Public Relations

The Public Relations major is interdisciplinary in scope and writing intensive in design. The objective of the major is to provide students with a critical understanding of the symbolic, rhetorical behavior which creates and influences relationships between organizations and their publics. Courses encourage the examination of practical and theoretical perspectives, historical developments, research methodology, legal applications and the expanding role of Public Relations in modern society. All first-year majors participate in a Service Learning practicum tailored to the unique challenges of public relations within a non-profit setting. In addition, students acquire skills in public speaking, reporting, broadcasting and critical thinking.

A minor in Public Relations appeals to students majoring in a variety of other fields, including those students majoring within another division of the Communication Arts department. Political Science majors may see the minor as a means to enhance their expertise and understanding of public communication and campaign development. Business students may use it in association with concentrations in finance, management, or marketing. Students majoring in English may use the minor to explore the dynamics of organizational advocacy and communicative strategy.