B.A. Public Relations

B.A. Public Relations

Become a Public Relations leader!

Join the exciting world of Public Relations by earning a degree for a growing industry. Do you love social media? Do you want to plan events? How about fundraise for nonprofits? A degree in Public Relations from Rowan University can jump start your career!

Hear from three Rowan PR students about why they chose Rowan University. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Public Relations?

“Public relations is a strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics.”

Public Relations practitioners use communication media such as television, Twitter, and cell phones to connect organizations and a target audience. They might do this to raise awareness of a product, improve public opinion, or influence behavior such as voting or purchasing.

What does a Public Relations practitioner do?

There are Public Relations practitioners in every industry including sports, fashion, healthcare, and nonprofits. They are responsible for getting the attention of the public, sharing information on behalf of an organization, and collecting feedback.

Some of the job titles in the Public Relations industry: 

  • Corporate Communications
  • Crisis Communications
  • Executive Communications
  • Internal Communications
  • Investor Relations Communications
  • Marketing Communications
  • Integrated Marketing/Integrated Marketing Communications
  • Media Relations
  • Content Creation
  • Events
  • Social Media
  • Multimedia
  • Reputation Management
  • Speechwriting
  • Brand Journalism
Is the field of Public Relations growing?
Yes- and quickly! The number of Public Relations Firms is expected to grow by 4.7% from 2022 to 2027, meaning there are more jobs than ever before. Firms will need students who are trained in Public Relations to fill those jobs. 
What skills do I need to succeed in Public Relations?

Most students who start a Public Relations degree have never worked in the industry before. Many are just getting to learn about it for the first time. Our program is designed to equip you with all the skills you will need before starting your career including: strategic writing, research, planning, and graphic design. Students can specialize in any of these skills by taking additional electives in advanced classes. 

How long does it take to complete the Public Relations B.A.?

Students can complete the B.A. in as little as four semesters. These can be completed during normal Fall/Spring semesters and there are many classes available during the winter and summer sessions. Students who take additional classes each semester or take classes during the winter or summer session may be able to gradaute early.

Some of our students transfer credits to Rowan University after completing two years at another institution. In these cases, students can start taking Public Relations credits upon starting at Rowan.

What classes will I take?
All required and recommended classes are lised on our program guide. To read a description of the class, check the latest version of the course catalog. Current offerings each semester are listed in the section tally.
Where can I find information about the Public Relations profession?

There are a number of professional organizations that can help you decide if a Public Relations degree is right for you. 

  • The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) sponsors student competitions, provides students networking opportunities, and researchers job/career statistics. 
  • The Philadelphia Public Relations Association (PPRA) sponsors student scholarships, hosts local networking events, and provides working professionals support in the greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey areas. 

Recommended course sequence

This major requires completion of 10 courses in the major (30 s.h.) and three related electives (9 s.h.). Almost any junior and senior classes offered in the College of Communication and Creative Arts can be counted toward the related electives requirement.

Check with your academic advisor to ensure you are making the right choices, especially if you plan to double-count any related electives toward two or more programs you are completing.

Form: Public Relations Major

Courses are offered during fall, spring, and summer sessions, so you can complete your degree(s) on your own timeline. 

Junior Fall

  • Intro to PR
  • Intro to Advertising
  • Basic PR Writing*
  • Intro to PR/Adv Research
  • Related elective or free elective (3 s.h.)

Junior Spring

  • Advanced PR Writing*
  • PR/Adv Law and Ethics
  • Publication Layout and Design
  • Public Opinion
  • Related elective (3 s.h.)

Senior Fall

  • PR Case Studies**
  • Internship or Related elective (3 s.h.)

Senior Spring 

  • PR Planning**
  • Internship or related elective (3 s.h.)

 * Advanced PR Writing requires a grade of B- or higher in Basic Writing. 
 ** Capstone courses may not be taken concurrently. Students must successfully complete PR Case Studies before being allowed to take PR Planning.

Highly recommended complementary programs for Public Relations majors include double-majoring, minoring, or completing a certificate in:

  • Advertising
  • Journalism
  • Art, especially Graphic Design
  • Radio, Television & Film
  • Communication Studies
  • Writing Arts 
  • Marketing

Department Policies

What pre-requisites are required to start department classes?
Course pre-requisites can be completed as transfers or in your first two years at Rowan University BEFORE attempting any courses in the major:
  • College Composition I (Comp 01111) and College Comp II (Comp 01112)
  • Public Speaking (CMS 04205)
Are there minimum grade requirements to count a class?
All major courses require grades of C- or higher.
Can I take a graduate-level class as an undergraduate student?
Senior Privilege. All seniors who completed at least 90 credits in Public Relations and/or Advertising, with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, are eligible to take graduate courses in the M.A. in Public Relations program. For more details, contact the Graduate Program Coordinator.
When do I start interning?
Internships. While not required, internships are strongly encouraged after completion of the basic sequence, typically just before or during senior year. For more details, visit the Advising page. 
Where can I see classes offered each semester?

A description of each class is found in the Undergraduate Catalog (Program Listings)

To see classes offered each semester, check the Live Course Listing (Rowan Section Tally)

Earn a B.A. & M.A. at the same time!

The 4+1 program allows students to complete a B.A. in Advertising or Public Relations AND a M.A. in Strategic Communication in just 5 years. Apply for the program in your junior year by contacting the graduate advisor, Dr. Bokyung Kim. Successful applicants need to have a 3.25 GPA in the major (including required and related electives) or a 3.0 GPA overall. Applications are due before March 1 of your Junior year. 

Learn more about the 4+1 program!

Graduate Programs

The M.A. in Public Relations at Rowan University, recently refocused as an M.A. in Strategic Communication, is among the oldest graduate programs in the field.

Advising

Completing a program in Public Relations, Advertising, or Strategic Communication requires hard work and good planning. Take advantage of our dedicated advisor, Ms. Lori Block.

Certificate Programs

If a major or a minor require too much time and commitment, you should consider a certificate program in undergraduate studies (12 s.h.) or in graduate studies (9 s.h).