public relations
Communication is about creating mutual understanding between institutions and groups of people. There is no faster growing sector of the communication field than public relations. The student who learns the skills and theory of public relations communication and does so from a solid ethical perspective will be highly valued by any business or organization.
The skills we have built this concentration around are identified by the the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) as those that allow you to to: (1) anticipate, analyze and interpret public opinion about issues, (2) counsel management about crucial decisions, (3) research and evaluate programs of action for the organization, (4) plan and implement organizational efforts to influence or change policy, (5) manage the resources for public relations efforts, and (6) develop skills in writing, visual and oral communication to better serve the public and the organization.
Our public relations concentration is an exciting interdisciplinary effort that combines the theory and practice of business and various aspects of the communication arena, all with the objective of training talented, conscientious, and skillful organizational communication experts.
Because public relations practitioners deal daily with the media, students learn to understand the world of print journalism by being a part of it. They can apply to serve in many areas of the Huntingtonian, the campus newspaper, including editorial staff, layout, design, advertising, sports, and news reporting.
Public relations students can also gain experience with Huntington University’s quarterly magazine, and many opt to participate in off-campus summer internships. All students gain hands-on experience in writing press releases and other image-related work through practicums in the college's own public relations office.
Public Relations Major Grant: Each year we offer a $1,000.00 scholarship that is renewable for up to a total of four years to one incoming freshman who declares public relations as her or his major. Click here for the application form (PDF). The deadline is January 15 each year for the upcoming fall semester.
Communication Visit Days: Consider visiting us during our Fall Semester or Spring Semester Communication Visit Day (usually in late October and early March). Click here for more information.