Major in Public Relations
Become a public relations specialist • Learn to mediate • Change the world
Public relations is critical for all organizations.
JBU prepares you succeed.
In the public relations major, you will learn the skills you need to manage public relations and social media
programs. At JBU you will be equipped with the ethical foundation and multicultural awareness
to strategically engage with many types of audiences while still staying true to your Christian identity.
"This major has given me the skills I need to change the world"
Shannon Thomas ’12
Public Relations at JBU - You'll get to:
Develop Real Campaigns
Work with an external client to create a public relations plan from beginning to end. Students have partnered with Saving Grace in Rogers, Arvest Bank, the FeedOne program and a national college credit testing center.
Create in Great Spaces
The newly renovated space in the Communication Department provides students with professional settings for hands-on media training to prepare for a media career.
Apply Your Skills
Students fulfill their internship requirements at global and non-profit organizations, media publications and church communication departments as communication and public relations specialists.
Engage the Public
Get the word out about JBU’s award winning newspaper, The Threefold Advocate while filling advertisement space, increasing circulation and establishing media relationships for greater public engagement.
Alumni Profile
Adrianne Karasek '12
Adrianne Karasek graduated with a double major in journalism and political science and works as a communications specialist for the Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce in Memphis, Tenn. She recently got her master’s degree in international affairs and plans to work in the international nonprofit sector as a political policy analyst or media and communications officer.
Olivia Rollene '15
Olivia is the Marketing and Program Coordinator at the Denver Metro Small Business Development Center. The Center runs programs for start-up and existing small businesses to help them build, grow and sustain their company. “The classes and requirements for Public Relations at JBU really helped me to feel as prepared as possible for this position. They were structured to give me real-life experiences in writing and various situations I had to deal with. I love that I was able to take a variety of classes, because that has equipped me to meet several different types of needs.”
What Could You Do With A Public Relations Degree?
Public Relations
This position requires mediation between an organization or company and the press. Protecting the company image is crucial, and can be done through many forms of media, which is why communication majors are great for these positions.
Lobbyist
Lobbyists work for large firms, awareness groups, unions and businesses. These professionals advocate for their clients, which means they need excellent skills in communication, writing and critical thinking.
College Admissions
Colleges, universities, seminaries and graduate schools all need help maintaining enrollment. These positions require excellence in dialogue abilities, diligence, creative thinking and helpful attitudes.
Public Affairs Officer
This job is similar to public relations and is usually a managerial role within a business or company.
Public Relations Writer
These individuals write press releases, manage social media and handle press related issues. Typically, these positions work within a larger public relations office.
Marketing Communications Specialist
Businesses in the public and private sector are always looking for professionals who can help them market their product. Specifically, they look for individuals who can use a variety of media in creative ways to market their products to specific demographics. These types of positions are perfect for communication majors.
Special Events Coordinator
This type of marketing job requires individuals who can communicate with outside customers for a company, remain organized and still specialize in customer service.
Media Relations
Businesses may look for people to help them with marketing in television, radio, social media or other print material.
Media Coordinator
This position requires excellence in communication to coordinate marketing between different types of media. Companies hire media coordinators to work with internal communications as well as handle brand image, campaigns and marketing images.
