You鈥檙e always into what鈥檚 new and now, you鈥檝e got a knack for organization and a flair for writing, and people always listen to what you have to say. If you鈥檙e all that, with a soft spot for glitz and glamour, welcome to the fast-paced, results-driven, done-yesterday world of PR.
According to Kent State University, public relations is 鈥渢he strategic management of communication and relationships between organizations and their key publics.鈥 In other words, public relations specialists control how organizations and their products or services are perceived by the public鈥攁nd in turn, what image their paying clients (the organizations) portray. As a public relations major, you鈥檒l learn about all the written, verbal, and visual elements that go into effective public relations. You鈥檒l be prepped on how to write a press release and how to handle media attention on your client鈥檚 behalf. Your studies may also include forays into publishing newsletters, designing effective promotional ads, newswriting, broadcast media, and videography. Once you have a grasp on these basics, you鈥檒l learn how to use them effectively to drive sales for your client and earn favor in the public eye. Knowing when to communicate what is essential in public relations. You鈥檒l learn how to develop your information and messages, and how to make sure that information is portrayed in the best possible way to your targeted audience. The best PR pros will also know a little about event planning, product launches, public speaking, and damage control.
Public relations is in many ways an interdisciplinary major, and you鈥檒l study elements from many other fields, including psychology, philosophy, languages, business, art, and many others. You鈥檒l learn how to analyze public opinion and various research studies in order to determine what the public relations needs are for a certain organization. Problem solving and strategic planning abilities go a long way in the field, so hone them now. Oh, and there are ethical issues too, when it comes to 鈥渋nfluencing鈥 public opinion鈥攜ou鈥檒l want to maintain ethical business practices for the sake of your PR firm and your firm鈥檚 loyal clients.
Many programs require students to participate in an internship, which is a great way to see the world of PR from the inside, and some programs require students to choose a concentration, often in the business field. Be sure to research exactly what鈥檚 required as you determine what program is best for you.
Advertising and Society
Business Writing
Communication Theory
Media Management
Newsletter Publication
Photojournalism
Public Broadcast and Culture
Public Relations Campaigns
Public Relations Ethics
Publication Design
Reporting
Strategic Planning
Videography
Writing for Public Relations
English, languages, history, and art. Great interpersonal skills are also vital to a career in PR, so get involved in extracurricular activities to get used to interacting with all different kinds of people.
Connect with our featured colleges to find schools that both match your interests and are looking for students like you.
Ready to create the next great app? Launch your gaming career at one of these top 50 programs.
165,000 students rate everything from their professors to their campus social scene.
Join athletes who were discovered, recruited & often received scholarships after connecting with NCSA's 42,000 strong network of coaches.