Minor Available
125 credits
125 credits
required for program
Minor Available
Department of Communication
Public Relations
Department of Communication
Public Relations
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Arts
- Undergraduate
Learn to communicate with excellence with both verbal and written communication. You will learn to conduct market research, analyze audiences, identify publicity opportunities, and write and speak with persuasion. This degree will make you a valuable asset in any industry.
This might be the right degree for you if
- you are comfortable being in the public spotlight
- have good negotiation skills
- you understand the importance of effective communication can be the difference in a company’s stocks rising or plummeting
- are interested in a career working with the public and community
Why study public relations at Northwestern?
We offer intense, hands-on, service-learning aspects in our public relations coursework. Experienced professors will encourage you to get involved in the many public events on campus and off campus. There are so many opportunities around the Twin Cities to gain experience for your resume.
We partner with Twin Cities companies to offer internships for you to gain real-world experience. Unlike larger schools where your professor may not even know your name, our professors can get to know you on a personal level. They individually advise you for your personal path to success.
With campus so close to downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul, students can take advantage of opportunities in Minnesota’s thriving public relations industries.
Request Information
Loading...
Careers in public relations
There are a variety of career and academic pathways that begin with a degree in public relations.
What types of work are related to this degree?
- Campaign marketing and fundraising
- Press secretary
- Fund development
- Community affairs
- Employee or member relations
- Event planning or coordination
- Media relations
- Promotion and sales
- Speech writer
- Copywriter
- Training and development
- Research/social media
- Public information
- Disaster/crisis communication
- Fundraising/grant writing
Who employs people with this degree?
- Advertising agencies
- Public and private corporations
- Marketing/internet marketing companies
- Sport and athletic organizations
- Retail stores, hotels, restaurants
- Hospitals and other healthcare organizations
- Financial and insurance firms
- Real estate companies
- Print and electronic media companies
- Consulting firms
- Colleges
- Government offices
- Missions and nonprofit organizations
- Public relations and advertising agencies
- Lobbying groups
Strategies for success:
- Obtain a part-time job, summer job, internship, or volunteer experience within an area of interest. Public relations is a competitive field and related experience is essential to breaking into the industry.
- Explore specializations within major and field. Select electives or earn a minor to enhance knowledge in area(s) of interest.
- Participate in co-curricular activities to develop skills such as public speaking, team work, leadership, event planning, and fundraising. Join professional associations related to public relations.
- Make the most of public relations campaign classes to learn as much as possible and to generate items for a portfolio.
- Be prepared to start at the bottom and work up to positions of greater responsibility. Expect to complete administrative tasks in entry-level jobs. While these jobs may seem unrelated, you will be consistently exposed to the “lingo” and the culture of PR, and that will greatly help you later on.
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
What will I learn?
You will develop an international mindset and establish strong written and verbal communication skills.
Still have questions about this program or how to apply?
Our team is ready with answers!
Discover the Department of Communication
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 staff Explore the department
