U.S. News lists public relations one of the best career choices because of the rapidly growing number of jobs in the field, average salary, and potential for rapid promotion. In today’s global society, demand is high for public relations specialists to build relations between organizations and publics using traditional and new media technologies.
With a public relations degree you can be a social media strategist, special event planner, fundraiser, work on a political campaign, write speeches, help a company enact a social responsibility program, work with the media, plan a health campaign, work for a sports team, or further the cause of a nonprofit—to name just a few of the opportunities available. Many students also find it excellent preparation for law school.
The field combines aspects of communication, business, psychology, and sociology. Our program helps you develop your skills as a problem solver, creative thinker, strategic planner, and good writer. What you need is an overwhelming curiosity about the world and the ability to empathize with diverse audiences. You don’t need to be “a people person”—in fact, most public relations practitioners operate behind the scenes to bring people and ideas together.
The six required courses in the major acquaint you with the different career opportunities, help you develop your writing and presentation skills, teach you how to develop a sound campaign plan that will bring measurable results, use social media to develop authentic relationships, and work with local clients to achieve organizational objectives.
Our faculty members have years of experience in agency, corporate, government, and nonprofit organizations. Our areas of expertise help set our program apart: social media, global communications, diversity, and a commitment to ethical practice and social justice.
Our majors are in high demand around the country in part because of the opportunities we provide for experiential learning. You don’t just learn about public relations in the classroom, you do it. We help you land internships, work in AHPR (our student-run firm), join PRSSA (the national professional association), work with actual clients in many of your classes, and provide the opportunity to transition to the work world through our Senior Experience. You can attend the PRSA international conference, the SXSW conference, and go on agency tours to get a behind the scenes look at the field.
At the end of the major, you work with a team of professionals to present a professional portfolio that is your key to a job in the field. Because of the strong professional grounding of our program, many employers tell us they won’t hire anyone but a “Duck.” Contact us if you have any questions about what it takes to be a PR Duck.
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