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Public relations isn’t only about press releases, media activities, and interviews. Public relations professionals also build brand reputations and influence public perception. Indeed, theirs is a strategic field that can make or break individuals and groups.

Furthermore, in the Digital Age, their roles continue to evolve and expand. Besides traditional media, their work now extends to digital media. Both media are in constant flux, too, meaning continuous learning is a top priority.


But you don’t have to wait until you’re a professional to engage in continuous learning. You can earn certifications for public relations students today.

Of course, you must earn your college degree – it’s the foundation for a successful career. But if you want a competitive edge, earn PR certifications for undergraduates, too.

These certifications provide focused expertise and practical experience. Theory becomes more meaningful when it’s reinforced by and applied in practice.

Why earn certifications when you’re still a college student? You will stand out from your non-certified peers and, thus, boost your employability.

And you’ll be rewarded well for your initiative, too. Public relations specialists earned $69,780/year in median wages. Public relations managers earned $138,520/year in median wages (BLS, May 2024).

So, are you interested in the top certifications for public relations students? Read on, and we’ll discuss them. We’ll feature certifications in media relations, PR strategy, crisis communication, and more.

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Why Certifications Matter in Public Relations

Public relations certifications for college students aren’t only for bragging rights. More importantly, certifications matter in establishing a successful career.

  • The PR industry values real-world skills, ethical knowledge, and media fluency.
  • Certifications show employers you’re serious and have specialized training. Your strong commitment manifests itself in your initiative to master specific tools.
  • Affordable and self-paced online PR certifications for students are available. You’ll find one that fits your budget and schedule.
  • They also help you gain confidence in pitching, strategy, and digital communication. As you build your skills, you become more confident in your abilities.

Key Skills Covered by PR Certifications

The beauty of PR certifications for students is their wide range of choices. You’ll find one that aligns with your interests, career goals, and budget.

With that said, here are the key skills that you’ll learn in PR certification programs.

Media relations and press release writing

Do you want to develop the vital skills that every successful PR professional has? Earn media relations certifications for undergraduates ASAP. You’ll learn how to develop media kits, write press releases, and more. 

Strategic communication planning

Do you plan on becoming a corporate communications manager or another similar job? If yes, consider strategic communication certifications for undergrads. You can also become a crisis communications or strategic communications specialist.

Reputation management and crisis response

If you’re planning on being a reputation risk or crisis communications specialist, go for it. You’ll learn brand image management and crisis leadership.

Social media management for PR

Social media strategists and digital communication managers are well-versed in it. You’ll build your skills in platform strategy, content creation, and audience engagement.

Ethics in public communication

While ethical practices may seem incompatible with PR work, it’s a must. Consider earning an ethics certification to boost your credibility.

Top Public Relations Certifications for Undergraduate Students

Public Relations Certificate

Earn one of the best certifications for public relations majors and enjoy excellent value. Your internship and job applications will be better for it.

  • Offered by: Public Relations Society of America
  • Best For: Students and early-career professionals
  • Key Topics Covered: Media strategy, stakeholder communication, and ethics
  • Cost: $150 (application and exam fee); add $50 for the optional online study course
  • Duration: 6-8 weeks; self-paced
  • Format: Online
  • Why It’s Valuable for PR Students: Get a solid foundation in core PR skills

Strategic Communications Certificate

If you’re planning on a corporate career, consider a strategic communications certification. 

  • Offered by: Coursera (via University of Washington)
  • Best For: Students pursuing brand or nonprofit communication roles
  • Key Topics Covered: PR strategy, writing, and campaign execution
  • Cost: $59/month on Coursera Plus; $49-$79/month pay-as-you-go
  • Duration: 3-4 months, part-time
  • Format: Online, self-paced
  • Why It’s Valuable for PR Students: Skills-focused training from a reputable institution.

Crisis Communication Certificate

Maryland offers an excellent crisis communication certification for students. It’s of high quality yet affordable.

  • Offered by: edX (via University of Maryland)
  • Best For: Students pursuing PR in government, healthcare, or corporate settings
  • Key Topics Covered: Reputation recovery, high-stakes communication, and stakeholder management
  • Cost: $1,245
  • Duration: 5 months; 3-5 hours study time/week
  • Format: Online, self-paced
  • Why It’s Valuable for PR Students: Develop skills useful during a time of global social and health crises.

