Best Online Courses for Public Relations

Best Online Courses for Public Relations

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Master the art of effective communication and relationship building with our guide to the best online courses for public relations.

Are you struggling with public relations?  Our handpicked courses will guide you to success!

In today’s competitive job market, having the right skills and qualifications is essential for success, especially in the field of public relations. However, traditional educational programs can be expensive, time-consuming, and may not fit everyone’s schedule. 

This has led many professionals and aspiring public relations practitioners to seek alternative learning methods, such as online courses.

The best online courses for public relations can provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their careers. By researching and comparing various courses, you can find programs that fit their budget, schedule, and learning style.

Our selection is based on a combination of factors, but we have sorted the courses by enrollment numbers to make the list more informative. The ranking number (#1 or #10) reflects only the number of enrollments among the best courses.

CourseInstructor(s)💸Pricing❤️EnrollmentsRatingDuration
#10. Introduction to Public Relations and the Media SpecializationErin WillisSubscription $49/month❤️ 4,854 enrollments (as of Feb 2023)⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.6 (219 reviews as of Feb 2023)
1 hour/week (4 months course)
#9. Public Relations Mistakes to AvoidAndrea Holland and MadecraftSubscription $39.99/month❤️ 5,399 enrollments (as of Feb 2023)⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.7 (138 reviews as of Feb 2023)
55m 53s
#8. Modern PR — How To Get Press Coverage For Your BusinessBrad Merrill$84.99❤️ 5,836 enrollments (as of Feb 2023)⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5 (1,316 reviews as of Feb 2023)
48m
#7. The Ultimate Public Relations MasterclassHeather Baker$29.99❤️ 6,905 enrollments (as of Feb 2023)⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.6 (2,222 reviews as of Feb 2023)
2h 48m
#6. Public Relations: Best Practices and EthicsSaylor AcademyFree❤️ 7,431 enrollments (as of Feb 2023)⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.6 (312 reviews as of Feb 2023)
3 hours
#5. Principles of Public RelationsErin WillisSubscription $49/month❤️ 7,514 enrollments (as of Feb 2023)⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.7 (221 reviews as of Feb 2023)⌛⌛
7 hours
#4. Public Relations: Media Crisis CommunicationsTJ Walker and Media Training Worldwide Digital$89.99❤️❤️❤️ 46,243 enrollments (as of Feb 2023)⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.6 (1,837 reviews as of Feb 2023)
1h 39m
#3. Managing Brand ReputationGoldie ChanSubscription $39.99/month❤️❤️❤️❤️ 50,306 enrollments (as of Feb 2023)⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐4.6 (262 reviews as of Feb 2023)
27m 30s
#2. Media Training Public Speaking Training for CandidatesTJ Walker and Media Training Worldwide Digital$84.99❤️❤️❤️❤️ 52,967 enrollments (as of Feb 2023)⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.3 (254 reviews as of Feb 2023)
4h 41m
#1. Public Relations FoundationsDeirdre BreakenridgeSubscription $39.99/month❤️❤️❤️❤️ 59,742 enrollments (as of Feb 2023)⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.6 (946 reviews as of Feb 2023)
1h 39m

#10. Introduction to Public Relations and the Media Specialization by Coursera

Online Courses for Public Relations :Credits: Coursera
Credits: Coursera

Key info

  • 🔗Course Link
  • 💸Pricing: Subscription $49/month
  • ❤️Popularity: 4,854 enrollments (as of Feb 2023)
  • ⭐Rating: 4.6 (219 reviews as of Feb 2023)
  • 📝Instructor(s): Erin Willis (Associate Professor at University of Colorado Boulder.)
  • ⌛Duration: 1 hour/week (4 months course)

The “Introduction to Public Relations and the Media Specialization” by Coursera is a comprehensive course that provides an in-depth understanding of the relationship between public relations and media. 

It covers key concepts such as media relations, crisis communication, social media, and the role of public relations in shaping public opinion. 

The course is designed to equip learners with the skills and knowledge needed to develop effective public relations strategies that resonate with audiences across various media platforms. 

By the end of this specialization, learners will have a solid foundation in the fundamentals of public relations.

Meet the instructor:

Online Courses for Public Relations

What you will learn:

Online Courses for Public Relations :Credits: Coursera
Credits: Coursera

#9. Public Relations Mistakes to Avoid by LinkedIn Learning

Online Courses for Public Relations :Credits: LinkedIn Learning
Credits: LinkedIn Learning

Key info

  • 🔗Course Link
  • 💸Pricing: Subscription $39.99/month
  • ❤️Popularity: 5,399 enrollments (as of Feb 2023)
  • ⭐Rating: 4.7 (138 reviews as of Feb 2023)
  • 📝Instructor(s): Andrea Holland and Madecraft (Andrea Holland is a PR Professional, Business Builder. Madecraft is a Full-Service Learning Content Company.)
  • ⌛Duration: 55m 53s

The Public Relations Mistakes to Avoid course by LinkedIn Learning is an essential resource for anyone working in public relations, marketing, or communications.

