Public Relations (PR), B.S.
About This Program
As a Public Relations major, you will learn how to communicate using social media, pitch letters, press releases, speeches, and all the elements of a media kit. The curriculum covers research, ethical considerations, production, writing, and editing, equipping you with the skills needed to strategically influence public perceptions.
By graduation, you'll possess the tools necessary to effectively navigate the dynamic landscape of public relations, building and maintaining positive relationships between organizations or clients, and their target audiences.
What is Public Relations (PR)?
Public relations professionals are skilled communicators who craft and shape the image and messaging of personalities, companies, organizations, products, and brands, delivering impactful information to the public and media.
They create and manage communications assets, platforms and campaigns that are consistent with a brand or cause, and cultivate relationships in media, business, government, technology, health, agriculture, sports, academia, arts, entertainment, and other sectors.
Public Relations (PR) Careers
PR professionals work in a spectrum of environments, extending from traditional PR
agencies and corporate communication departments to digital media platforms and freelance
opportunities. Public relations offers a wide range of career opportunities for individuals
with strong skills in strategic communication, brand storytelling, and relationship-building.
They include:
- Brand/Reputation Management
- Marketing
- Crisis Management
- Event Planning
- Publishing
- Social Media Management
- Media, Arts and Entertainment
- Education
- Municipal and Civil Services
- Healthcare
- Travel/Tourism/Hospitality
- Transportation
- Politics
- Athletics
- Energy and Utilities
- Government and Military
- Nonprofits
- Financial Services
Public Relations (PR) Expectations
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, in 2023, the top average income for national public relations specialists was:
-
- An estimated mean hourly wage of $37
- An estimated mean annual salary of $77,720
The states with the highest employment level in public relations are:
- California,
- Texas
- New York
- Florida
- District of Columbia
Public Relations (PR) Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Qs)
Q: How does PR differ from advertising?
A: While advertising involves paid promotional messages, PR focuses on earned media
and cultivating relationships. PR is more about managing and building reputation through
strategic communication efforts.
Q: How important is networking in the field of PR?
A: Networking is essential in PR to build relationships with journalists, influencers
and industry professionals. Attending industry events, joining professional organizations,
being involved in the community, and connecting with professionals online can open
doors for opportunities.
Q: What are some of the essential skills public relations specialists should develop
for success?
A: To achieve success, public relations specialists should hone skills such as strategic
communications, writing, research, editing, social media management, relationship-building,
time management, creative thinking, collaboration, and presentation.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills contribute to gaining trust, which
is essential for PR.
Q: What are the industries with the highest levels of employment in public relations
specialists?
A: Advertising, public relations and related services; colleges, universities and professional
schools; business, professional, labor, political, and similar organizations; local
government; management of companies and enterprises.
Program Faculty
| Name | Phone | |
|---|---|---|
| Mr. William Jiles, Division Director | william.jiles@famu.edu | (850) 412-5393 |
| (850) 561-2806 | ||
| Dr. Deborah Thigpen, Visiting Professor | (850) 561-2528 | |
| Ms. Ranata Hughes, Internship Coordinator and Adjunct Professor | (850) 412-5395 | |
| (850) 599-3379 |