Social Media Strategy for PR

Are you looking for free and beginner-friendly public relations certificate programs for students? This one’s for you.

  • Offered by: HubSpot Academy
  • Best For: Students interested in building their digital PR skills
  • Key Topics Covered: Social campaigns, influencer engagement, and digital content creation
  • Cost: None
  • Duration: 4-5 hours of content
  • Format: Online, self-paced
  • Why It’s Valuable for PR Students: Emphasizes hands-on strategy skills

Certificate in Media Relations

Choose from two of the best providers of PR certifications.

  • Offered by: Alison or LinkedIn Learning
  • Best For: Students looking for reputable certifications without work experience required
  • Key Topics Covered: How to interact with journalists, pitch stories, and craft press kits
  • Cost: Free
  • Duration: 3-10 hours with immediate credentials
  • Format: Online, self-paced
  • Why It’s Valuable for PR Students: Practical content shared by experienced PR professionals

AP Style Certification

Earn the certification and get a quick and respected credential for your resume.

  • Offered by: Poynter Institute
  • Best For: Aspiring PR writers and editors
  • Key Topics Covered: Writing and editing skills for media-facing communication
  • Cost: Free
  • Duration: At your own pace
  • Format: Online, self-directed
  • Why It’s Valuable for PR Students: Master the AP style and enhance your writing.

Choosing the Right PR Certification as a Student

Earning certifications for public relations students demands significant time and money. Choosing the right certification is then a must to get the best value. Keep these tips in mind so you can do so.

  • Again, choose certifications based on your planned career path. Is it in media, agency, nonprofit, corporate, or political? You’ll gain specific skills aligned with your desired career.
  • Consider your current strengths and reinforce them. Is it in writing, public speaking, or social media? But consider your skills gaps, too, and fill them in.
  • Look at the certification length, cost, and resume impact. Consider affordable PR certifications for college students first. Student discounts may be available, too. But weigh a certification’s cost with its career impact, too, especially for niche sectors.
  • Stack certifications with internships, clubs, or student government for maximum ROI. Leadership potential complements practical skills in the PR industry.

Career Impact of PR Certifications

Earning PR certifications for undergraduates isn’t an easy task. You’ll encounter challenges in finding the time to study and funding your studies. But keep your eyes on the prize – the many ways that doing so boosts your career.

Boosts competitiveness for entry-level roles.

Your resume will be more attractive with certifications, even for entry-level roles like:

  • PR assistant
  • Communications coordinator
  • Media relations intern
  • Social media associate

Many employers look for HubSpot, Coursera, or PRSA certifications on resumes.

Industry professionals trust these providers and, thus, seek them on candidates’ profiles.

Average starting salaries in PR range from $45,000 to $55,000.

But your salary can increase with certification and relevant work experience. You may also have more negotiating power for entry-level pay with certifications.

Certifications also help grad school applications and networking in the PR field.

Public relations certifications for college students look good on graduate school applications, too. Plus, expanding your network boosts your job hunt success.

Tips for Success While Completing a Certification as a Student

If you’re having difficulties earning student PR credentials, keep these tips in mind.

  • Balance coursework by choosing short, flexible, self-paced options. This is what online PR certifications for students are for.
  • Take full advantage of school resources. Communication faculty, clubs, and writing centers are there for a purpose.
  • Add certifications to your LinkedIn profile and portfolio website. Highlight them via a separate section, too.
  • Apply what you learn in campus events, student PR projects, or freelance gigs. The more you apply your skills, the better you’ll be at it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, certifications for public relations students offer them a head start. In a fast-paced, competitive industry, it can mean the difference between a successful and a failed launch.

You’ll find diverse public relations certificate programs for students, too. Whatever your choice is – social media, crisis communications, or media relations – there’s a certification for you.

Yes, your bachelor’s degree will open opportunities. But if you want to get into the industry, earn certifications. You’ll signal your initiative and deepen your skills. In turn, your employability increases.

Indeed, now’s the time to explore PR credentials. Choose certifications that align with your goals and amplify your college education.

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