Public Relations Program Certification

Certification in Education for Academic Programs in Public Relations

Established in 1989 as a voluntary program, Certification in Education for Public Relations (CEPR) offers academic programs the opportunity to have an outside evaluation team review and endorse undergraduate and master’s level programs for meeting eight standards in curriculum, faculty, students, resources and facilities, assessment, professional affiliations, relationships with the total unit and the university, and diversity and global perspectives.

The CEPR Process

Through the PRSA Educational Affairs Committee, a certification review process is conducted for undergraduate and graduate public relations programs. The review is administered by two PRSA members, a full-time educator and an APR-credentialed practicing professional who examine the school’s curriculum, resources, facilities and university support of its programs.

The two to three day site visit includes meetings with faculty, students, administrators and key external constituencies. Reviewers contact internship providers, employers of graduates and other local practicing professionals to assess alumni from the public relations program and to ask former students about their educational experience.

Become CEPR Certified

To learn more about the standards, criteria and review process, download the CEPR Guidelines (PDF). Questions may be addressed to Jeneen Garcia and CEPR Coordinator Susan Walton, APR. Schools that currently hold PRSA Certification are listed below (with the year of initial certification and the year due for re-certification review:

Post-Graduate Degree Programs

Under-Graduate Degree Programs