Public Relations, BA
No two days are ever the same as a public relations professional. You may be writing press releases and crafting social media posts one week to managing an organizational crisis the next.
Program Intro
As PR practitioners develop and maintain an organization’s public relationships through effective communication strategies, they must be proficient writers, adept relationship builders and media savvy. CBU’s public relations program trains students in social media strategies, media relations, crisis communications, marketing campaigns and public relations writing, all while stressing the importance of ethics and branding.
Why Study Public Relations at CBU?
CBU’s public relations program trains students in social media strategies, media relations, event planning, marketing campaigns and writing, all while stressing the importance of ethics and branding. The scope of this effort includes working in nonprofit organizations, corporations, government and media organizations, both domestically and internationally.
What You'll Learn
- Demonstrate an understanding of key elements within the practice of public relations.
- Effectively apply public relations organizational structure, workflow and practice.
- Demonstrate mastery of effective research and writing for press releases, speeches, and social media posts for various audiences.
- Create and develop campaigns that utilize convergence and/or digital media to strategically reach publics.
- Demonstrate an understanding of public relations history, theory and ethical matters in the field.
- Demonstrate an understanding of faith integration as it relates to the profession.
- Use best practices for issues and crisis management in public relations.
Program Details
PRL 300: Public Relations
Principles, history and professional practice of public relations and the writing and production of materials for special events, newsletters, and brochures.
PRL 302: Public Relations Writing
This course will provide students with practical application of public relations writing process for various media.
PRL 375: Campaigns and Reputation Management
Students will review case studies and best practices to identify different areas of reputation management while developing a theoretical reputation management campaign.
- New Media Emphasis
- Professional Management Emphasis
Victoria Brodie, Ed.D.
Associate Professor of Public Relations
Department Chair, Communication Arts
Office Phone: 951-552-8310
E-mail: vbrodie@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: James Building 044
MaryAnn Pearson, Ed.D., APR
Professor of Communication and Leadership
Faculty Adviser, Lancer Media Group, Fellow Kienel Leadership Institute
Public Relations, Journalism, Leadership and Communication
Office Phone: 951-552-8186
E-mail: mpearson@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: James Building 040
CBU was more than just an education for me. It prepared me spiritually, personally and professionally for life after graduation. I am living my purpose currently as a catering manager (event planner) at Disney. I work hard to glorify God through the way that I show up, speak, act and complete my work.
Chase Burns '18
Catering Manager (Event Planner) at Disney
I love working with people, event planning, and being behind the scenes. Public relations has a little bit of everything and offers me a dynamic and exciting career choice! The program that CBU has to offer is what made me truly fall in love with public relations. The professors, curriculum, and involvement opportunities that CBU has to offer is extraordinary. I’m heavily involved in CBU’s PRSSA where I gain practical experience in running campaigns and working with real-life clients.
Kerrilyn Collins '20
The PR program has led me to many opportunities including being the lifestyle section editor of the school newspaper, the Banner, and holding the title of social media manager for CBU's PRSSA. The field of public relations is so diverse, I never find a dull moment in any one of my classes. The program makes me feel fully prepared for post-grad and I am happy to learn so many valuable skills during my time here at CBU.
Teddy Pena '21
Career Possibilities
Public relations majors can apply their field of study to a variety of careers. Some careers listed below may require further education.
- Publicist
- Campaign Specialist
- Media Relations Manager
- Public Relations Specialist
- Advertiser
- Social Media Strategist
- Social Media Manager
- Events Coordinator
- Employee Relations Manager
- Account Executive
Related Programs
Next Steps
Join our community. At CBU, you’ll be challenged to become an individual whose skills, integrity, and sense of purpose glorify God and distinguish you in the world.