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Department of Communication

Public Relations

Course Catalog Request Info
Students working on group project in conversation
Department of Communication

Public Relations

  • Bachelor of Science
  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Undergraduate

125 credits

required for program

Minor Available

Course Catalog Request Info

125 credits

125 credits

required for program

Minor Available

Course Catalog Request Info

Learn to harness the power of the written and spoken word and share it effectively to garner interest and attention for a business or organization. Our experienced faculty will teach you the skills needed to conduct market research, analyze audiences, think strategically, identify publicity opportunities, and write and speak persuasively. This degree will make you a valuable asset in any industry.

96%

of Northwestern’s public relations graduates are satisfied with their job

UNW’s

public relations program was ranked in the top 100 nationally for both popularity and quality

99%

of seniors are able to discuss their major through a biblical worldview

Why study public relations at Northwestern?

We offer intense, hands-on, service-learning aspects in all of our public relations coursework. Experienced professors will constantly encourage you to get involved in the numerous public events on campus and around the Twin Cities where you can interact with the public and gain experience to add to your future resume.

Our school partners with companies throughout the Twin Cities to offer internships for you to gain real-world experience. Faculty will encourage you to grow in your faith through classroom discussions by highlighting Christian values in a professional context. Unlike large schools where your professor may not even know your name, our professors can get to know you personally so they can advise you for the best path to success.

With campus so close to downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul, students can take advantage of opportunities in Minnesota’s thriving business and public relations industries.

If you are comfortable being in the public spotlight, have good negotiation skills, are aware that effective communication can be the difference in a company’s stocks rising or plummeting, and are interested in a career working with the public, this might be the right degree for you.

What will you learn?

You will develop an international mindset and establish strong written and verbal communication skills.

Some classes include:

  • Writing for Mass Media
  • Public Relations Writing and Tactics
  • Public Relations Events: Planning and Management
  • Public Relations Cases & Campaigns
  • Nonprofit Public Relations: Donor & Volunteer Relations
I really enjoyed being able to listen and learn from other professionals. This was the first year my supervisor was in charge of the Irish Fair, and we had no manual or master plan, so using what I had learned in my courses at UNW, I was able to greatly contribute. Together, we developed a huge master plan, and it really gave me a great chance to learn all the aspects of planning an event.
Gillian McIntosh

Careers in public relations

There are a variety of career and academic pathways that begin with a degree in public relations.

Discover Careers

Related Programs

Meet your professors

Professors at Northwestern are focused on their students first. Our faculty include experts in their respective fields who want to help you grow in your faith while you earn your degree.


Meet the entire department

Wendi L. Marshall, MBC

Visiting Instructor

Wendi Marshall has over 30 years of experience as a business communication and marketing professional. She...

Read Full Bio

Jacqueline Glenny, Ed.D.

Professor of Communication

Jacqueline Glenny has taught at the University of Northwestern – St. Paul for over 20 years. She has a...

Read Full Bio
Contact Information

Department of Communication

Mel Johnson Media Center, MJ171
2993 Snelling Avenue North
St. Paul, MN 55113

651-631-5315

CommunicationDept@unwsp.edu

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We look forward to welcoming you back to Northwestern as we plan to resume on-campus, in-person classes for the fall 2020 semester.

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