Public Relations Leadership Graduate Certificate

Overview

The Public Relations Leadership Graduate Certificate offered by the WVU Reed College of Media is delivered exclusively online. The graduate certificate provides students with the practical skills they need to manage internal and external brand communications, react to crises and hone the PR skills they need to lead in a media-hungry world that is driven by powerful messaging. The learn-it-today, use-it-tomorrow focus is built into the curriculum and teaches students the importance of applying the best strategies and tactics to reach key audiences. The program is taught by diverse faculty—from marketing directors to academics to entrepreneurs—who are recognized leaders in their fields.

In addition to this graduate certificate, WVU offers an online master's degree.

Visit program website for more information.

Admissions Requirements

Admission to the program is based on a holistic, case-by-case analysis of the applicant’s academic record (undergraduate transcript), years of relevant professional experience (resume), and writing ability and intent (personal statement).

Accreditation

West Virginia University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Courses Required

Total Credit Hours

Course Formats

Online Courses

Tuition and Financial Aid

Estimated Tuition and Fees

The Public Relations Leadership Graduate Certificate requires 15 credit hours to complete. Cost per credit hour is $820.

$12,300

Residents and Non-Residents

Financial Aid

This graduate certificate is not eligible for financial aid.

Admissions Process

Admissions

Apply with the online Graduate Application
Designate your Admission Type as Graduate Certificate. Under Intended Program, select Public Relations Leadership (CG53). The primary delivery method is ONLINE.
Pay the $60 non-refundable graduate application fee (may be waived by attending an information session).
Submit 300-500 word personal statement about your interest in the IMC program and how it will meet your career objectives.
Submit resume that illustrates relevant and professional experience. Please convert your resume to PDF to ensure that no formatting is altered.
Letters of Recommendation (optional). Input the name and contact information of each recommendation provider in the “Recommendations – Recommendation Providers list” section.
GRE or GMAT scores (optional). The destination code for the GRE is 5904 and the GMAT is C2S-FB-24.
TOEFL or IELTS Scores for International Students. WVU requires international students to submit their TOEFL or IELTS scores directly to the central WVU Office of Admissions. Use the destination code 5904 to have TOEFL scores sent. Generally, applicants whose first language is not English must submit adequate TOEFL or IELTS results before an application can be considered for admission: TOEFL (Internet-Based) = 79; TOEFL (Computer-Based = 213; TOEFL (Paper-Based) = 550; IELTS = 6.5.
Request official transcripts from all institutions attended (other than WVU) and
1. Mail to:
  WVU Office of Graduate Admissions
  One Waterfront Place
  PO Box 6510
  Morgantown, WV 26506-6510
2. or Email to: GraduateAdmissions@mail.wvu.edu

NOTE: For the most up-to-date admissions requirements, please visit https://imc.wvu.edu/admissions.

Application Deadlines

Early Fall Deadline: August 1, 2019
Late Fall Deadline: September 15, 2019
Early Spring Deadline: December 15, 2019
Late Spring Deadline: February 15, 2020
Summer Deadline: May 1, 2020

Questions? Contact our Enrollment Specialist at wvuimc@mail.wvu.edu or 304-293-6278.

Curriculum

Students will complete five 8-week courses (15 credits) to earn the Public Relations Leadership graduate certificate.

The curriculum consists of the following courses.

Required Courses

Next Start Date: January 13, 2020 Apply Now

Careers

What can you do with a Public Relations Leadership Graduate Certificate?

Students who graduate from WVU Online with the Public Relations Leadership Graduate Certificate may be prepared for the following careers. These are only a few examples of some of the many opportunities that will be open to you with this degree. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for some positions.

Information about careers on this list comes from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

DIRECTOR OF MEDIA RELATIONS

Projected Growth: 9-14%

PR DIRECTOR

Projected Growth: 9%

MARKETING COMMUNICATION MANAGER

Projected Growth: 10%

PUBLIC RELATIONS SPECIALIST

Projected Growth: 5-8%

Interested in talking to someone about WVU Online? Contact Us