UC offers new public relations degree

By Michelle Flanagan

The University of Cincinnati College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) is offering students two ways to study public relations, offering a new bachelor's degree track in addition to its existing certificate track. The program is one of only 35 in the nation to achieve the Certification in Education for Public Relations (CEPR) designation from the Public Relations Society of America. The public relations bachelor's degree will be open to applicants in fall semester, 2020.

“Adding a public relations bachelor’s degree and the PR Certificate allows us to serve a variety of students,” says Suzanne Boys, professor of Communication and Public Relations Program director. ‘Now we can serve aspiring PR pros and those who simply want to add PR to their career toolkit.”

Students can expect to learn foundational theories of communication and public relations through educational and practical experiences, such as combination of coursework, internships/co-ops, special projects, and student-led groups. 

While both programs are offered through  A&S, any student at UC—regardless of major or college—can enroll in either the bachelor’s or the certificate program. Classes offered through the program include Organizational Identity, Image & Issue Management, Persuasion & Civic Engagement, and Communication & Globalization, among others. 

Students who graduate with academic credentials in public relations may seek careers in non-profit, for-profit, or governmental sectors. Prospective careers include brand manager, social media manager, international relations, PR account manager and more.

Students who already have a specialized major, such as Spanish, could benefit from the certificate by adding strategic communication skills to a portfolio. For example, that Spanish major may want to write press releases for a global company, or an IT professional may need to translate technical jargon and concepts into something an end user can understand.

Boys further explains what benefits the certificate will offer students: “In our digital world, there is an increasing demand for ethically-grounded communication professionals,” she says. “This major and certificate are uniquely suited to train students to become skilled communicators and good citizens.”

Featured image at top: Students attend a college seminar. Credit: Magnus Manske