Public Relations Ethics Training - Arthur W. Page Center

Public Relations Ethics Training

Arthur W. Page Center

Training Modules

The Page Center Training Modules introduce the most pressing ethics issues in public relations today. With the help of scholars from universities around the world, you will get insights and information on important topics in the field. Enjoy videos, real-world case studies, and timely research to build your knowledge and appreciation for ethics. At the end of each lesson, test your comprehension, and when you complete the two lessons, you will receive a completion certificate for that module.

Ethics Modules

Adults in business clothing seated with laptops around a large corporate conference table.

Introduction to Public Relations Ethics

  • Lessons: 2
  • MODULE 1

Ethics are the foundation from which effective public relations is practiced. In this module, learn what ethics actually are and how they integrate with the profession.
Stylized business man standing at entrance to a labyrinth, as seen from above.

Core Ethical Principles

  • Lessons: 3
  • MODULE 2

In this module, learn how to "mind the gap" between foundational ethical principles and professional practice and become ethically literate.
Handshake between two people in business shirts.

Professional Codes of Ethics

  • Lessons: 2
  • MODULE 3

Explore how professional codes of ethics like the PRSA Code guide values, decisions, and integrity in public relations practice.
View of feet in canvas sneakers standing at a three-way fork in the road.

Ethical Decision Making

  • Lessons: 2
  • MODULE 4

Explore how ethical principles guide real-world decision-making through case studies and activities that build practical skills for ethical reasoning.
Overhead view of business people seated with devices in hand around a tabletop featuring world map made up of ethics-related words.

Digital Ethics

  • Lessons: 2
  • MODULE 5

Explore how ethical principles apply to digital media, data use, and online communication through real-world cases and practical analysis.
Globe in foreground of business person typing on laptop.

Ethics in a Global Context

  • Lessons: 2
  • MODULE 6

Explore how global and cultural contexts shape ethical decision-making in international public relations practice.
Business man examines a document with a magnifying glass.

Transparency

  • Lessons: 2
  • MODULE 7

Explore how ethical transparency, disclosure, and regulation shape responsible communication in public relations.
Business people discussing ideas related to environmental conservation, including wind power and recycling.

Corporate Social Responsibility

  • Lessons: 2
  • MODULE 8

Explore how corporate social responsibility and conscious capitalism shape ethical, sustainable, and purpose-driven business practices.
Cartoon businessman screaming in distress as multiple devices sound across his desk.

Ethics in Crisis Management

  • Lessons: 2
  • MODULE 9

This module explores the ethical responsibilities and communication challenges organizations face when managing crises and sharing information with stakeholders.
A woman holds a pencil in left hand while typing on laptop with right hand.

Introduction to Diversity in Public Relations

  • Lessons: 2
  • MODULE 10

Examine the importance of diversity in public relations, explore its origins, key theories, and how inclusive practices strengthen communication with an increasingly diverse public.
A journalist holds two microphones, a recording device, and writes in a notebook.

Media Framing and Ethics

  • Lessons: 2
  • MODULE 11

Explore the ethical responsibilities of public relations professionals in working with the media and examine how media shape public understanding through agenda setting and news framing.
A typewriter outputs a paper with words "Fake News."

Ethical Implications of Fake News for PR Professionals

  • Lessons: 2
  • MODULE 12

Explore how fake news shapes public perception and learn how ethical, media-literate PR practice can help restore truth and credibility in today’s information landscape.
A business person holds a smartphone in extended hand, with an icon of the scales of justice projecting from the phone.

Public Relations Law

  • Lessons: 2
  • MODULE 13

This module introduces key legal principles in public relations, including copyright, libel, and privacy, to help practitioners understand how to create and share content responsibly.

Activism Modules

Aerial view of a crowd of people walking across a crosswalk on a street.

Parallels in Activism

  • Lessons: 2
  • ACTIVISM MODULE 1

Parallels Among Public Interest Communication, Cause Communication and Activism examines how public relations intersects with activism and advocacy, highlighting communicators’ ethical and civic responsibilities in advancing positive social change.
Group of young adult students and their instructor seated at a large table, applauding an individual standing up in a classroom.

Digital Media Activism

  • Lessons: 2
  • ACTIVISM MODULE 2

This module examines how organizations use digital media for activism and policy advocacy, highlighting the strategies, frameworks, and ethical considerations needed to create effective and responsible digital campaigns.
A a pen and a tablet with an image of a histogram near a laptop.

Shareholder Activism as a Force for Good

  • Lessons: 2
  • ACTIVISM MODULE 3

This module equips students to design effective shareholder activism campaigns and develop strategic responses to activism from a corporate perspective.

These free, self-paced modules on public relations ethics are designed to integrate smoothly into your curriculum.

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