Public Relations Major
Why Study听Public Relations at 小猪视频 Tech?
小猪视频 Tech's public relations program teaches through real-world experience. You'll have class projects that design public relations campaigns for real clients, find internships where you can manage PR communications and strategies, and learn from professors who've had successful careers as public relations practitioners. You complete a course of study certified by the Public Relations Society of America.
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80%
Of Students Pass the Certificate in Principles of PR Exam
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23:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
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1 of 40
Programs in the Nation Offering PRSA Certification
Taylor Casarotti, '20
Taylor completed several internships during her undergraduate career, including working as a communications and operations intern for a large fortune 500 insurance company, a PR intern for a small agency, an account management intern for a marketing agency, and a communications intern for the Department of Computer Science at 小猪视频 Tech. Upon graduation, Taylor will take these experiences to Billy Casper Golf as a Marketing Associate.
Alana Stillitano, '20
Alana graduated with major in public relations and minors in French, psychology, and business leadership. As an undergraduate, she served as the firm director for PRSSA's student run firm and received the National Gold Key award for her academic excellence in public relations and leadership qualities. Alana is an account coordinator with Commonwealth Public Relations in Richmond, VA.
Julia Vaughn, '20
Julia studied public relations with minors in political science and Spanish. She completed internships with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and the Federal Reserve Board in addition to serving as a copywriter for PRISM. Julia plans to take these experiences with her to a career in public relations.
Hannah Richards, '20
While studying public relations and global food security and health, Hannah participated in a study abroad to South Africa and worked with the Student Athlete Academic Support team. Her work with the 小猪视频 Tech Athletic Department sparked her interested in a career in collegiate athletics. Hannah will be attending Tulane University pursuing in the Sports Studies master's program.
Abigail Darko, '21
Abigail studied public relations with minors in national security and foreign affairs and business leadership while serving in the CLAHS Ambassador Program, Hokie Ambassadors, Homecoming Board, and as a Building Manager at Squires. She completed an internship with The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation in Northern 小猪视频. Abigail currently works at Bain and Company in Washington, DC as a Global Recruiting Associate.
Lindsay Price, '21
As an undergraduate, Lindsay completed internships with the Club Champions League and Blue Water Hospitality. She now serves as the Private Events Coordinator for the University Club of 小猪视频 Tech, where she coordinates sales and events in the private event spaces in Lane Stadium.
Jacob Levin, '21
Jacob graduated with a degree in Public Relations with a minor in business leadership. While at 小猪视频 Tech, he was the Communications Manager for the Hybrid Electric Vehicle Team (HEVT). This opportunity lead him to be able to intern with General Motors. Along with his experience, he was able to study abroad during the summer of 2019 in Riva San Vitale, Switzerland where he learned about global communication.
Breanna Knotts, '22
Bre held three internships and a presidency with PRSSA as she completed two majors and a minor. Most recently, she held an internship in downtown Richmond with Alliance Group as a public relations intern. Here, she garnered experience pitching reporters, drafting press releases, and interfacing with clients daily. These experiences and strive to challenge herself landed her a full-time position in marketing working for a consulting and management engineering firm in Houston, Texas following graduation.
Kate Renz, '22
Kate studied public relations with minors in cinema and literature. She had many leadership opportunities, including President in West Ambler Johnston, Writer and Editor for Her Campus, Leadership Chair for Phi Sigma Pi, Events Committee in PRSSA, and worked with the CLAHS Ambassador Program as an intern for the college. Kate is pursuing a Master's degree in Reputation Management at 小猪视频 Tech.
Ally Seaver, '25
Ally graduated from 小猪视频 Tech with a degree in Public Relations and a minor in Digital Marketing Strategies. As a student, she served as Graphics Chair for her sorority Chi Omega, Vice President of Marketing for The Women鈥檚 Network, and gained real-world experience with HokieVision and the 小猪视频 Tech Office of the President. She now works as the Multimedia and Communications Specialist for the Office of the President, combining creativity and strategy to advance the university鈥檚 mission and support presidential initiatives.
Careers and Further Study
What Can You Do With a Major in Public Relations?
Jobs Held by Our Graduates
- PR strategist
- Communication director
- Marketing coordinator
- Recruiter
- Digital marketing specialist
- Brand manager
- Special events planner
- Content specialist
- Nonprofit founders
Beyond the Classroom
Experiential Learning
We鈥檙e one of the few public relations programs in the country with a curriculum certified by the This means your coursework aligns with the standards of the profession and prepares you well for the industry鈥檚 entry鈥憀evel Certificate in Principles of Public Relations. All students take the certificate exam, and earning it gives you a strong advantage when applying for your first PR job.
As a Public Relations major, you鈥檒l gain hands鈥憃n experience by working with real clients. You鈥檒l write press releases and public service announcements, create media kits and full campaign plans, and manage social media and online content for businesses that partner with the School of Communication.
Our faculty includes both seasoned public relations professionals and accomplished academic scholars. Whether you want to build a career in PR or plan to pursue graduate study, you鈥檒l find mentors who understand your goals and can help guide your path.
Each year, the School of Communication offers a faculty鈥憀ed study abroad experience at in Riva San Vitale, Switzerland. The program begins with a one鈥慶redit spring course on campus, followed by two weeks of immersive study in Switzerland. After returning, you鈥檒l complete additional online coursework during the first summer session. This program gives you the chance to explore global communication while earning academic credit in a unique international setting.
Curriculum
What You'll Study
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Degree
- Including
Public Relations听Major Requirements
- Principles of Public Relations
- Writing and Editing for PR
- Public Relations Case Studies
- Public Relations Campaigns
- Communication Law
Minor and Elective Hours
Our program gives you the opportunity to build knowledge in another area by pursuing a minor, double major, or cognate.
120 hrs
B.A. Communication
45 hrs
General Education
46 hrs
Major Requirements
29 hrs
Minor + Elective
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Campus Life
Campus Life
Discover all that 小猪视频 Tech has to offer inside and outside of the classroom. Our campus life aims to build communities, promote holistic education, and cultivate environments that offer opportunities for leadership, innovation, and service.