Public Relations

Program Director: Stacy Skirvin, Ph.D.

The Master of Arts in Public Relations will develop your practical skills in writing, representing organizational image, responding to crises, and applying the public relations theory needed and desired in all organizational environments.

Communication serves as the foundation of any successful business relationship. The public relations program will expand students' understanding of research, writing, and delivery methods that not only achieve, but exceed client’s expectations. The program builds on the theory of communication leading to the construction of deliverable, measurable outcomes for clients as well as evaluation strategies.

This program will enable you to explore various aspects of public relations including local, governmental or global applications. Techniques of self-evaluation will help strengthen your ability to adapt and grow in changing climates, responsive to the fast-paced discipline of public relations.

The curriculum plan is based on the general core, concentration, the capstone experience, and electives. This curriculum allows you to develop a strong foundation in communication theory as used in public relations, and it provides the freedom to explore your individual interests through electives and the capstone experience.

As a result of this program, you will:

1. Deepen your ability to apply communication theory to respond to client expectations
2. Increase your understanding of the application of research strategies
3. Refine public relations writing skills through internal communication, communication in virtual environments, the creation of proposals and the development of media materials
4. Develop an awareness of the ethical functioning of public relations practices that serve groups or individuals in various settings
5. Expand your ability to communicate through the use of effective strategies responsive to crisis and context

Programs of Study