Why Choose a Public Relations Certificate?
As the only nationally certified Public Relations program in the state of Michigan (and one of 27 in the U.S.), Ferris State’s Public Relations program will give you the skills and knowledge to excel. The four courses required for the certificate provide students with more content and experience than many programs offer in their entire major. With employment growth rates in public relations projected to be more than 24% through 2018, gaining additional skills in PR will significantly enhance your current major.
Research shows that excellent written and verbal communication skills are the most sought after trait of potential employers. A certificate in PR from Ferris will help give you these skills. You will learn how to build positive relationships with an organization’s key target groups to improve long-term reputation, goodwill, and the bottom line. You will learn to create and implement strategic communication material such as press releases, speeches, events, videos, social media, and interviews. A certificate in public relations from Ferris will give you a solid foundation in business communication and will be a strong asset in your career development.
Admission Requirements
New Students: 2.5 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) from high school and two of the following three criteria: (1) English ACT score of 16 or higher, or English SAT score of 370 or higher; (2) Math ACT score of 19 or higher, or Math SAT score of 460 or higher; (3) Reading ACT score of 19 or higher, or Verbal SAT score of 430 or higher. ACT score requirements shall not apply to international students and non-traditional students aged 23 or older.
Transfer Students: Combined college or university GPA of 2.35 (on a 4.0 scale) from all institutions attended, and the following criteria: (1) transfer equivalency for ENGL 150 or placement in ENGL 150 the first semester at FSU which would require an English ACT score of 16 or higher; (2) transfer equivalency for FSU MATH 115 or placement in MATH 115 the first semester at FSU which would require a Math ACT score of 19 or higher. ACT score requirements shall not apply to international students and non-traditional students aged 23 or older.
No more than 50% of the credits in a certificate may be transferred from another institution. If a student is in another FSU degree-seeking program, the certificate will not be granted if more than 50% of the certificate credits are required in that program.
Any mitigating circumstances will be considered on an individual basis by the College of Business Dean’s Office.
Non-Degree Seeking Professionals: Non-degree students may complete 9 FSU credits but will need to meet the criteria listed above in order to complete the last certificate course. COB certificates are a total of 12 credits.
Graduation Requirements
You will receive the Public Relations Certificate after completion of the requirements for the certificate with a minimum 2.0 grade point average.
No more than 50% of the credits in this certificate may be transferred from another institution, nor will the certificate be granted if more than 50% of the certificate credits are specifically required in the students major.
More Information
Marketing Department
119 South Street, Business 212
Big Rapids, MI 49307-2284
Phone: 231-591-2426
Email: MKTG@ferris.edu
The College of Business is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP.)
http://www.acbsp.org/p/st/ld/sid=s1_001
