Program overview

The Public Relations Certificate is designed for students who have or are pursuing a baccalaureate degree and wish to specialize in the area of public relations. The 24-credit program includes courses in writing for the media, publication design, speech communication, as well as other areas of public relations. Upon completion of the program, students with a baccalaureate degree receive an official Public Relations Certificate.

This program is offered through Rider’s Continuing Education Program and is designed for adult learners aged 25 and over.

Required courses

8 courses - 24 credits 

Rider Course Title Rider Course Number Credits
Speech Communication or
Professional and Strategic Speech
COM-104 or
COM-290
3
Writing for the Media COM-107 3
Public Relations COM-240 3
Publication Design COM-212 3
Feature Writing COM-316 3
Publicity Methods in Organizations COM-341 3
Cases and Campaigns in Public Relations COM-440 3
Choose ONE of the following:
Fundamentals of Video Production
Group Communication
Organizational Communication
Issues in Event Planning
Sports Media Relations
Advanced Publication Design and Presentation
 
COM-131
COM-222
COM-253
COM-280
COM-347
COM-360
3

A grade of C+ or better in each course is required for the certificate. A minimum of six of the required courses must be taken at Rider.

Admission requirements

Candidates for admission to the Public Relations Certificate Program must complete a Continuing Education application and submit supporting transcripts from all colleges attended. Minimum admissions requirements are: (1) a baccalaureate degree or be a candidate for a baccalaureate degree (usually at Rider); (2) junior standing or beyond (may take some courses before admission to the program); (3) a 2.5 GPA in all undergraduate work or evidence of acceptable public relations experience.