Adding a certificate to your degree can supplement your education and build your resume. An additional area of expertise can make you stand out when applying for positions. Public relations has numerous avenues to go down, so a minor or certificate can clarify your skills and passions.
Requirements and definitions can vary by university, but at Ohio University, a minor requires a minimum of 15 semester hours and a certificate requires a minimum of 12 semester hours. Another difference between minors and certificates is that at Ohio University, certificates are available to students pursuing either an associate’s or bachelor’s degree at Ohio University, but only students pursuing a bachelor’s degree may pursue a minor.
Ohio University has a variety of minors that can benefit an aspiring public relations professional. Below are a few that can especially complement a career in public relations.
Social Media
The social media certificate is a popular choice among strategic communication, communications and marketing students. This certificate will cover topics such as social networking, information sharing and marketing practices. Social Media is an essential medium for communicating messages in public relations. Gaining expertise in a variety of mediums can help make you stand out on your resume. Another potential certificate to achieve that goal is the Podcasting certificate.
Writing
Strong writing is essential for a public relations professional. Though a marketing or strategic communications major will have you practicing writing, a writing certificate can take you one step further in your skills. This certificate will allow you to strengthen your writing skills by exploring new topics and issues.
Diversity Studies
In a field that is all about communicating with others, ignoring people’s identities and cultures will be a problem. The diversity studies certificate can help give you a clearer understanding of the dynamics of diversity and develop yourself to be culturally informed and respectful towards all diverse peoples. This certificate will delve into areas of diversity such as Race/Ethnicity, Social Class, Gender, Sexual Orientation and Disability.
Ohio University also offers additional certificates that focus on learning about a variety of perspectives such as women’s gender and sexuality studies, Islamic studies and Latin American studies to name a few.
Whatever makes sense to you!
The cool thing about public relations is that you can take it into so many areas! Maybe you have a special interest or have a field you are dying to work in. Even if a certificate may not directly relate to public relations, it can get your foot in the door of your dream industry.
Intentional business could help you if you want to move outside the country. Political communication could be good for someone aspiring to work with politicians. If you are interested in sports, tourism or hospitality, the festival, events and entertainment management certificate would help out.
Ultimately, a relevant certificate can be a good addition to any degree. Talking to a professor or counselor can help you get started in finding the best fit for you.
