Public Relations*

Program Design

The certificate program in Public Relations, bridging the disciplines of communications and business, is designed to appeal to several populations: new students considering a degree program in communications, employees in other areas of communications seeking retraining, and students with associate or bachelor’s degrees seeking rapid certification in the skills necessary for entry-level positions in public relations. The program is designed for maximum flexibility. Students who are already proficient in specific areas of communication or technology will be able to fill in the voids in their training by customizing their courses to their individual needs. Similarly, students seeking a broad range of training in all areas relevant to public relations-including marketing, written and oral communications and effective use of social media-will achieve a generalist’s knowledge.

Transfer Opportunities

Most courses in the certificate program would be transferable to an associate or baccalaureate degree program and all are transferable to the Communication degree program.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of all Public Relations certificate program requirements, graduates will

Design, implement and evaluate a marketing/PR campaign.
Write for internal and external publications with an understanding of the needs of the target audiences.
Establish media contacts.
Serve as an effective spokesperson for an organization or business.
Apply ethical principles to decision making and crisis management.
Understand the role of the public relations practitioner within the context of mass communication.
Understand the effects of print and broadcast media on the practice of public relations

Required Courses

ENG* 101: Composition 3 Credits
COM* 113: Social Media in Contemporary Society 3 Credits
COM* 121: Journalism I 3 Credits
COM* 173: Public Speaking 3 Credits
BMK* 201: Principles of Marketing 3 Credits
COM* 201: Introduction to Public Relations 3 Credits

Total Credits Required: 18

Note:

Becoming Connecticut State Community College

STUDENTS: The Community Colleges are undergoing a merger with a plan to become Connecticut State Community College in fall 2023; please work closely with your advisor/program coordinator to select your courses accordingly. See below for more detail about this exciting transition!

Becoming Connecticut State Community College

A merger of Connecticut’s 12 community colleges is underway. Connecticut State Community College (CT State), a statewide college comprised of all Connecticut’s current community college locations, plans to open its doors in the Fall 2023. Here are some important facts students need to know:

the final commencement ceremony for Manchester Community College is scheduled for May 2023. Ceremonies will continue to be held at each location as campuses of CT State.
as a part of the planned merger, students continuing their studies beyond summer term 2023 will be matched with the CT State program that most closely aligns with their Spring 2023 major and is offered at the Manchester location,
students who begin an Associate degree program in January 2023 will complete their degree at the merged college, Connecticut State Community College,
in all cases, the College is committed to students completing their education with a minimum of disruption and staying in touch with your advisor/program coordinator is essential,
further details can be found and will be updated on the Frequently Asked Questions page: www.ct.edu/ctstate/academics.

^‡ Because many courses in this program are offered on an occasional basis, students should meet with an academic advisor or faculty advisor to plan their program of study.