Public Relations
Public Relations Degree: Launch Your Career in Strategic Communication
A Public Relations Degree from the University of Memphis offers a comprehensive foundation in strategic communication, preparing students to excel in the dynamic field of PR. Whether you're interested in promoting a brand, managing a reputation, or handling crisis communications, this degree gives you the skills and knowledge to thrive. The program covers all facets of public relations, including mass communication, social media management, media relations, and strategic communication, making it a perfect choice for those looking to pursue a career in public affairs or corporate communications.
Through the online PR degree program, students can study key topics such as content marketing, influencer marketing, internal communications, corporate communications, and event promotion. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates to manage media relations, build strong community ties, create compelling content, and develop strategies that help organizations connect with their audiences in meaningful ways. Whether you’re managing a crisis or crafting a positive narrative, the online public relations degree equips you with the skills to tackle any challenge the field presents.
In the Public Relations Degree program, students gain practical experience through internships at leading organizations such as St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, FedEx, and Archer Malmo. These hands-on opportunities allow students to develop their skills in real-world settings, gaining insights into the day-to-day operations of PR professionals. Additionally, students can join the Public Relations Student Society of America or the student-run Meeman 901 Strategies firm to network and enhance their practical experience. This combination of theory and practice ensures that graduates are prepared to step into leadership roles in PR, managing everything from reputation management to media relations and crisis communication.
Exploring Careers in Public Relations
With a Public Relations Degree, you can pursue a variety of roles in both promotional and protective PR. On the promotional side, roles include media relations, where you’ll build and maintain relationships with journalists to secure press coverage, and content creation, where you’ll craft press releases, stories, and branded content. Social media management is another critical area, where you’ll track and manage a company’s online reputation, ensuring positive engagement across various platforms. For those interested in community involvement, community relations teams work to enhance a brand’s image through philanthropy and social responsibility initiatives.
On the protective side of PR, professionals focus on reputation management and crisis management. Crisis management teams work to mitigate the impact of negative events by crafting strategic responses, issuing statements, and guiding an organization through challenging times. Reputation management professionals monitor a brand’s image and quickly address any issues that may arise to protect the organization’s standing in the public eye.
Whether you're interested in strategic communication, content creation, media relations, or reputation management, a Public Relations Degree from UofM Global provides you with the tools to succeed in a variety of PR roles. Graduates are well-prepared to take on leadership positions in the PR industry, working across sectors such as healthcare, technology, entertainment, corporate communications, and nonprofit organizations.
Program Highlights
- Curriculum: Study mass communication, social media, strategic communication, media relations, event promotion, crisis management, and more.
- Flexible Learning: The program is available online, offering the flexibility to complete coursework from anywhere.
- Real-World Experience: Gain hands-on experience through internships at leading organizations and participation in student-run firms.
- Career Preparation: Graduates are prepared for roles in public affairs, corporate communications, social media management, crisis communication, and more.
With a public relations degree, you’ll be equipped to influence, engage, and build strong relationships with key stakeholders across various platforms, helping organizations thrive in today’s interconnected world. Whether you’re looking to shape public opinion or protect an organization’s reputation, this degree will prepare you for a dynamic and rewarding career in public relations.