Strategic Communication and Media: Public Relations

Why major in Public Relations?

When you major in Public Relations at SRU, you will gain a solid background in the history and practices of PR. From copywriting and research to social media and graphic design, you will learn the skills required to succeed professionally after graduation. 

In your senior year, you will complete two public relations campaigns for real clients. In addition, the senior capstone seminar will ease your transition from student to professional, offering career preparation and job search skills. As a graduate of the Public Relations program at SRU, you will be marketable for employment in public relations, marketing, and advertising agencies in corporate, nonprofit, and governmental settings.

In addition to the knowledge and hands-on experience you’ll gain, you’ll also have the opportunity to be a member of several clubs and organizations designed specifically for Communication and Public Relations majors. These include:

• Lambda Pi Eta Communication Honorary
• Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA)
• Rock PRoductions Student Public Relations Firm

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

SRU’s curriculum gives students a broad stroke foundation in communication and public relations, enabling them to go on to pursue positions in a variety of niches. The core course requirements set the stage for what it means to work in the communication industry, covering concepts, research methods, and mass media.

The public relations emphasis courses cover a wide range of topics, including digital design, journalistic writing, social media, persuasion, argumentation, and more. Through these classes, students learn about various modes of communication. Additional message production and preparation courses—such as photojournalism, video production, and interactive multimedias—allow students to dig deeper into a certain communication area. Furthermore, students complete one of two business courses—organizational behavior or principles of marketing—to better understand the importance of communication as it relates to the success of a company.

Those who major in Public Relations at SRU also participate in an internship program, which allows them to apply their classroom knowledge in a practical setting. This gives students the hands-on experience needed to enter the workforce after graduation.

CAREERS IN PUBLIC RELATIONS

Public relations professionals ensure that companies, organizations, and individuals reach the right parties with an expertly crafted message in an age of instant information transference. In collaboration with our Advisory Board and skilled professionals working in the field, this degree program is designed to help you develop the specific skills and insights employers are looking for: public opinion research and analysis, strategic planning, effective writing skills, and proficiency in the use of social media, visual, and graphic design technologies. Potential job titles include but are not limited to:

• Public Relations Specialist
• Brand Ambassador
• Publicist
• Event Coordinator
• Social Media Specialist
• Content Strategist
• Copywriter

The success of our program is measured by our graduates who are employed in public relations, marketing, and advertising at agencies, corporate offices, and non-profit organizations.

Earn your Bachelor’s in Communication degree with a Public Relations major at SRU!

Slippery Rock University’s Public Relations major puts students on the path towards exciting careers as expert communicators for companies and organizations. Interested in learning more about this program? Request more information today!