Public Relations Major

If you're a strong communicator, team player and cool under pressure, you should consider a career in public relations. As a public relations major, you'll learn to build, engage and maintain good relationships, public understanding, and reputation for various brands and organizations.

At UNI we offer three major emphases that reflect important areas of public relations practice: 

  • Strategic Public Relations
  • Special Events
  • Sports Public Relations

All of our emphases include coursework from other departments, professional internship opportunities and experiences outside of the classroom with student organizations sponsored by the department.

Student looking at her laptop.

Award-Winning Chapter

The UNI Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America is an award-winning organization which has won several “Outstanding Chapter” awards throughout the years.

In-House PR Firm

Our program’s in-house PR firm, Strategic PR, allows students to work with clients in the community to create and develop actual public relations campaigns. By working in an agency format, our students build leadership and technical expertise to prepare them for life after college.

Internship Opportunities

Through our internship program and student organizations, our students receive real-life experiences to prepare them as future public relations practitioners and strategic communicators.

CONTACT US

Find out More About Public Relations

Fill out your information here and we'll be in touch!

Contact us directly at:

Department of Communication & Media
326 Lang Hall
Cedar Falls, Iowa
50614-0139

Phone: (319) 273-2217
Email: cm-office@uni.edu

Careers

Common career areas for graduates of this major include:

  • Investor relations
  • Spokesperson
  • Fundraiser
  • Public information officer
  • Employee relations
  • Marketing manager
  • Media relations
  • Freelance writer
  • Strategic planner
  • Government affairs
  • Sales representative
  • Copywriter

Courses

Public Relations Campaign Methods
Analysis and production of public relations tools; techniques to gain reaction and support from specialized groups. Planning and preparation of public relations communications materials and use of controlled (public) media to reach target audiences. 

Integrated Communications
Study of integrated approaches in PR practices, including use of advertisement, IMC, promotion and event techniques for relationship building and understanding of public behaviors. 

Special Events Management
Planning and management of special events including research, coordination, marketing and evaluation. Theories and practices relevant to successful event planning for host community residents and tourists.

Students taking a selfie.

UNI PRSSA

The UNI Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America is an award-winning organization that helps prepare students for professional life after graduation.

The chapter has won “Outstanding Chapter” awards and offers opportunities for any UNI student to learn more about professional public relations practices through guest speakers, agency tours, service opportunities and regional/national professional conference attendance. Students also develop leadership experience with the organization and have the opportunity to network with students and professionals locally, regionally and nationally.

Communication and Media Features