Public Affairs Professional Certificate

Public Affairs
Professional Certificate in Public Affairs communications

The Public Affairs Communications program provides students with specialized communications skills aimed at educating, shaping or changing public opinion on public policy, legislation, political candidates or issues.

Overview
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Questions about the Public Affairs Professional Certificate?

Joseph Watson, Jr., Carolyn Caudell Tieger Professor of Public Affairs Communications
Joseph.Watson@uga.edu

Blog

Catch up on the latest news with the Public Affairs Professional Certificate.

Read more about Grady College and SPIA graduate leaves transformational $1.5 million estate gift
Joshua W. Jones has a conversation with someone in a meeting room.

Grady College and SPIA graduate leaves transformational $1.5 million estate gift

The University of Georgia is honored to announce a generous gift of $1.5 million from the estate of the late Joshua W. Jones, a proud alumnus and distinguished professional in […]

Read more about AdPR students explore Washington D.C.’s communications industry
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AdPR students explore Washington D.C.’s communications industry

The following recount was written by third-year public relations student Margot Murphy. She is involved in Grady College’s Public Affairs Professional Certificate as well as Terry College’s Institute for Leadership […]

Read more about Students named Tieger Fellows in Public Affairs Communications
Tieger Fellows outside the Grady College building.

Students named Tieger Fellows in Public Affairs Communications

The University of Georgia’s Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication announced the selection of three new Tieger Fellows for the 2023-2024 academic year: Sydney Branton, Gracie Englund and Anna […]

Read more about PAC Students Celebrate Graduation

PAC Students Celebrate Graduation

Graduating Public Affairs Communications students gathered to celebrate their experiences in the PAC program with a catered dinner at the Georgia Center on May 3, 2023. Program director Professor Joseph […]

Read more about PAC Alumni Spotlight: Maggie Martin

PAC Alumni Spotlight: Maggie Martin

For Maggie Martin, a recent PAC graduate who double majored in public relations and political science, using communication to “help people accomplish their unifying goals” is her passion. Communicating is […]

Read more about PAC Student Spotlight: Sydney Branton

PAC Student Spotlight: Sydney Branton

For Sydney Branton, joining the PAC program was the “perfect” way to combine her two majors. After Branton was accepted to the Grady DC Field Study & Internship Program for […]

Read more about #ProfilesofTenacity: Sarah Dorr

#ProfilesofTenacity: Sarah Dorr

Fourth year public relations major Sarah Dorr can trace her love for public relations back to her time in pageants, which allowed her to create her first advocacy campaign. Now, […]

Read more about PRSSA’s annual D.C. Agency Tour returns

PRSSA’s annual D.C. Agency Tour returns

The following is a first-person reflection written by PRSSA Vice President and Public Affairs Communications Tieger Fellow, Sarah Dorr. Last month, eight Grady College students traveled from Athens to the […]

Read more about #ProfilesofTenacity: Jin Lee

#ProfilesofTenacity: Jin Lee

Third year public relations major Jin Lee is passionate about learning on the go. Some of her highlights from her time at Grady include co-directing ADPR Connection, studying abroad in […]

Perspectives

“To students considering the PAC program: this program is one of a kind and will
provide you with the kind of skills that employers in the public affairs realm need.”

Caroline Kurzawa

AB ’22

Headshot of Jake Strickland

Perspectives

“The PAC certificate has prepared me for my internship by strengthening my writing
skills, while also giving me insights into how to network with people.”

Jake Strickland

AB ’22 MA ’23

Perspectives

“My PAC experience has helped prepare me for this role, which sits at the
intersection of public and private sectors and has helped me better understand
how firms prepare to advocate for a position or cause with the foundations of PAC.”

Patrick Femia

AB ’21

Perspectives

“Coming into the PAC program, I knew that I wanted a career in public affairs
communications, however, I neither had the needed skillset or depth of knowledge.
I can honestly say that if it were not for Professor Watson’s dedication and the
support of my cohort, I would not have the professional experience, confidence or
expertise that I have today.”

Sarah Geary

AB ’21

Headshot of Sydney Branton

Perspectives

“[PAC] inspired me a lot and motivated me to go out and seek those opportunities
more so than I think I would have without the program.”

Sydney Branton

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The Latest

Read the newest headlines, get updates and discover events happening at Grady.

Read more about Profiles of Tenacity: Natalie Hope
Natalie poses for her Grady Ambassador headshot.

Profiles of Tenacity: Natalie Hope

Natalie Hope is a fourth year public relations major with a minor in religion set to graduate in December 2025. She currently serves as a Grady Ambassador and is a […]

Read more about Griffiths Innovators elevate local news through digital strategy
A group of Griffiths Innovators students sit in the JLab with Dr. Amanda Bright in a round-table style discussion to brainstorm ideas for their news outlets.

Griffiths Innovators elevate local news through digital strategy

Through the Griffiths Innovators program, University of Georgia students sharpen their digital media skills while also contributing to the growth and sustainability of local journalism across Georgia. The unique opportunity […]

Read more about Fink Fellows strengthen local democracy with city council coverage
A group of Fink Fellow students sit in a round-table style discussion with Professor Lori Johnston in a Grady College room for their first meeting of the semester.

Fink Fellows strengthen local democracy with city council coverage

The Cox Institute’s Fink Fellows enhance their writing, visual storytelling and editing skills via partnerships with local journalism outlets across Georgia. The 10 University of Georgia students have the unique […]

Read more about Profiles of Tenacity: Tyler Tran
Tyler tran header

Profiles of Tenacity: Tyler Tran

Tyler Tran is a fourth year entertainment and media studies and finance major from Charlotte, North Carolina. Tran serves as co-president of the Industries Club and a member of the […]

Read more about Cox Institute hosts media literacy influencer Kelsey Russell for News Literacy Certificate Fall 2025 Celebration
Media literacy influencer Kelsey Russell stands at the front of Studio 100, presenting to a group of students seated in front of her. Her presentation projected behind her reads "Back to the Future."

Cox Institute hosts media literacy influencer Kelsey Russell for News Literacy Certificate Fall 2025 Celebration

University of Georgia students collaborated with their peers and heard from media literacy influencer Kelsey Russell at the News Literacy Certificate Fall 2025 Celebration. The event highlights the accomplishments of […]

Read more about Destination Dawgs explore Grady College
A group of people pose for a picture.

Destination Dawgs explore Grady College

From using the green screen in the Newsroom studio and experiencing virtual reality technology, to calling the Dawgs with Dean Charles Davis, the Destination Dawgs enjoyed a day at Grady […]

Apply To The Certificate

Applications for the PAC certificate are open every year in the spring. Visit the PAC Eligibility page for application dates and details.

Apply Here