Bachelor's Degree in Communication
Concentration: Public Relations (BA)
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Public Relations Concentration Overview
This program of study gives students marketable communication skills grounded in rhetorical theory and tested in professional settings. Entry-level classes hone skills in reporting, social media messaging, interviewing, survey and focus group research and event planning. Students then move into upper-level courses where they perform communication research and write for participating business in Northwest Indiana.
As graduates, they are amply prepared for entry-level public relations research, planning and management roles as they move through their careers.
Department of Communication and Creative Arts
Public relations is a broad field that offers a wide range of career opportunities, including copywriters, social media managers, press secretaries, campaign strategists, spokespersons, crisis managers, researchers, corporate communication directors, promotional event planners and strategic communication advisors.
A vibrant PNW Public Relations alumni network provides students with classroom guest lectures, feedback on professional portfolios, internships, cooperative professional projects and social gatherings. Many public relations students connect with alums who hire them in entry-level positions upon graduation and serve as references after graduation.
Public Relations Concentration Curriculum
As a Public Relations student, you’ll take a balance of general education courses, College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences core courses and communication courses.
During your studies, you will learn how to write and publish press releases and photographs, mission statements and crisis plans. Your coursework could include hands-on experiences such as conducting interviews, focus groups and survey research for clients or planning and promoting events through social media. The PR program culminates with the development of a public relations resume and portfolio assessed by members of our public relations alumni network.
Start with a foundation in communication essentials like public speaking, public relations and media.
Sample Courses
- COM 11400 – Fundamentals of Speech Communication
- COM 25300 – Introduction to Public Relations
- COM 25000 – Mass Communication and Society
Develop your expertise with courses exploring interpersonal communication, news reporting and persuasion.
Sample Courses
- COM 22500 – Introduction to Rhetoric and Social Influence
- COM 25500 – News Reporting
- COM 31800 – Principles of Persuasion
Dive deeper into the principles and practice of the public relations profession.
Sample Courses
- COM 32000 – Small Group Communication
- COM 32500 – Interviewing: Principles and Practice
- COM 37000 – Writing for the Media
Complete your training with advanced public relations, focus group research and organizational communications.
Sample Courses
- COM 32400 – Introduction to Organizational Communication
- COM 46000 – Advanced Public Relations
- COM 43900 – Focus Group Research
Public Relations Concentration Highlights
This program combines communication theory and research with practical projects that emphasize critical thinking and writing. You’ll gain versatile communication skills that can be applied to a variety of careers and settings.
Public Relations Concentration Outcomes
You’ll develop skills that set you apart in the fields of communication and media. You might become an influencer in media, politics, health or marketing. Regardless of your path, you will learn to create and share messages that traverse geographical and social divides.
Public Relations Concentration Career Paths
A Public Relations concentration from PNW prepares you for a number of careers in the field, including:
- Copywriting
- Social Media Management
- Speech Writing
- Strategic Communication Advising
Public Relations Concentration Beyond the Classroom
You’ll have many opportunities to get involved in on- and off-campus activities, including:
- The PNW Pioneer
- The Public Relations Club
- The Broadcasting Club
Public Relations Concentration Employers
Graduates of this program are employed in organizations and companies like:
- Crackyl Magazine
- Cushman & Wakefield
- NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
- Scouts of America
- Spark Marketing
Public Relations Concentration Scholarships
In addition to the scholarships available to all PNW applicants, students seeking a Public Relations concentration may also apply for program-specific scholarship awards, such as:
- Stephen Hough Memorial Scholarship
I have had the opportunity to actually build a portfolio that I’m able to take to employers. I have been able to network with alumni and professors who have really helped me along the way. I feel that I am leaving with such great experience. I’m ready to go out into the real world and get a job.
Meet the Faculty
Associate Professor of Communication
Thomas J. Roach teaches rhetorical theory and all courses in the PR concentration including journalism, interviewing and photography.
Assistant Professor of Communication
Austin Hestdalen is an Assistant Professor of communication in the Department of Communication and Creative Arts. His scholarship focuses on the ethical implications smart technologies have for urban public spheres.
Continuing Lecturer, Communication and Creative Arts
Erin Okamoto Protsman teaches a variety of classes in the communication field.
Associate Professor of Communication
Professor Wilbur is an Associate Professor of Communication. He also serves as the NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative and Graduate Director.
Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Communication with a Concentration in Public Relations at PNW
PNW’s Public Relations program prepares you for a variety of careers through a curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking and writing. This program builds strong, marketable communication skills through hands-on training and real-world experience, preparing students for entry-level roles and long-term careers in public relations and business communication.
See how a bachelor’s degree in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations from PNW can open doors—from managing media campaigns for top brands to shaping messaging strategies for nonprofits. Take the next step toward your future in PR today!
