BS in Public Relations

Be the voice behind the message

Public relations shapes how we understand brands, institutions, and people — from local headlines to global movements. It’s the driving force behind reputation, trust, and meaningful engagement. The B.S. in Public Relations combines foundational media education with public relations course work focusing on principles, concepts, research, and application of best practices in developing and managing effective communication campaigns.

As a public relations major, you will gain hands-on experience that will help you be an efficient and effective communicator for any brand or organization and lead conversations that matter across industries, platforms, and communities.

What you’ll learn

to identify and explain historical and contemporary foundations of PR theories
to exercise the ethical, legal, and social responsibilities required of PR professionals
to develop and refine critical thinking skills through the discussion of specific cases and/or current events
to write and edit clearly, correctly, and persuasively in multiple forms and styles appropriate for effective PR practice
to apply essential tools and statistical concepts to conduct research for PR planning and evaluation, and to design and implement PR campaigns targeted to diverse audiences across traditional and digital platforms

Curriculum

This program focuses on principles, research, and application of best practices in developing and managing effective communication campaigns.

Course intro

You’ll learn to create meaningful campaigns in real-world settings in your courses. Here are a couple experiences to look forward to.

Principles of Public Relations

Examine theory and practice of public relations and how it operates in organizations and impacts stakeholders and society.

Introduction to Media Audience Measurement

Explore the ways audience behavior is measured and analyzed by media industry professionals and scholars.

Media and Consumer Behavior

Learn how to analyze audiences, evaluate media platforms for advertising, and apply market research to align media strategies with campaign goals.

Faculty

Learn from faculty members who are experienced practitioners — including former executives at international firms — and internationally ranked researchers across specialties such as international communication, corporate communication, crisis communication, public activism and diplomacy, social media and communication effectiveness, and stakeholder communications.

Meet Media School faculty

Student organization

Public Relations Student Society of America

The IU Beth Wood chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America provides practical opportunities to explore and prepare for careers in public relations. The chapter hosts events covering career opportunities, networking, and industry-relevant skills along with providing opportunities to work with real-life clients, including the Bateman Case Study Competition.

Visit the chapter’s website

Careers

In this program, you’ll learn how to develop a campaign and manage a crisis, as well as the theory behind the discipline. You’ll graduate prepared for a public relations career at a corporation, government agency, or nonprofit organization in a variety of positions, such as media specialist, communications director, or marketing strategist.

Explore PR careers

I chose The Media School because of its strong commitment to student success. From invaluable mentorship to endless student organization opportunities, I felt that I could make my Media School experience my own. After my time at The Media School, I felt confident and ready to navigate the ever-changing PR industry.
Lauren Fischer, BAJ'22, social media manager at the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra