Public Relations
Major
Public relations is a field that prepares students for a range of professional roles, from entry-level technician jobs to managerial positions. As a PR practitioner, you might be tasked with developing social media strategies, creating multimedia news releases, or executing other exciting media campaigns.
For those pursuing a managerial career path, the focus shifts to broader responsibilities like crafting a strategic communication plan for a new initiative or assessing the potential reputation impact of an organizational decision on the productivity and success of an organization. To succeed in any of these roles, strong writing and critical thinking skills are a must.
As a PR student, you’ll be prepared to enter an agency or an organization. Potential career paths include:
- Social Media Strategist
- Digital strategist
- Corporate communicator
- Brand Ambassador
- Investor Relations Manager
- Account Manager
- Public Relations Coordinator
- Chief Communication Officer
Why get a public relations degree?
Our Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a Public Relations concentration teaches you how to build relationships and influence the public. The program will equip you to help individuals, organizations, and movements protect and promote their brand identity.
Skills you’ll learn
Courses May Include
COMM2030 Communication Research
Research methods used to measure content, process, and effects of communication on attitudes, knowledge, and behavior. Research design, data analysis, evaluation, and results presented in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies
COMM 2120 Public Relations Principles
Principles of theoretical, social, behavioral, and communicative aspects of public relations from which the practice is built.
COMM 3104 Public Relations and Corporate Writing
Writing used by print, broadcast, and online media. In-depth practice writing and editing corporate documents.
COMM3172 Media Effects
Effects of mass media on individuals, societies, and cultures.
COMM4032 Mass Media Law
Provides working knowledge of legal system as it relates to communication professionals. Emphasis on libel, privacy, copyright, First Amendment, and federal regulation of telecommunication industry.
COMM4905 Media Ethics
Principles of moral reasoning as applied to ethical dilemmas arising in media professions.
COMM4905 Public Relations Strategies
Problem-solving strategies and principles of message design for developing public relations campaigns.
COMM3540 Digital Media for Communication Campaigns
Applications of strategic communication principles to the creation of digital media content for communication campaigns.
COMM3550 Social Media and Strategic Communication
Theory and practice of social media strategies in organizational contexts.
COMM 4500 Public Relations Campaigns
Design and execute public relations campaigns for specific organizations. Employ public relations theory, concepts, and techniques.
6%
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of public relations specialist positions is projected to grow nationwide through 2032.
Career Outlook
What can I do with a Public Relations Degree?
With an PR degree from East Carolina University, you can launch a dynamic career across many facets of the public relations field. From brand strategy and crisis management to event planning and digital communications, the concentration equips you with the skills to thrive. Since the PR industry is constantly evolving, ECU’s curriculum keeps you ahead of the curve by covering both traditional and emerging communication channels.
