Ethical Leadership in Public Relations and Communications Certificate Program
September 10, 17 & 24, October 8 & 15, 2025, 4–5:30 p.m. EDT
This certificate program equips public relations and communications professionals with the knowledge and skills to navigate ethical challenges with confidence and integrity. Grounded in the PRSA Code of Ethics, participants will explore core values such as honesty, advocacy, fairness and independence in PR and comms practice. Through case studies, interactive discussions and real-world applications, participants will develop a keen ability to recognize ethical dilemmas, uphold transparency and foster trust with stakeholders.
All modules will be recorded so that participants can (re)listen or review them after the live date in preparation for the final exam. After successfully completing and passing the final assessment at the end of the certificate program, participants will be awarded a certificate of completion and a digital badge.
Participants will also be part of PRSA’s Online Community, an exclusive forum offering private access and interactive dialogue with other members taking the program.
By the end of the program, participants will be able to:
- Understand and apply ethical principles to decision-making in their work.
- Identify and address ethical risks.
- Strengthen their own accountability and credibility and that of the public relations and communications profession.
This program is designed for:
- PRSA Members
- Individuals with the Accredited in Public Relations (APR) credential. (This program fulfills the Ethics requirement needed for APR renewal).
- Corporate and internal communications professionals.
- Professionals responsible for maintaining public trust and organizational reputation.
- Individuals navigating complex ethical decisions in messaging, media relations, and stakeholder engagement.
Presenters
Schedule
Module 1: Advocacy and Honesty in PR and Comms
Wednesday, September 10
4–5:30 p.m. EDT
This module will kick things off with an overview of ethics in public relations and the PRSA Code of Ethics. We’ll explore the fundamental role of advocacy in PR and comms while emphasizing the importance of honesty. Participants will examine ethical decision-making in representing clients, balancing public interest with organizational goals and fostering transparency in communication. Case studies will highlight real-world ethical dilemmas involving misinformation and biased representation.
Module 2: Expertise and Independence: Ethical PR Leadership
Wednesday, September 17
4–5:30 p.m. EDT
PR professionals are expected to be credible experts and independent advisers to their organizations. This module will focus on professional development, objective counsel and accountability for ethical choices. Participants will learn strategies for ethical decision-making and responsible expertise-building through ongoing research and education.
Module 3: Loyalty, Fairness and Competition in PR and Comms
Wednesday, September 24
4–5:30 p.m. EDT
Ethical PR requires both faithfulness to clients and fairness to competitors. This module discusses confidentiality, conflict resolution and the dangers of unethical competition such as deceptive hiring practices and misinformation. Participants will engage in practical exercises on balancing loyalty with public responsibility.
Module 4: Transparency and Safeguarding Confidences
Wednesday, October 8
4–5:30 p.m. EDT
Open communication fosters trust and integrity in PR. This module teaches the importance of disclosing key information, avoiding deceptive practices and protecting confidential data. Topics include financial transparency, ethical sponsorship disclosure and proper handling of proprietary information.
Module 5: Enhancing the PR and Comms Profession: Ethical Excellence
Wednesday, October 15
4–5:30 p.m. EDT
Ethical public relations and communications professionals must strengthen trust in the industry and lead by example. This final module explores the impact of ethical leadership, mentoring colleagues in ethical decision-making and holding organizations accountable for responsible PR and comms practices. Participants will develop a personal ethics action plan to implement in their careers.
Accreditation Information
Participants with the APR credential earn 2.5 Ethics CEUs for this certificate program.Pricing
Register by Aug. 27, and save $100!
| BY 8/27 | REGULAR RATE | |
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