Public Relations BA

Pursue a career in public relations, a dynamic, growing field where strategic social media campaigns, media relations, special events, promotional activities and digital communication help organizations build relationships with the media, consumers, employees and other target audiences. Students may take advanced courses to develop skills in new and emerging media, media relations, special events, promotions, crisis communication and strategic public relations campaigns.
 
Apply and expand classroom knowledge through client projects, internships and clubs, including the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). Our program has a strong tradition of excellence resulting in national public relations competition awards, such as Bateman and the National Organ Donor Awareness Campaign.
 
According to the Public Relations Student Society of America, our public relations major is one of only 40 undergraduate programs worldwide to have earned Certification in Education for Public Relations “for meeting eight standards (PDF) in curriculum, faculty, students, resources and facilities, assessment, professional affiliations, relationships with the total unit and the university and diversity and global perspectives.” The major and minor are also accredited through the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC).
 
Connect with a career like those of our award-winning alumni working at brands such as Kohl’s, Discover Wisconsin and U.S. Olympics, or practicing public relations at national and regional agencies such as Edelman, Bader Rutter, Element Creative and Envano. You’ll also find our impressive alumni working in national, city and state government and educational institutions, such as Wisconsin Athletics, and Wisconsin’s Department of Natural Resources and Department of Tourism.