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University of Colorado Boulder — Erin Willis

Principles of Public Relations

Explore Colorado’s PR foundations course on the four-step process, social responsibility and professional roles, with case-based planning practice.

PaidBeginner4–10 hoursEnglishCertificatePublic Relations
Go to course

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

Course overview

Colorado introduces public relations as a strategic process and distinguishes it from related communication fields. A four-step framework connects case analysis with social responsibility and professional roles. It suits learners who want to understand why a communication activity belongs in a wider plan before beginning to write messages or approach media contacts.

What you will learn

  • Define public relations and distinguish related fields.
  • Apply a four-step process to case examples.
  • Compare social responsibility and professional PR roles.

Who this suits

Beginners; the provider states that no previous background knowledge is required for this introduction to public relations.

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

Use a fictional organization to outline the four stages of a PR process. State the audience, the evidence needed before acting and a measure that would indicate a useful result.

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 — Erin Willis
Page updated
12 Oct 2026