Public Relations Specialization

Craft Messaging That Resonates

Consumers can deliver their opinion about a brand, person or product instantly today — which makes public relations skills increasingly important. With Newhouse’s Public Relations specialization, you’ll study successful models of PR, learn how to design and execute a campaign and learn to apply strategic planning, research and tactics to client needs. You’ll graduate prepared to drive positive brand recognition at the forefront of your industry.

Specialization Courses

The courses for the Public Relations specialization comprise 12 of the 33 program credits. Whether you’re transitioning into the PR field or upgrading your skills to advance your career, this specialization will prepare you with the foundational knowledge and practical skill set to thrive in a variety of communications roles. Explore specialization courses below.

Public Relations Theory

This course covers theories of excellence in public relations by looking at PR models, organizational culture and diversity and ethics in the field. A brief overview of communication theory is included. Theories form the foundation or professional practice.

Public Relations Management

In this course, you will study historical and current management theories and practices to apply to the public relations function. You will also learn the responsibilities associated with managing a public relations department.

Public Relations Campaign Planning and Execution

In this course, you will learn to apply strategic planning, research and tactics to meet client needs. In teams, you will design, execute and evaluate appropriate integrated campaigns for actual clients. You will produce campaign books to add to your professional portfolio.

Advertising and Public Relations Research Design

Students learn to apply critical thinking skills when using research to gain consumer insight to solve marketing and strategic communications challenges.

“I was able to double my salary within a couple of months of completing the program. I specialized in public relations, so I think the most influential class for me was Public Relations Management. The course taught me how I want to lead and the kind of team member I want to be.”

Katiuska Fernandez, Class of 2017

Associate Director of Content Integration ESPN Plus
2017 Latino 30 Under 30 Recipient

Are You Ready to Drive Recognition for Your Brand?

Take the next step in your communications career with Newhouse’s PR specialization.

Request Information

Why Choose a Public Relations Specialization?

In our online Public Relations specialization, you will learn modern PR tactics to drive brand recognition and advance your career.

Discover the benefits of this specialization below.

Grow Your Professional Network

Newhouse allows you to build a rich network of communications connections around the country, which can be helpful both for landing a job and finding an audience for your brand.

Start Building a Portfolio

In this specialization, you’ll put together a campaign book and have the opportunity to receive feedback from your professors to help refine it—something that will be immensely valuable upon graduation.

Build Practical Skills You Can Apply on the Job

Courses in this specialization are designed to teach you how audiences think so you can leverage that insight to reach them. By studying successful PR practices and how to use them, you will emerge with the real-life skills to craft content that resonates with your audience.

Public Relations Career Outlook

Our specialization will help you cultivate skills that can be applied across a variety of professions, including:

  • Press secretary
  • Lobbyist
  • Communications manager
  • Media relations manager
  • Public affairs manager
  • Public relations director
  • Internal communications director

 

Interested in one of our other specializations?

Learn More About
Journalism Innovation

Learn More About
Advertising

Learn More About
Media Management