Public Relations Degree
If you’re asking yourself, “Do I want to study public relations or marketing?” you’re not alone. These two majors lead to similar careers, with public relations having a broad focus, and marketing using a direct approach.
Public relations uses objective and trustworthy two-way communication to build relationships and earn unbiased support, often without the use of paid advertising. Marketing is similarly focused on gaining support, but is more specific in its efforts, using pricing, distribution, and promotion to create brand awareness for a particular product or service. Together, public relations and marketing work to build trust and encourage customer loyalty and company support. When combined, they comprehensively tell the brand’s story while maintaining credibility and a strong reputation.
A degree in public relations enhances your résumé and makes you more marketable because it develops your skills in storytelling, message distribution strategy, and brand awareness.
Find Your Degree Focus
A public relations degree focuses on strategic brand reputation and credibility, giving students the opportunity to communicate to a specific industry (e.g., healthcare, sports, fundraising, nonprofits, corporations, crises, etc.). There are three options you can choose from: social media, event planning, or traditional public relations.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Major or Minor
EVENT PLANNING
Major or Minor
TRADITIONAL PR
Major or Minor
Program Overview
Public Relations
Public relations strategically builds and maintains relationships with organizations by communicating ethical and consistent messages. In AU’s program, students learn foundations, feature and digital writing, campaigns, research, ethics, social media, and event planning, with a focus on faith and hands-on experiences.
Program Options
- Major in traditional public relations.
- Major in public relations with a concentration in event planning.
- Major in public relations with a concentration in social media.
- Complementary major in public relations.
- Minor in public relations.
- Minor in event planning.
- Minor in communication.
- Complete the degree in 3 or 4 years.
Classes
While enrolled, students learn about communication professionalism and develop a minimum of 10 pieces of work for their portfolio by the time they graduate. Among the classes in the 52-hour major are:
- Public Relations:
- Foundations
- Campaigns
- Writing
- Research
- Event Planning & Management
- Global Communication
- Communicating Through Social Media
After Graduation
According to the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), the field will soon see a 60% increase in hiring. Likewise, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an above average hiring pace by 2026. In 2020, AU’s Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) Chapter received the national Pacesetter Award.
Because the field is redefining itself through new technology, there is a high demand for well-prepared professionals. Anderson University’s program cultivates graduates who will not only find jobs upon graduation, but who will lead the field in the decades to come.
Careers
PR professionals can use their skills generally or specialize in almost any area or context. Common job titles in the field include:
- Communication Specialist
- Content Manager
- Internal Communications Coordinator
- Fundraising Specialist
- Social Media Manager
- Copywriter
- Media Relations Manager
- Program Coordinator
- Events Coordinator
Internships
In 2021, 100% of Anderson University PR graduates found employment in the field or started graduate school due to strong internship opportunities with companies such as:
- Ascension St. Vincent Foundation
- BLASTmedia
- Bohlsen Group
- Children’s Bureau
- Eiteljorg Museum
- Indianapolis Colts
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway
- Kalitta Motorsports
- St. Vincent Hospital Foundation
- The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
- The U.S. Attorney’s Office
- United Way
Public Relations Student Society of America
Hear a podcast about our Public Relations Student Society of America chapter:
OUR FACULTY
Let’s connect during your campus visit.
Public Relations
Dr. Stefanie Leiter
Department Chair, Communication & Design Arts Associate Professor, Public Relations Director, Summer School
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