Public Relations Program

Have your finger on the pulse of an organization’s branding and communications with the Public Relations major.

This program is designed for students who want to become strategic communicators and manage how others view a business and its products or services.

Program at a Glance

The Public Relations major consists of 45 credits. You’ll learn about fundamental Public Relations principles, techniques, and strategies, while also completing coursework and projects in:

  • public relations campaigns
  • public relations cases
  • public relations writing

Campaigns

Advertising and Public Relations majors enroll in the Campaigns capstone course during their final semester.

In this class, you’ll take what you’ve learned in the classroom and work with a team of other students to create a professional strategic communication campaign for a national-level client.

The campaign will respond to a real-world challenge your client experiences. Student teams pitch ideas directly to the client as well as in front of professors and students, then follow through to create all the advertising and communication materials.

The Campaigns course is an incredible opportunity for students to gain hands-on industry experience before graduation. You will walk away with a professional portfolio filled with top-quality work that will impress any employer.

Previous campaign challenge partners include:

  • Mall of America
  • Mayo Clinic
  • Best Buy
  • Target
  • Anytime Fitness
  • Edina Reality

Careers in Public Relations

Public Relations alumni have secured jobs in PR firms and agencies, private companies, non-profit organizations, and government agencies.

Other graduates have been hired as a:

  • Event Planner
  • Information Officer
  • Journalist
  • Marketing Specialist
  • Press Secretary
  • Public Affairs Specialist
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Publicist
Contact the Mass Communication Department
Mass Communication Department
Phelps Hall 126

507.457.5474

Mary Deering
Office Manager

Phelps 126

Office Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 1-4pm

Email Mary Deering
Dr. Tanya Ryan
Department Chairperson
Email Dr. Tanya Ryan