Graduate Certificate Program in Public Relations

Overview

The certificate is specifically designed for professional journalists, public relations practitioners, educators, authors, writing instructors, editors and researchers currently working in the media, public relations, advertising or business arena with an interest in or responsibility for public relations.

As traditional news rooms shrink, the field of public relations is enjoying a renaissance due to the ability to bypass traditional media outlets and communicate directly with information consumers via online media. Journalists have always shifted careers from news to public relations but are often lacking in theoretical and strategic thinking skills necessary for success in public relations.

The Graduate Certificate in Public Relations is positioned to aid them in making that switch as well as to provide additional education for current PR practitioners wishing to increase their knowledge as they move into management positions. Professionals in other fields (such as advertising, HR and emergency management) who find themselves responsible for public relations will also benefit from obtaining the certificate.

Students will be prepared with the latest academic and professional material including an overview of the knowledge, skills and abilities required to obtain the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) credential. Professionals will complete nine hours of required courses and six hours of electives in the Mayborn Graduate Institute of Journalism. Up to 15 hours will apply toward a master’s degree for those who wish to pursue an advanced degree in journalism.

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The Mayborn Graduate Institute is offering five courses in the certificate program that entails periodic seminars, workshops and other gatherings for professionals designed to teach exceptional writing, editing and other skills needed in the ever-evolving world of nonfiction publishing.


Admissions

Must have undergraduate/graduate degree from accredited program and fulfill GPA requirements for graduate school. To enroll in the Mayborn Graduate Institute’s certificate program, candidates must provide official transcripts demonstrating completion of a bachelor’s degree, and submit a portfolio of professional work including writing samples. GRE not required. Portfolio not required if candidate has already earned Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) certification.


Courses

The courses offered are listed below:

Required:
JOUR 5040 Media Studies and Theories
JOUR 5350 Seminar in Strategic Public Relations
JOUR 5100 Case Problems in Public Relations

And two electives from this list:
JOUR 5200    Public Opinion and Propaganda
JOUR 5210    Race, Gender and the Media
JOUR 5250    Quantitative Research
JOUR 5260    Qualitative Research
JOUR 5310    Media Ethics
JOUR 5320    New Technologies of Mass Communication
JOUR 5510    Direct Response
JOUR 5500    Integrated Communication
JOUR 4460    PR Communication (with extra project for graduate credit. Recommended for
                       those without an undergraduate PR degree.)


Locations

The courses will be offered at the UNT campus in Denton, at the UCD campus in downtown Dallas and at various venues in the DFW Metroplex.