Public relations courses can help you learn media relations, crisis communication, brand management, and strategic messaging. You can build skills in audience analysis, content creation, and effective storytelling. Many courses introduce tools like press release software, social media management platforms, and analytics tools, that support measuring campaign success and engaging with diverse audiences.

Skills you'll gain: Media Relations, Proofreading, Public Relations, Stakeholder Analysis, Integrated Marketing Communications, Marketing Communications, Public Affairs, Content Management, Web Content, Performance Reporting, Storytelling, Content Management Systems, Press Releases, Strategic Communication, Content Strategy, Report Writing, Content Marketing, Social Media Content, Marketing Effectiveness, Generative AI
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

University of Colorado Boulder
Skills you'll gain: Press Releases, Strategic Communication, Media Relations, Public Relations, Marketing and Public Relations, Crisis Management, Corporate Communications, Marketing Communications, Corporate Sustainability, Brand Strategy, Storytelling, Branding, Business Ethics, Social Media, Communication Strategies, Persuasive Communication, Professional Networking, Writing, Research, Stakeholder Engagement
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Microsoft
Skills you'll gain: Media Relations, Public Relations, Target Audience, Communication Planning, Marketing and Public Relations, Strategic Communication, Generative AI Agents, Corporate Communications, Performance Metric, Generative AI, Content Creation, Goal Setting, Ethical Standards And Conduct
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

IE Business School
Skills you'll gain: Marketing Communications, Integrated Marketing Communications, Advertising, Marketing, Marketing Budgets, Brand Marketing, Communication Planning, Marketing Planning, Brand Strategy, Brand Management, Brand Loyalty, Branding, Marketing Management, Campaign Management, Marketing Strategy and Techniques, Media Planning, Brand Awareness, Promotional Strategies, Consumer Behaviour, Communication
Build toward a degree
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of Colorado Boulder
Skills you'll gain: Strategic Communication, Public Relations, Marketing and Public Relations, Corporate Communications, Media Relations, Corporate Sustainability, Business Ethics, Persuasive Communication, Branding, Professional Networking, Research, Stakeholder Engagement
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Starweaver
Skills you'll gain: Target Audience, Public Relations, Strategic Communication, Corporate Communications, Crisis Management, Marketing and Public Relations, Persuasive Communication, Marketing Effectiveness, Content Performance Analysis, Media and Communications, Marketing Budgets, Persona Development, Campaign Management, Stakeholder Analysis, Technology Strategies, Smart Goals, Teamwork, Ethical Standards And Conduct
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

IESE Business School
Skills you'll gain: Storytelling, Public Speaking, Oral Expression, Presentations, Verbal Communication Skills, Persuasive Communication, Content Creation, Drive Engagement, Writing, Non-Verbal Communication, Active Listening
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Michigan
Skills you'll gain: Tactfulness, Public Speaking, Storytelling, Verbal Communication Skills, Persuasive Communication, Non-Verbal Communication, Communication, Cognitive flexibility, Presentations, Ingenuity, Interpersonal Communications, Communication Strategies, Empathy, Composure, Social Skills, Professionalism, Active Listening, Optimism, Driving engagement, Creativity
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Media Planning, Social Media Marketing, Google Ads, Email Marketing, Social Media Strategy, Order Fulfillment, Social Media Management, Search Engine Optimization, Performance Measurement, Spreadsheet Software, A/B Testing, Digital Marketing, E-Commerce, Campaign Management, Loyalty Programs, Customer Retention, Marketing, Interviewing Skills, Professional Development
Build toward a degree
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Paid media, Social Media Marketing, Social Media Management, Social Media, Target Audience, Social Media Campaigns, Marketing Budgets, Smart Goals, Social Media Strategy, Marketing Effectiveness, Instagram, Marketing Analytics, Advertising Campaigns, Content Creation, Campaign Management, Online Advertising, Marketing, Presentations, Digital Marketing, Brand Management
Build toward a degree
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

Coursera
Skills you'll gain: Generative AI Agents, Public Relations, Content Creation, Marketing and Public Relations, Responsible AI, Media Relations, Productivity Software, Crisis Management, Prompt Engineering, Team Leadership, Promotions and Campaigns, Social Media Campaigns
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of Colorado Boulder
Skills you'll gain: Press Releases, Media Relations, Public Relations, Strategic Communication, Marketing Communications, Brand Strategy, Storytelling, Social Media, Communication Strategies, Branding, Writing
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Public relations courses cover a variety of topics essential for managing an organization's communication with the public. These include the fundamentals of public relations, media relations, and strategic communication planning. Learners will explore topics such as crisis communication, social media management, and content creation. Advanced courses might cover reputation management, public relations analytics, and the use of digital tools in PR campaigns. Practical exercises and real-world case studies help learners apply these concepts to develop effective PR strategies.
Choosing the right public relations course depends on your current skill level and career aspirations. Beginners should look for courses that introduce the basics of public relations, including media relations, communication strategies, and content creation. Those with some experience might benefit from intermediate courses focusing on advanced PR techniques, crisis communication, and social media strategy. Advanced learners or professionals seeking specialized knowledge might consider courses on reputation management, PR analytics, or preparing for certifications like the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR). Reviewing course content, instructor expertise, and learner feedback can help ensure the course aligns with your goals.
A certificate in public relations can open up various career opportunities in the communications and media sectors. Common roles include public relations specialist, communications manager, social media strategist, and corporate communications advisor. These positions involve managing media relations, developing communication strategies, handling crisis situations, and maintaining a positive public image for organizations. With the growing importance of effective communication in business and public life, earning a public relations certificate can significantly enhance your career prospects and opportunities for advancement in fields such as corporate communications, media relations, marketing, and public affairs.