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Public Relations, B.A.

Bachelor of Arts

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. 

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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. 

45 Units
2 Emphases
9 % Expected Rate of Growth in the Field

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

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.

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  • 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

Casey Maldonado

At CBU, I’m extremely involved in PRSSA. I started with event planning and I’ve moved up to be the vice president. It is mind blowing to truly realize how important it is to have a PR team in every company. I’ve received helpful tips from professionals in the field like Aaron Norris and Karen Bergh about PR and how it pertains to our everyday world. I firmly believe that the professors and curriculum have equipped me to go above and beyond in everything that I will do in the future with my career.

Casey Maldonado '21

Kerrilyn Collins

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

Teddy Pena

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

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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.