Shaping Connections, Building Influence
Public Relations Program
At Anderson University, the Public Relations major provides students with the skills needed to excel in media relations, crisis management, and strategic communication. Through a blend of theoretical learning and practical experience, including internships and real-world projects, students are prepared to navigate the dynamic field of public relations with confidence and ethical insight.
Tomorrow's strategic communicators are starting right here.
Transform ideas into impactful stories.
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.
EXPLORE 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.
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
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
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
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.
“The PR program sets students up for success in a future career by providing real-world opportunities before graduation, including working on projects with real clients. Aside from helping me build an awesome portfolio, one of these client assignments ended in an internship offer, rounding out my practical experience even further.” —Caroline States
The Anderson You
You have unique interests and skills that set you apart. Explore the free My College Career Quiz to receive a personalized list of majors selected just for you. We’ve taken out the guessing work. Come find the Anderson you.