The course is specifically designed to help you avoid common mistakes in public relations campaigns, including miscommunication, poor planning, and ineffective messaging.

You’ll learn how to develop effective communication strategies, build strong relationships with key stakeholders, and manage your brand’s reputation.

The course also covers essential new skills such as crisis communication, media relations, and content creation, ensuring that you have a solid foundation in the core competencies required to succeed in this dynamic and exciting field.

Meet the instructors:

Online Courses for Public Relations

What you will learn:

Online Courses for Public Relations :Credits: LinkedIn Learning
Credits: LinkedIn Learning

#8. Modern PR — How To Get Press Coverage For Your Business by Udemy

Online Courses for Public Relations :Credits: Udemy
Credits: Udemy

Key info

  • 🔗Course Link
  • 💸Pricing: $84.99
  • ❤️Popularity: 5,836 enrollments (as of Feb 2023)
  • ⭐Rating: 4.5 (1,316 reviews as of Feb 2023)
  • 📝Instructor(s): Brad Merrill (Media Entrepreneur & Bestselling Instructor.)
  • ⌛Duration: 48m

The Modern PR – How To Get Press Coverage For Your Business course by Udemy is an essential training for anyone looking to generate media coverage for their business.

The course is designed to provide a step-by-step guide to getting your business featured in the press release, including how to craft compelling press releases, develop relationships with journalists, and pitch your story to the media.

You’ll also learn how to leverage social media to amplify your message and build your brand’s reputation. With practical exercises and real-world examples, you’ll be able to put your learning into practice immediately.

Meet the instructor:

Online Courses for Public Relations

What you will learn:

Online Courses for Public Relations :Credits: Udemy
Credits: Udemy

#7. The Ultimate Public Relations Masterclass by Udemy

Online Courses for Public Relations :Credits: Udemy
Credits: Udemy

Key info

  • 🔗Course Link
  • 💸Pricing: $29.99
  • ❤️Popularity: 6,905 enrollments (as of Feb 2023)
  • ⭐Rating: 4.6 (2,222 reviews as of Feb 2023)
  • 📝Instructor(s): Heather Baker (founder and CEO of two award-winning companies: TopLine Comms, a digital PR agency and TopLine Film, a video production company.)
  • ⌛Duration: 2h 48m

The Ultimate Public Relations Masterclass by Udemy is a comprehensive training program designed to help you become an expert in public relations.

This course covers all the essential skills required for successful PR campaigns, including how to develop effective communication strategies, build strong relationships with key stakeholders, and manage your brand’s reputation.

With real-world examples and practical exercises, you’ll be able to put your learning into practice immediately.

The course also covers media relations, content creation, social media marketing, content marketing, and crisis communication, ensuring that you have a solid foundation in the core competencies required to succeed in field.

Meet the instructor:

Online Courses for Public Relations

What you will learn:

Online Courses for Public Relations :Credits: Udemy
Credits: Udemy

#6. Public Relations: Best Practices and Ethics by Alison

Online Courses for Public Relations :Credits: Alison
Credits: Alison

Key info

  • 🔗Course Link
  • 💸Pricing: Free
  • ❤️Popularity: 7,431 enrollments (as of Feb 2023)
  • ⭐Rating: 4.6 (312 reviews as of Feb 2023)
  • 📝Instructor(s): Saylor Academy (The Saylor Academy is a nonprofit initiative working since 2008 to make quality online courses freely available to all who want to learn.)
  • ⌛Duration: 3 hours

“Public Relations: Best Practices and Ethics” by Alison is one of the free online courses and  an engaging and insightful course that explores the key principles of ethical and effective public relations practices. 

Learners will gain a deep understanding of the importance of transparency, accountability, and honesty in public relations, as well as the key strategies and techniques for building positive relationships with key stakeholders. 

The course covers a range of topics, including crisis communication, media relations, and social media management, and provides learners with practical tools and strategies for managing complex public relations challenges.

Meet the instructor:

Online Courses for Public Relations

What you will learn:

Online Courses for Public Relations :Credits: Alison
Credits: Alison

#5. Principles of Public Relations by Coursera

Online Courses for Public Relations :Credits: Coursera
Credits: Coursera

Key info

  • 🔗Course Link
  • 💸Pricing: Subscription $49/month
  • ❤️Popularity: 7,514 enrollments (as of Feb 2023)
  • ⭐Rating: 4.7 (221 reviews as of Feb 2023)
  • 📝Instructor(s): Erin Willis (Associate Professor at University of Colorado Boulder.)
  • ⌛Duration: 7 hours

“Principles of Public Relations” by Coursera is an introductory course that provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental concepts and practices of public relations. 

The course covers topics such as the history of public relations, its role in contemporary society, and the principles and strategies behind successful public relations campaigns. 

Learners will gain a thorough understanding of the key skills required to create and implement successful public relations initiatives, including effective communication, relationship-building, and media management. 

By the end of this course, learners will be equipped with the tools they need to develop effective public relations strategies that build trust.

