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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Enrollment
Full-Time, Part-Time
Entry Terms
Fall, Spring, Winter
Completion Time
6-12 months
F1 Visa Eligible
No
Program Type
Online

Overview

Northeastern’s Graduate Certificate in Public and Media Relations equips communication professionals with the conceptual knowledge and practical skills to design and produce public and media relations campaigns using written materials, social media, audio, video, and web-based tools.  

This certificate prepares you for the challenges of working in a rapidly changing industry by enabling you to focus on external stakeholders with a strategic perspective on brand and reputation management.  

Targeted coursework throughout this certificate program allows you to build and refine skills in multiple areas critical to success as a public and media relations professional. These include how to develop effective communication plans, craft compelling messages and perform audience research. 

Program objectives 

  • Build 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. 
  • Be able to strategically design, implement, and evaluate campaigns that support organizational performance. 

Unique Features 

  1. Choose from elective courses covering a range of topics on digital era skills 
  2. Credits earned from this certificate can be applied toward the Master of Science in Corporate and Organizational Communication 
  3. Online program design provides flexibility and interactive experience for working professionals 

Career Prospects

$129,430

Avg. Salary, PR manager

$68,230

Avg. Salary, Market research analyst

Get Set With a Custom Course Plan

Please note: The following is a sample curriculum and is subject to change. Enrolled students should reference the academic catalog for current program requirements.

Follow Our Leaders

  • Carl Zangerl

    Veteran communicator and educator, passionate about teaching communication strategy and skills to graduate and undergraduate students.
    Full bio

Cost and Tuition

$14.1K*

Tuition

Estimated Total Tuition

This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2024-2025 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. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.

For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.

Application Deadlines

Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis; however, we do recommend the application guidelines below to ensure you can begin during your desired start term:

Domestic Application Guidelines

International Application Guidelines*

*International deadlines are only applicable if the program is F1 compliant.

Did you know?

Below is a look at where our communications and journalism alumni work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization.

 

  • Where They Work

    • Boston Globe Media
    • Fidelity Investments
    • Harvard University
    • TechTarget
    • MIT
  • What They Do

    • Media and Communication
    • Marketing
    • Business Development
    • Education
    • Art and Design
  • What They're Skilled At

    • Social Media
    • Editing
    • Marketing
    • Public Relations
    • Public Speaking

 

Learn more about Northeastern Alumni on Linkedin.

Admissions

Let’s Find Your Path Forward

Our enrollment representatives can walk you through the application process and help you explore your program options.

Call Toll Free: 877.668.7727