Build brands. Build awareness. Build a career
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.
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:
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.
national midpoint starting salary for digital marketing coordinators (AMA, 2019)
growth rate expected for public relations specialist jobs through 2029 (BLS.gov)
national median annual salary for public relation specialists in Indiana in 2019 (BLS.gov)
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:
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.
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:
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:
Your first step to becoming a USF Cougar is applying for admission. Our online application makes the process as convenient as possible.
Apply NowWhether you know what you want to see, who you want to meet or are just exploring your options, we will personalize your campus visit to fit your needs.
Visit USFAn academic plan is a general blueprint showing how one might complete the degree, semester by semester. Get an idea on what each semester could look like.