Public Relations and Communications
Find your edge in the communications field with our certificate programs in public relations and communications.
Learn the foundations of public relations and the tools and strategies to implement them in your day-to-day job. Get ready to prepare a communications plan to reach your target audiences, develop your writing and communication skills to confidently communicate with stakeholders, and choose the right communications tools to see your plan meet its objectives. Practical learning experiences and the opportunity to meet and learn from other public relations professionals will set you apart in the job market and give you training from industry experts.
Whether you’re looking to break into the communications field or get ahead in your current career, the public relations certificates can help you get there.
Certificate in Public Relations
In this part-time online program, students hone their public relations skills and expand their knowledge base in public relations and communications. The certificate can be completed online.
Advanced Certificate in Public Relations and Communications Management
This program is an extension of the certificate in Public Relations that can also be taken on its own. It is primarily online, but there may be some options for in-person elective courses. Students can also specialize in an area such as non-profits, sport and events, and fine arts. This program can be taken part-time or full-time, depending on your course selection.
Quick Facts
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Why Study Public Relations at the University of Regina?
Our public relations programs are unique in their brevity and online accessibility. Many other public relations credentials are either degree programs or post-graduate programs.
For students new to Saskatchewan or to Canada, it’s a great way to meet people in the sector and get a sense of the community’s values. For students already here, it’s an opportunity to widen social and professional networks that may be useful in the future.
Many roles specifically ask for communications skills as part of the job requirements. Set yourself apart and prove you’ve developed these in-demand skills.
Expert instructors
Our instructors are chosen not only for their academic qualifications but also because they have spent many years working in these professions in the community. This provides a bridge for students between theoretical/academic considerations and practical applications with real-world experiences and examples. Many of the certificate programs instructors are working journalists and communications experts, so you’ll learn from real-world practitioners
Professional relationships and networking
We work closely with the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) and the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) to provide students with networking and other opportunities such as job postings, industry events, and ways to work directly with the associations. As a student, you can be an association member, participate in events, or be on the board.
My Public Relations Certificate experience was incredible. The instructors are real world communicators and all of the projects really enhanced my communication skills. The PR Certificate paved the way for me to pursue my passion.
Public Relations Frequently Asked Questions
The Certificate in Public Relations is a part-time study program with five courses in total. It is 100 per cent online.
The Advanced Certificate is an extension of the Certificate in Public Relations. It is a full-time or part-time program with 10 courses in total. It is primarily online, but there may be some options for in-person courses for the electives.
Both certificates are offered with advisory input from IABC Regina and CPRS Regina.
PR 100 Foundations of Public Relations
This survey course will introduce students to the theoretical and practical foundations of public relations and communications. Students will examine key theories, models and ethical principles that underpin the profession; the nature and composition of public relations as a career; and the major steps in the strategic public relations process.
PR 101 Writing and Editing for Public Relations
This course will introduce students to the conventions and formats of writing for public relations, as distinguished from other forms of business writing. Students will develop an awareness of audience, objectives and key messages when planning their writing before moving on to practice with several common public relations formats.
PR 203 Media Relations
Students will learn how to navigate all contemporary forms of media and the complexities around traditional, social and online media. This course also provides a comprehensive analysis of the media and the development of skills to accommodate the needs of different media and stakeholders.
PR 205 Social Responsibility and Ethics
This course will provide an understanding of current ethical questions and professional codes of ethics when performing public relations tasks for media, the public, and other constituencies. Case studies and current literature will be used to explore applications of ethical practice in crisis situations. Issues related to corporate social responsibility will be emphasized, including the PR professional's role in managing and reflecting an organization's corporate culture.
Yes! Use your public relations certificate courses to meet your degree program elective requirements and earn the certificate as a concurrent program.
Earn a Public Relations certificate along with your Business Administration, Fine Arts, Arts or other degree program to build your resume. If you choose to take a PR certificate at the same time as a degree, you will need to complete an Application for Undergraduate Concurrent Program form to officially work towards the certificate and your degree program at the same time. There are no additional application fees.
Talk to your academic advisor early in your program to ensure you are meeting your degree requirements and to assist you with the application.
Yes! We offer the following scholarships for our certificate students:
- Centre for Continuing Education Certificate Awards
Use our online Student Awards Management System (SAMS) to find other awards and scholarships for which you may be eligible. There are also scholarships through our professional associations.
What Can You Do With a Public Relations Certificate?
Graduates have obtained positions as communications consultants with government, marketing positions in companies, jobs in non-profit organizations, and more. There are many job opportunities for which the certificates are a good fit. Communications can be a core element of a role or a supporting skillset to other roles.
- Communications or Marketing Manager
- Director of Marketing and Communications
- Communications Consultant
- Communications Officer
- Digital Communications Specialist
- Media Relations Officer
- Public Affairs Officer
Required Courses
Public Relations Certificate
Required Courses
| PR 100 | Foundations of Public Relations |
| PR 101 | Writing and Editing for Public Relations |
| PR 200 | Strategic Communication Planning |
| PR 201 | Communication Tools and Techniques |
Electives (select any one of the following)
| PR 202 | Research and Evaluation |
| PR 203 | Media Relations |
| PR 204 | Organizational Communications in Public Relations |
| PR 205 | Social Responsibility and Ethics |
| PR 290AA-ZZ | Public Relations Trends and Special Topics |
Advanced Public Relations and Communications Management Certificate
Required Courses
- Two (2) electives from PR 202, PR 203, PR 204, PR 205 and PR 290 AA-ZZ
- Any three (3) courses on topics related to marketing, communications, research, consumer behaviour, popular culture, ethics and media
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