Public relations courses can help you learn media relations, crisis communication, brand management, and strategic messaging. You can build skills in audience analysis, content creation, and effective storytelling. Many courses introduce tools like press release software, social media management platforms, and analytics tools, that support measuring campaign success and engaging with diverse audiences.

Skills you'll gain: Media Relations, Proofreading, Public Relations, Stakeholder Analysis, Integrated Marketing Communications, Marketing Communications, Public Affairs, Content Management, Web Content, Performance Reporting, Storytelling, Content Management Systems, Press Releases, Strategic Communication, Content Strategy, Report Writing, Content Marketing, Social Media Content, Marketing Effectiveness, Generative AI
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

University of Colorado Boulder
Skills you'll gain: Press Releases, Strategic Communication, Media Relations, Public Relations, Marketing and Public Relations, Media and Communications, Crisis Management, Marketing Communications, Corporate Communications, Corporate Sustainability, Brand Strategy, Brand Management, Storytelling, Branding, Business Ethics, Social Media, Communication Strategies, Persuasive Communication, Professional Networking, Writing
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Microsoft
Skills you'll gain: Media Relations, Public Relations, Target Audience, Communication Planning, Marketing and Public Relations, Strategic Communication, Generative AI Agents, Corporate Communications, Performance Metric, Generative AI, Content Creation, Goal Setting, Ethical Standards And Conduct
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

University of Colorado Boulder
Skills you'll gain: Strategic Communication, Public Relations, Marketing and Public Relations, Corporate Communications, Media Relations, Corporate Sustainability, Business Ethics, Persuasive Communication, Branding, Professional Networking, Research, Stakeholder Engagement
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

IE Business School
Skills you'll gain: Marketing Communications, Integrated Marketing Communications, Advertising, Marketing, Marketing Budgets, Brand Marketing, Communication Planning, Marketing Planning, Brand Strategy, Brand Management, Brand Loyalty, Branding, Marketing Management, Campaign Management, Marketing Strategy and Techniques, Media Planning, Brand Awareness, Promotional Strategies, Consumer Behaviour, Communication
Build toward a degree
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Starweaver
Skills you'll gain: Target Audience, Public Relations, Strategic Communication, Corporate Communications, Crisis Management, Marketing and Public Relations, Persuasive Communication, Marketing Effectiveness, Content Performance Analysis, Media and Communications, Marketing Budgets, Persona Development, Campaign Management, Stakeholder Analysis, Technology Strategies, Smart Goals, Teamwork, Ethical Standards And Conduct
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Michigan
Skills you'll gain: Tactfulness, Public Speaking, Storytelling, Verbal Communication Skills, Persuasive Communication, Non-Verbal Communication, Communication, Cognitive flexibility, Presentations, Ingenuity, Interpersonal Communications, Communication Strategies, Empathy, Composure, Social Skills, Professionalism, Active Listening, Optimism, Driving engagement, Creativity
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of Colorado Boulder
Skills you'll gain: Press Releases, Media Relations, Public Relations, Strategic Communication, Marketing Communications, Brand Strategy, Storytelling, Social Media, Communication Strategies, Branding, Writing
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

IESE Business School
Skills you'll gain: Storytelling, Public Speaking, Oral Expression, Presentations, Verbal Communication Skills, Persuasive Communication, Content Creation, Drive Engagement, Writing, Non-Verbal Communication, Active Listening
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Microsoft
Skills you'll gain: Marketing and Public Relations, Integrated Marketing Communications, Marketing Communications, Public Relations, Storytelling, Strategic Communication, Target Audience, Campaign Management, Content Creation, Digital Media Strategy, Ethical Standards And Conduct, AI Personalization, Marketing Analytics
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

University of Colorado Boulder
Skills you'll gain: Strategic Communication, Target Audience, Campaign Management, Advertising, Marketing Communications, Advertising Campaigns, Resource Allocation, Communication Planning, Media Strategy, Brand Management, Public Relations, Paid media, Communication Strategies, Social Media Campaigns, Marketing, Earned Media, Business Strategy, Communication, Business Communication, Business Process
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

Coursera
Skills you'll gain: Generative AI Agents, Public Relations, Content Creation, Marketing and Public Relations, Responsible AI, Media Relations, Productivity Software, Crisis Management, Prompt Engineering, Team Leadership, Promotions and Campaigns, Social Media Campaigns
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Public relations (PR) is the practice of managing communication between an organization and its publics. It plays a crucial role in shaping perceptions, building relationships, and fostering trust. In today's interconnected world, effective public relations strategies can enhance an organization's reputation, influence public opinion, and drive engagement. By understanding the importance of PR, individuals and organizations can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and create meaningful connections with their audiences.
A career in public relations offers a variety of roles across different industries. Common job titles include public relations specialist, communications manager, media relations coordinator, and social media strategist. These positions often involve crafting press releases, managing media inquiries, developing communication strategies, and engaging with stakeholders. With the right skills and experience, you can find opportunities in corporate settings, non-profits, government agencies, and more.
To succeed in public relations, you need a blend of communication, analytical, and interpersonal skills. Key skills include writing and editing, media relations, strategic thinking, and crisis management. Additionally, familiarity with digital marketing and social media platforms is increasingly important. By developing these skills, you can effectively convey messages, manage reputations, and engage diverse audiences.
There are several online courses available to help you learn about public relations. Notable options include the Introduction to Public Relations course, which covers foundational concepts, and the Principles of Public Relations course, which delves into essential PR strategies. For a more comprehensive approach, consider the Introduction to Public Relations and the Media Specialization that offers a series of courses designed to build your expertise.
Yes. You can start learning public relations on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in public relations, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.
To learn public relations, start by exploring online courses that fit your interests and goals. Engage with course materials, participate in discussions, and complete assignments to reinforce your understanding. Additionally, consider seeking internships or volunteer opportunities to gain practical experience. Networking with professionals in the field can also provide valuable insights and guidance as you navigate your learning journey.
Public relations courses typically cover a range of topics, including communication strategies, media relations, crisis management, and digital PR. You may also learn about audience analysis, content creation, and measurement of PR effectiveness. These topics equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to develop and implement successful PR campaigns.
For training and upskilling employees in public relations, consider courses like the Microsoft Public Relations and Communications Associate Professional Certificate. This program focuses on essential PR skills and strategies. Additionally, the Strategic Public Relations Planning course can help organizations develop effective communication plans tailored to their goals.