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 

Please note: Beginning fall 2026, this program will shift from a quarter-based academic calendar to a semester format. View the program conversion guide for curriculum details or visit our FAQ page for more information.

If you enter this program before fall 2026, your academic advisor will work with you to ensure a smooth transition. This change will not impact your academic progress, path to graduation, or tuition costs.