Arm yourself with the knowledge and skills you need to be a success in this ever-changing, dynamic field.
The Public Relations program here at Ashland University reflects one of the most dynamic areas of communication studies and offers students the unique experience of learning and mastering the art and science of relating to diverse publics using a variety of media and communication strategies and vehicles. The ability to effectively relate to a variety of audiences and publics is such a valuable skill that jobs requiring expertise in public relations and related disciplines are expected to increase by 12 percent over the next five years.
The practice of public relations involves the ability to effectively relate to different publics as well as properly formulate, design and implement message campaigns for clients that include hospitals, corporations, non-profit groups and government agencies. You will gain first-hand experience in the creation and implementation of campaigns based on the goals or mission of the client through involvement in one of the many professional and student organizations on campus.
Our Public Relations program will prepare you for all aspects of relating to different publics. Whether you choose to be the “face” of an organization, government agency or advocacy group or choose to work behind the scenes in the publicizing and promoting of events, people, products or causes, the Public Relations major at Ashland University will have both the knowledge and skill required to excel in all of these roles.
Added Value for the Ashland University Public Relations Major:
- You will be given the individual attention from professors who have experience in both the theory the practice of public relations as well as have served as consultants in public relations efforts.
- The research and public relations campaign opportunities afforded to you can include sporting events, fund raising, as well as working for advocacy groups. The results of many of these efforts can be showcased at state, regional and national conferences.
- You will build a portfolio consisting of your accomplishments, public relation projects, campaigns and other valuable experiences that will position you to be extremely appealing to employers.
Reach Your Career Goals
When you complete your degree in Public Relations, you will be ready to begin a career as a:
- Advertising Agent
- Event Planner
- Community Relations Director
- Marketing Director
- Personnel Director
- Public Relations Director
- Sports Information Director
- Hospital Liaison
- Sport Team Publicist
- Campaign Director
- Human Resources Officer
Gain Real World Experience
Students have a wide variety of options for internships, both on and off campus. Such opportunities include but are not limited to:
- Advertising Agencies
- Area hospitals
- Ashland Center for nonviolence
- Career Services Center
- Financial institutions
- Government Agencies
- Law Offices
- Non-profit organizations
- Sports organizations
* The possibilities are endless
Interesting Classes You May Take
COM 204:
Communication Theory and Research – This course provides students with a foundational underpinning of theory in the communication discipline. Students will be introduced to research methods and complete the course with an understanding of how to read the literature in the field, as well as the ability to write a review of literature and design a research study.
COM 474:
Public Relations Campaigns – Students will gain hands-on experience as they work with clients, both simulated and from real organizations. They will learn to analyze the client’s needs and build a public relations campaign that produces viable recommendations. They will hone written and spoken skills as they create campaign materials, including oral presentations.
Campus Organizations for Public Relations Majors
Accent PR – The public relations organization that helps community organizations with finding new and exciting ways to communicate today.
