Public relations careers require strong communications skills including writing and speaking, whether you are fundraising for a political candidate, managing community relations in a large city, or promoting a new online streaming TV show. You also need the interpersonal skills required to build relationships with media gatekeepers and influencers.

Public relations specialists work as liaisons with the media, helping clients communicate with the public through speeches, interviews, and social media programs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, public relations specialists have a median salary of $61,150 per year and typically have a bachelor’s degree.

Yes. Whether you are looking to increase your knowledge of advertising and branding, or dive deep into the use of data analytics in social media marketing, Coursera has a wide range of courses and Specializations to take your public relations skills to the next level.

These courses are offered by top-ranked institutions from around the world including IE Business School, Northwestern University, and Rutgers the State University of New Jersey. Thanks to virtual office hours and collaborative projects, you can learn online from leaders in the field, all while doing the same coursework as on-campus students but at a significantly lower cost.