The public relations major prepares students for a career in the growing field of public relations by integrating theory and practice in its curriculum. Students learn the foundational principles of strategic management, research-based decision making, persuasion, crisis communication, reputation management and ethics in public relations. Students have multiple opportunities to apply this knowledge as they produce a wide variety of written PR materials and design PR campaigns for real organizations in the local community. Additionally, the major offers opportunities to enrich students' learning experience through participation in internships and professional PR student organization, positioning Western Michigan University students among the most competitive on the public relations job market.
Benefits of this program
This major offers an excellent integrated approach of several academic disciplines in the expanding field of public relations. You will learn the following skills:
- Attitude analysis
- Strategic thinking and planning
- Strategic and persuasive writing
- Core principles of ethical decision-making
- Critical and analytical thinking
- Research skills
- Listening skills
- Public speaking skills
- Ethical persuasion
- Crisis communication
- Conflict management
- Public relations campaign management
- Media/social media management
- Multimedia design and production
- Event planning
- Graphic design
- Webpage development/design
- Electronic publishing
- Leadership
Major requirements
Requirements for the public relations major prior to fall 2019: