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 Carolyn Caudell Tieger Fellows Named for 2025-2026 
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Carolyn Caudell Tieger Fellows Named for 2025-2026 

The University of Georgia’s Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication announced the selection of three new Tieger Fellows for the 2025-2026 academic year: Grayson Troxel, Blake Daniel and Sarah […]

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 #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: Ivan Mendoza
Ivan Mendoza is pictured holding a bucket for a book drive.

Profiles of Tenacity: Ivan Mendoza

Ivan Mendoza is a second year advertising major with minors in criminal justice and film studies from Powder Springs, Georgia set to graduate in May 2028. Mendoza is the president […]

Read more about Circles of Success offer unique connection for mentors and mentees
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Circles of Success offer unique connection for mentors and mentees

January is National Mentoring Month, a prime time for UGA students to commit to further their professional career by connecting with a mentor. The traditional one-on-one UGA Mentor Program may […]

Read more about The Oglethorpe Echo class recognized by Google News Initiative for solving problems in community journalism
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The Oglethorpe Echo class recognized by Google News Initiative for solving problems in community journalism

Grady College journalism students and faculty were represented on the international stage in November when the JournalismAI Innovation Challenge project they worked on was featured in a documentary. The program […]

Read more about MFA Narrative Nonfiction program completes spring 2026 residency
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MFA Narrative Nonfiction program completes spring 2026 residency

The MFA in Narrative Nonfiction program wrapped up a weeklong residency Jan. 4-9 at Grady College. Students in the sessions heard from both MFA faculty as well as a lineup […]

Read more about Football film directed by UGA alumnus has national premiere
A group of people on a film set. Some have headphones on there is a film monitor in the foreground.

Football film directed by UGA alumnus has national premiere

“Signing Tony Raymond,” a film written, directed and produced by Glen Owen (ABJ ’90), a UGA alumnus and current MFA Narrative Media student, will have its national premiere on Jan. […]

Read more about Tamlin Hall named director of MFA Film, Television and Digital Media program
Image of Tamlin Hall speaking at a podium and text that reads "Tamlin Hall named director of MFA Film program.

Tamlin Hall named director of MFA Film, Television and Digital Media program

Tamlin Hall, an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, director, producer, educator and non-profit founder, has been named the new director of the University of Georgia Master of Fine Arts in Film, Television […]

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