Measurement courses every PR pro should take

So you want to be a public relations or social media measurement maven? The first step on the way is to educate yourself. Whether you are now in school, or thinking of going back to pick up a few courses, here is a list of classes that will give you a good foundation.

Note: Many of these classes are not offered in the typical communications department. You might have to look around a bit, maybe take some psych or econ classes. Depending on your aptitude and inclination, you might want to be a business or math major. Our recommendation is to first get a very solid grounding in business, then go on to get your creative juices flowing.

• Advanced Excel

I assume that you can’t get into college these days without some basic knowledge of Excel. Of course it’s been 40 years since I first entered the doors to college, so who knows what gets you in, but the very first measurement course you must take is an advanced Excel course. Excel is the one measurement tool you will use no matter how big or small your organization. Ninety percent of the measurement I’ve done in my life has been done in Excel.

• Business 101 and 202