Overview

Join one of only a few dedicated public relations majors in the state. Our program offers the highest number of public relations classes in the state, and you can choose from a variety of elective clusters based on your professional interests and goals. The classes prepare you to manage strategic communication and relationships with various organizational publics in any industry and sector. You can also get hands-on experience by joining our chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) and the student-run PR firm The Agency.

Upon graduation, you will be able to design and implement strategic communication programs and campaigns to help organizations succeed and make a difference. The growing PR profession offers exciting career opportunities. Our graduates launch successful and fulfilling careers in social media management, sports communication, corporate media, health promotion, political communication, event planning, media relations, fundraising, consulting, among many others.

 

Additional Opportunities for Public Relations Majors:

• 4+1 Accelerated Graduate School Program. If you want to pursue graduate studies in strategic communication, you might be interested in our 4+1 graduate school option. Qualifying public relations students can start earning credits for our M.A. in Communication Studies with an emphasis in strategic communication during their senior year and proceed to complete their graduate degree in just one additional year. This means that you can obtain a B.A. and M.A. within 5 years total. 

• 3+3 Accelerated Law School Program. Do you want to go to law school? As a public relations major you can complete your undergraduate coursework within three years at EIU and start law school at Northern Illinois University during your senior year. This means that you can obtain your B.A. and law degree within 6 years total. Learn more about this opportunity here.

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations

Completion time: 51 semester hours required for the major and 120 hours required for graduation

Internships:

Students can apply internships as elective credit hours (up to six) toward graduation. The internship coordinator and the director of the B.A. in public relations will assist students in the process. 

Resources

- Program Information in EIU Catalog

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