Printed on 4/27/2025

Public Relations

20-699-7 Certificate (C) 9 Credits Not Financial Aid Eligible Location*: Online

*If general education courses are required, they may be available at multiple locations.

Get the skills you need to effectively communicate with various stakeholders, including customers, clients, employees, shareholders and the media. You’ll also learn about media relations and how to enhance your writing skills. This Public Relations certificate is a valuable tool if you’re looking to enter or advance in the field of public relations, marketing or communications.

COURSE LIST

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Course list for reference only. Current students please refer to your individualized program plan or see your advisor.
**Outside effort hours are an estimate based on state standards, and may vary from person to person.

    General Studies (3 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Early College Credit Options
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
  • Introduction to Mass Communications
    10-801-141
    3Credit
    54
    108
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10801141
    • Credits: 3.00

    Explores communication in media and media literacy by providing insight into the important issues that confront students as consumers and purveyors of mass media within the workforce and in society. The mass media revolution, including media technologies, the evolution of media content and platforms, including new media, the impact of media communications on business and society as a whole, media bias, and media law and ethics form the basis of the course.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    OR ALL of the following:

    • Student is not in progress in Associate Degree, Apprenticeship, or Technical Diploma (31 or 32 level)

    Technical Studies (6 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Early College Credit Options
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
  • Social Media Marketing
    10-104-108
    3Credit
    54
    108
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10104108
    • Credits: 3.00

    Learn to successfully plan, deploy and establish a brand's social media presence. A mix of online research projects, case studies and class exercises will be used to enhance student knowledge. Social media platforms and analysis tools to develop social media campaigns will also be used.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • COMPSOFT 10103109 - Design Applications

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • MARKET 10104103 - Promotion Principles

    OR ANY of the following options:

    • Student is in progress in Professional Communications (10-699-1) Program of Study

    • Student is in progress in Digital Media (20-699-5) Program of Study

    • Student is in progress in Public Relations (20-699-7) Program of Study

  • Writing for the Media
    10-699-100
    3Credit
    54
    108
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10699100
    • Credits: 3.00

    This course gives students the skills and practice needed to develop various types of communication products for media outlets. Students use journalism strategies to create various types of communication products, including articles, audiovisual scripts, and press releases.

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Expected Competencies


For more information visit our Credit For Prior Learning page.
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Eligible Dual Credit Course

What is Dual Credit?

FVTC courses taught at the high school by certified high school teachers. These teachers receive mentorship from FVTC faculty to ensure alignment in competencies, curriculum, and assessments.


  • Students earn both high school and college credits, with grades applying to both transcripts.
  • There is no cost to the school district or family.
  • Dual Credit course availability varies by high school based on factors such as lab space, equipment, and teacher qualifications.

Process:

As part of the annual course planning, students and families should meet with their High School Guidance Counselor to discuss future college and career goals. This conversation will help identify Dual Credit courses that best align with specific pathways.

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Recommended Start College Now Course


What is Start College Now?

Qualified public-school juniors and seniors may enroll in college level classes at FVTC or online, if a comparable course is not offered within their district.

Student Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must have parent/guardian approval.
  • Must meet all course entry requirements.
  • Must be in good academic standing with an acceptable disciplinary record.

Application Process:

Interested students should consult their High School Guidance Counselor to explore course options and complete a “Start College Now” application. Applications must be submitted to High School Counselors by March 1st for fall courses and October 1st for spring courses. If approved by the school board, the cost is covered by the high school.

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Eligible Dual Credit & Recommended Start College Now Course:


What is Dual Credit?

FVTC courses taught at the high school by certified high school teachers. These teachers receive mentorship from FVTC faculty to ensure alignment in competencies, curriculum, and assessments.

  • Students earn both high school and college credits, with grades applying to both transcripts.
  • There is no cost to the school district or family.

**Dual Credit course availability varies by high school based on factors such as lab space, equipment, and teacher qualifications.

What is Start College Now?

Qualified public-school juniors and seniors may enroll in college level classes at FVTC or online, if a comparable course is not offered within their district.

Student Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must have parent/guardian approval.
  • Must meet all course entry requirements.
  • Must be in good academic standing with an acceptable disciplinary record.

Application Process:

Interested students should consult their High School Guidance Counselor to explore course options and complete a “Start College Now” application. Applications must be submitted to High School Counselors by March 1st for fall courses and October 1st for spring courses. If approved by the school board, the cost is covered by the high school.

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N/A


This course is not available for Dual Credit or Start College Now due to factors such as course rigor, necessary equipment, and prerequisite requirements.