Program Overview
Public relations professionals manage an organization’s most valuable assets - reputation and relationships. Many are drawn to this profession becasue of the variety of exciting opportunities to work in corporations, PR agencies, startup companies, notnprofit organizations or the government.
Whether you are interested in media relations, event planning, marketing, investor relations, management, or any number of other specialities, communication skills are vital. As a public relations major at the University of Findlay, you will master professional communication skills of writing, speaking and producing digital content. With a focus on real-world experience, our program will prepare you to enter the workforce or continue your education in graduate school upon graduation.
Program Highlights
You will work side-by-side with faculty mentors to prepare you for real world, rich media settings. The Pulse (our campus newspaper), WLFC radio, UFTV and the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) work together as Findlay Media Network to provide experience in digital media, journalism, public relations, and organizational communication. You will get valuable experience on campus before polishing your skills at professional internships. Our communication graduates have an outstanding placement record in a wide range of careers.
Through our program, you will be equipped with a number of skills that employers are looking for such as:
- Speaking, writing and listening skills
- Computer literacy
- Interpersonal skills
- Teamwork
- Cultural sensitivity
- Analytical skills
- Adaptability
- Leadership skills
- Organizational skills
- Problem-solving skills
What classes will I be taking?
Our public relations major covers many topics with a strong emphasis in hands-on learning. Some of these topics include:
-
PR Campaigns
- Video and audio production
- Newswriting and editing
- Social media practices in the professional world
- Digital media and storytelling
- Interactive communication
- Web design
To meet your interests and career goals, you will have opportunities to double major or minor in other areas of study. Your academic adviser will help you select the right classes, major(s) or minor(s) that will lead you to a successful career after college. Many of our students have chosen to combine a public relations degree with areas such as
business management,
graphic design,
theatre,
political science,
marketing and
Spanish.
Experiential Learning
You will learn-by-doing inside and outside of the classroom as soon as your first semester on campus! Throughout our program you will benefit from a number of opportunities including internships and projects with real clients that will give you hands-on experience and allow you to build a strong resume and portfolio.
Have a specific type of career in mind? Let your professors know and they will help you get connected with opportunities on or off campus. You can
click here to view some of the projects our students have worked on in our program.
Capstone ProjectIn your final year as a PR major, you will get to work with a real client to complete a project utilizing the skills you've learned throughout our program. Not only is this great practice of skills learned, it is a valuable piece for your portfolio upon graduation. We encourage our students to find a client and/or project relative to their career goals. Watch the videos below to see what some of our past PR students have done for their capstone projects:
Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA)
University of Findlay's award-winning PRSSA chapter provides students an opportunity to network with area professionals and put new skills in action by working on PR campaigns, planning events and working with clients.
Click here to learn more about what PRSSA is all about.
Center for Digital Storytelling and Participatory Media
The University of Findlay and Hancock Historical Museum have a collaboration that provides enhanced digital storytelling experiences. Part of this initiative is the Center for Digital Storytelling and Participatory Media which provides our students with opportunities to practice their digital storytelling skills while benefitting the museum's effort to gather stories from the community for historical preservation.
UF Digital Media Club
From broadcasting, reporting or producing, you will have a number of opportunities to practice your skills throughout UF Digital Media Club which includes the University's newspaper and television and radio stations. Click here to learn more.