Public Relations Certificate

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.

Our program is 100% online and asynchronous, allowing you to complete your coursework around your schedule while balancing your professional and personal commitments. It is led by distinguished industry experts who bring years of experience, providing you with a rich learning environment that fits your busy schedule. You'll have the opportunity to learn from professionals who have worked with top companies and organizations, giving you direct insights into best practices and current trends in the field. These professionals bring proven experience and a forward-looking perspective, enriching class discussions and offering meaningful feedback on assignments and projects. You will gain the knowledge and practical skills needed to make an immediate impact and thrive in your career.

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.

Hear from Our Instructors

• 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

When you complete the program, you’ll receive a digital certificate and badge—credentials that can be shared on LinkedIn or in your professional portfolio to demonstrate your continued growth and expertise. You’ll also receive an official transcript documenting your coursework, which can be valuable for employer reimbursement, internal advancement, or future academic pathways

• Digital Badge and Certificate
• Transcript