Meet the instructor:

Online Courses for Public Relations

What you will learn:

Online Courses for Public Relations :Credits: Coursera
Credits: Coursera

#4. Public Relations: Media Crisis Communications by Udemy

Online Courses for Public Relations :Credits: Udemy
Credits: Udemy

Key info

  • 🔗Course Link
  • 💸Pricing: $89.99
  • ❤️Popularity: 46,243 enrollments (as of Feb 2023)
  • ⭐Rating: 4.6 (1,837 reviews as of Feb 2023)
  • 📝Instructor(s): TJ Walker and Media Training Worldwide Digital (TJ Walker is BestSelling Personal Development & Habits Expert. Media Training Worldwide Digital is a Full-Service Online Training Company.)
  • ⌛Duration: 1h 39m

The Public Relations: Media Crisis Communications course by Udemy is a highly practical and essential training for anyone working in public relations, influencer marketing, or communications. 

The course is specifically designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate and manage a media crisis situation effectively. 

You’ll learn how to create and implement crisis communication plans, develop messaging strategies, and build strong relationships with journalists and media outlets. The course also covers how to handle negative publicity, manage social media, and deal with stakeholders during a crisis.

Meet the instructors:

Online Courses for Public Relations
Online Courses for Public Relations

What you will learn:

Online Courses for Public Relations :Credits: Udemy
Credits: Udemy

#3. Managing Brand Reputation by LinkedIn Learning

Online Courses for Public Relations :Credits: LinkedIn Learning
Credits: LinkedIn Learning

Key info

  • 🔗Course Link
  • 💸Pricing: Subscription $39.99/month
  • ❤️Popularity: 50,306 enrollments (as of Feb 2023)
  • ⭐Rating: 4.6 (262 reviews as of Feb 2023)
  • 📝Instructor(s): Goldie Chan (Digital Marketing Expert and Keynote Speaker)
  • ⌛Duration: 27m 30s

The Managing Brand Reputation course by LinkedIn Learning is an essential resource for anyone interested in building and protecting their brand. 

The course is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the key concepts and strategies that underpin effective brand management, including how to develop a strong brand identity, build brand equity, and manage your brand’s reputation. 

You’ll learn how to monitor and respond to online reviews, social media feedback, and customer complaints, ensuring that your brand remains relevant and competitive in an ever-changing marketplace.

Meet the instructor:

Online Courses for Public Relations

What you will learn:

Online Courses for Public Relations :Credits: LinkedIn Learning
Credits: LinkedIn Learning

#2. Media Training Public Speaking Training for Candidates by Udemy

Online Courses for Public Relations :Credits: Udemy
Credits: Udemy

Key info

  • 🔗Course Link
  • 💸Pricing: $84.99
  • ❤️Popularity: 52,967 enrollments (as of Feb 2023)
  • ⭐Rating: 4.3 (254 reviews as of Feb 2023)
  • 📝Instructor(s): TJ Walker and Media Training Worldwide Digital (TJ Walker is BestSelling Personal Development & Habits Expert. Media Training Worldwide Digital is a Full-Service Online Training Company.)
  • ⌛Duration: 4h 41m

The Media Training Public Speaking Training for Candidates course by Udemy is an essential training for anyone seeking to improve their public speaking and media interview skills. 

The course is specifically designed for political candidates, but the skills taught are applicable to anyone looking to improve their communication skills. You’ll learn how to deliver speeches with confidence and clarity, how to handle difficult questions, and how to stay on message during interviews. 

The course also covers how to effectively use social media to connect with voters and build your brand.

Meet the instructors:

Online Courses for Public Relations
Online Courses for Public Relations

What you will learn:

Online Courses for Public Relations :Credits: Udemy
Credits: Udemy

#1. Public Relations Foundations by LinkedIn Learning

Online Courses for Public Relations :Credits: LinkedIn Learning
Credits: LinkedIn Learning

Key info

  • 🔗Course Link
  • 💸Pricing: Subscription $39.99/month
  • ❤️Popularity: 59,742 enrollments (as of Feb 2023)
  • ⭐Rating: 4.6 (946 reviews as of Feb 2023)
  • 📝Instructor(s): Deirdre Breakenridge (CEO at Pure Performance Communications.)
  • ⌛Duration: 1h 39m

The Public Relations Foundations course by LinkedIn Learning is an ideal starting point for those interested in entering the world of public relations. 

The course is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the key concepts and principles that underpin successful PR campaigns, including how to develop effective communication strategies, build relationships with key stakeholders, and manage your brand’s reputation. 

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refresh your knowledge, this course is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in public relations.

Meet the instructor:

Online Courses for Public Relations

What you will learn:

Online Courses for Public Relations :Credits: LinkedIn Learning
Credits: LinkedIn Learning

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, there are plenty of public relations courses available for those looking to enhance their skills. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional, there’s something for everyone. The key is to determine what you want to achieve and which course can help you get there.

So, what are you waiting for? Take some time to explore the many options available and start taking your PR skills to the next level.


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Author
SJ Tsai
Chief Editor. Writer wrangler. Research guru. Three years at scijournal. Hails from a family with five PhDs. When not shaping content, creates art. Peek at the collection on Etsy. For thoughts and updates, hit up Twitter.

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