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University of Colorado Boulder — Burton St. John

Introduction to Crisis Management and Crisis Communication

Explore Colorado’s introductory crisis course on early response, people involved, communication choices and the structure of a usable crisis plan.

PaidBeginner4–10 hoursEnglishCertificatePublic Relations
Go to course

Opens on the provider’s site. Check current access and certificate terms there.

Course overview

Colorado examines the first moments of an organizational crisis and the preparation that helps people respond. Communication choices connect with who is involved and how a crisis plan is organized. It suits learners who want a foundation for identifying responsibilities and uncertainty before preparing messages about an incident.

What you will learn

  • Identify participants in crisis management.
  • Review communication choices in an initial response.
  • Explore the structure and use of a crisis plan.

Who this suits

Beginners interested in crisis management and communication; no work experience is required by the provider.

Before you enroll

Build a communication plan around verified information and a clearly identified audience. Check factual claims, permissions and disclosure requirements before using material publicly. Practice with fictional organizations and incidents; course exercises do not create media relationships or guarantee coverage. In a real crisis, coordinate communication with the people responsible for the response.

Coursera offers paid enrollment or subscription access. Check the enrollment screen for assessment and certificate terms, trials and any financial-aid options. Provider access terms can change; review them before paying.

Put it into practice

Outline the first response to a fictional incident. Separate confirmed facts, unanswered questions, responsible contacts and a plan for the next update without speculating about causes.

Source and review

This overview is based on the provider's published information, checked on . It is an editorial assessment, not a claim that we completed the resource. Time filters are approximate study ranges; projects and exercises can take longer.

View the curriculum and current access options at Coursera.

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At a glance

Provider
Coursera
Learning format
Course
Price
Paid
Level
Beginner
Study time (approx.)
4–10 hours
Language
English
Certificate
Available; check provider terms
Created by
University of Colorado Boulder — Burton St. John
Page updated
12 Oct 2026