campaigns That Create Impact
3.0 CEU
July 6 - August 2, 2026
Increasing PR’s Power Through Marketing Communication
3.0 CEU
August 3 - 30, 2026
Measuring Your Communication Effectiveness
3.0 CEU
August 31 - September 27, 2026
*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.
Meet the Instructional Team
Getting Started
How do I register and pay?
- Create an account in Ancor if do not already have one.
- Once you've created an account, use the links provided by your CPS program coordinator to add each course to your cart.
Pay in full:
- Your discount will automatically apply once all the courses are in your cart.
- Enter your payment information and submit.
Pay as you go:
- Enter your payment information and submit.
- Each month, we will reach out to you to remind you to register for your next course.
What payment options are available?
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.
What will I receive upon completion?
- Public Relations Certificate
- Transcript
- Letter of Certification of Continuing Education Units
Questions?
For general program questions or to register:
CPS@Comminfo.Rutgers.edu
848-932-7169