Graduate Certificate in Public and Media Relations — Online
The online Graduate Certificate in Public and Media Relations prepares graduates and communication professionals to excel in the latest skills in digital platforms, tools, and techniques.
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Customize your plan
We work with you to map your path to your goal.
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Learn from experience
From real-world case studies to employer-based projects, we prepare you to manage what comes next.
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Choose your focus
Whatever you’re passionate about, you’ll find the classes to sharpen your specialty.
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Study anywhere, on your time
Part-time or full-time, we move at your speed, to get you where you’re going.
Overview
There is growing demand for communication professionals with digital media skills and a strategic perspective on brand and reputation management. The Graduate Certificate in Public and Media Relations will prepare communication professionals who focus on external stakeholders for the challenges of a rapidly changing industry. This program focuses on developing strategic communication plans, crafting compelling messages, and performing audience research, while preparing students with the latest skills in digital platforms, tools, and techniques, and other skills that are needed to excel in the public and media relations industry. Courses in this program also serve as a concentration in Master of Science in Corporate and Organizational Communication.
More Details
Unique Features
- Choose from elective courses covering a range of topics on digital era skills
- Courses from this certificate can be applied toward the Master of Science in Corporate and Organizational Communication
- Online program design provides flexibility and interactive experience for working professionals
Program Objectives
- Equip graduates with the knowledge and skills to design and produce public and media relations campaigns using written materials, social media, audio, video, and web-based tools.
- Learn how to identify and anticipate audience behavior and expectations using primary and secondary research methods.
- Strategically design, implement, and evaluate campaigns that support organizational performance.
Career Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of public relations specialists and managers will grow by 12% and 13%, respectively.
Experiential / Co-op opportunities
Northeastern's signature experience-powered learning model has been at the heart of the university for more than a century. It combines world-class academics with professional practice, allowing you to acquire relevant, real-world skills you can immediately put into action in your current workplace.
This makes a Northeastern education a dynamic, transformative experience, giving you countless opportunities to grow as a professional and person.
Get Set with a Custom Course Plan
General Requirements
Required Courses
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 |
Elective Courses
Complete three of the following:
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 4.00 |
Now Let's Talk Admissions
You know where you are headed and you've seen how our program will lead you there. So let's get going. Here's what you need to know before you enroll.
Application Requirements
- Online application
- Statement of purpose (500–1000 words): identifies your educational goals and expectations from the program; please be aware that the university's academic policy on plagiarism applies to your statement of purpose
- Professional resumé
- Unofficial undergraduate transcripts; official transcripts required at the time of admission
- English language proficiency proof: Students for whom English is not their primary language must submit one of the following:
- Official associate or bachelor's degree transcript from an accredited college or university in the U.S., stating degree conferral and date
- TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, Duolingo, or NU Global Exam scores
International Requirements
Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply.
Global Engagement Learn how our teaching and research benefit from a worldwide network of students, faculty, and industry partners.
Financing Requirements
Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.
How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.
Cost and Tuition
Estimated Total Tuition
This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2020-2021 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.
Application Deadlines
Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis; however, we do recommend following the application guidelines below to ensure you can begin during your desired start term.
Spring 2021
| Recommended Admissions Deadline: | |
|---|---|
| International out-of-country application complete (start date: April 12, 2021) | February 8, 2021 |
| International in-country application complete (start date: April 12, 2021) | March 8, 2021 |
| Domestic application complete (first half start: April 12, 2021) | April 2, 2021 |
| Domestic application complete (second half start: May 24, 2021) | May 14, 2021 |
Summer 2021
| Recommended Admissions Deadline: | |
|---|---|
| International out-of-country application complete (start date: July 12, 2021) | May 10, 2021 |
| International in-country application complete (start date: July 12, 2021) | June 14, 2021 |
| Domestic application complete (first half start: July 12, 2021) | June 28, 2021 |
| Domestic application complete (second half start: August 9, 2021) | July 26, 2021 |
Fall 2021
| Recommended Admissions Deadline: | |
|---|---|
| International out-of-country application complete (start date: September 20, 2021) | July 19, 2021 |
| International in-country application complete (start date: September 20, 2021) | August 23, 2021 |
| Domestic application complete (first half start: September 20, 2021) | September 7, 2021 |
| Domestic application complete (second half start: November 1, 2021) | October 18, 2021 |
Winter 2022
| Recommended Admissions Deadline | |
|---|---|
| International out-of-country application complete (start date: January 10, 2022) | November 8, 2021 |
| International in-country application complete (start date: January 10, 2022) | December 13, 2021 |
| Domestic application complete (first half start: January 10, 2022) | December 20, 2021 |
| Domestic application complete (second half start: February 22, 2022) | February 8, 2022 |
Spring 2022
| Recommended Admissions Deadline | |
|---|---|
| International out-of-country application complete (start date: April 11, 2022) | February 7, 2022 |
| International in-country application complete (start date: April 11, 2022) | March 14, 2022 |
| Domestic application complete (first half start: April 11, 2022) | March 28, 2022 |
| Domestic application complete (second half start: May 23, 2022) | May 9, 2022 |
Summer 2022
| Recommended Admissions Deadline | |
|---|---|
| International out-of-country application complete (start date: July 11, 2022) | May 9, 2022 |
| International in-country application complete (start date: July 11, 2022) | June 13, 2022 |
| Domestic application complete (first half start: July 11, 2022) | June 27, 2022 |
| Domestic application complete (second half start: August 8, 2022) | July 25, 2022 |
Student Body Profile
Below is a look at where our communications and journalism alumni work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization.
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Where They Work
- Boston Globe Media
- Fidelity Investments
- Harvard University
- TechTarget
- MIT
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What They Do
- Media and Communication
- Marketing
- Business Development
- Education
- Art and Design
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What They're Skilled At
- Social Media
- Editing
- Marketing
- Public Relations
- Public Speaking
Learn more about Northeastern Alumni on Linkedin.