Public Relations Emphasis

Public Relations is an incredibly varied, challenging and rewarding profession, with growing career opportunities in the business, nonprofit and public service sectors. Growth in the field has been fueled by new digital media technologies and new populations joining the world village as media communication technologies abound in emerging markets. The job market for public relations managers is projected to grow at an above average pace through 2026*.

PR involves communicating with the media, interacting with local communities and civic leaders, and keeping stakeholders informed through traditional and emerging forms of communication. Exciting and diverse skill areas include Internet strategy, speech writing, media training, investor relations, public affairs, social media, and much more. Students interested in public relations must develop solid written communication skills, project management expertise and a persuasive public speaking ability, as well as gain experience in message creation and distribution in multiple forms of digital media. PR practitioners with a Christian worldview wield great influence as they strive to build mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their key publics. They play a key role in guiding business executives, politicians and organizations to consider moral values and the public interest along with their objectives when making decisions – ultimately communicating their messages in a way that is winsome and has integrity.

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Public Relations and Fundraising Managers