Academics » Majors » Communication: Public Relations

Communication: Public Relations (BA)

A female student giving a speech in front of other Comm students during class

Build brands. Build awareness. Build a career

Why Study Communications & Public Relations?

Strong storytelling and clear messaging are at the heart of how brands and businesses engage with audiences today.

A major in public relations prepares you to strategically communicate across platforms to a range of audiences, from employees and potential customers to the community at large. Plus, the skills and experience you gain from studying communication — relationship building, speaking and problem solving — are transferable to nearly any career field today.

Why USF for a Public Relations Major?

The University of Saint Francis has a strong, comprehensive communication curriculum that balances the liberal arts with plenty of practical learning experiences. After you build a foundation in public relations, you’ll explore a range of upper-level and elective classes, such as:

  • Event Planning
  • Digital Tool for Communication
  • Digital Campaign Management
  • Strategic Media Writing
  • Presentation and Relationship Management

USF’s public relations major offers the flexibility to broaden your studies with a minor or second major; for instance, a minor in environmental studies could be ideal if your goal is to advocate for environmental causes. So, if you’re like a lot of our ambitious communications majors, you’ll fill your elective credits with interesting classes from disciplines like psychology, photography, museum studies, marketing and film.

Rooted in the Catholic and Franciscan traditions of faith and reason, a USF education also strengthens your character and prepares you to become an ethical communicator and leader.

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Career Outlook & Success

$54,500

national midpoint starting salary for digital marketing coordinators (AMA, 2019)

7%

growth rate expected for public relations specialist jobs through 2029 (BLS.gov)

$55,230

national median annual salary for public relation specialists in Indiana in 2019 (BLS.gov)

Work-World Experience

Project-based learning is an essential part of USF’s public relations major. 

Collaborate and get creative with classmates on PR case studies and campaigns for local organizations. You’ll even team up with students from other majors, such as digital media, graphic design, film and marketing, on exciting, real-world, professional-quality projects.

When you study communications at USF, you get to complete TWO internships. 

A strong alumni network and close ties with the business community opens doors for our students to gain professional experience and make valuable connections at sites such as:

  • Arts United
  • Diocese of Fort Wayne and South Bend
  • Disney College
  • Kingston Healthcare
  • Indiana Historical Society
  • Indy 500
  • Mad Ants
  • NBC affiliate station
  • Parkview Health
  • PBS Fort Wayne

Faculty & Facilities

In a field as broad as public relations, you’ll learn and find inspiration all over campus. You’ll study with expert communication faculty members and scholars from other disciplines. You will also have 24/7 access to computer labs, design studios and other state-of-the-art learning spaces.

Campus & Community Involvement

We encourage you to join USF’s Communications and Public Relations Society. You’ll deepen your knowledge, expand your network and have a lot of fun! Other campus groups and activities that might interest a public relations major include:

  • American Advertising Federation
  • Film Club
  • Student Activities Council
  • f/8 Photo Club
Group of USF students collaborating on a project in class.

Communication Careers: What Can You Do With a Public Relations Major?

Our graduates tell the story of Fort Wayne as marketing specialists with our local visitor’s bureau; manage customer accounts at major ecommerce retailers; coordinate volunteers for large ministry organizations; and engage with visitors to Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Truly a versatile program, USF’s public relations major has also led our graduates to positions such as:

  • Account coordinator, Sweetwater Music
  • Communications specialist, Fiat Chrysler Automotive
  • Community relations manager, Arts United of Greater Fort Wayne
  • Digital content manager, Visit Fort Wayne
  • Digital media coordinator, Fransican Health
  • Director of external affairs, NeighborLink Indianapolis
  • Donor services coordinator, Lutheran Life VIllages
  • Email marketing specialist, Lett Direct, Inc.
  • Event director, Varsity Spirit Corp
  • Marketing coordinator, Fort Wayne Museum of Art
  • Marketing manager, &Marketing
  • Neighborhood and event manager, Redwood Living
  • Social media specialist, Elkay Manufacturing
  • Volunteer coordinator, Degage Ministries

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Academic Plan

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