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Public Relations

Also offered as: Minor

Launch your career in a growing, exciting & creative profession with opportunities in almost every industry & sector. Our hands-on public relations major equips you with the knowledge & skills to develop, manage & implement strategic communication programs & campaigns for organizations & their audiences.

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Public Relations

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Degree Level
Bachelor of Arts
Delivery
In Person
Time to Degree
8 Semesters
Credit Hours
120 Total, 45 in Major
Careers
Managers, Specialists, Advertising
Public Relations students at EIU

Why Study Public Relations at EIU?

  • Experiential learning inside & outside of the classroom: Our faculty integrate active learning assignments, and you can join our student-run PR firm, Panther Communication, to gain experience and build your portfolio from day one.
  • We focus on career readiness & professional development: 100% placement rate in the 2024/25 career outcomes report, students gain workplace communication skills, and the PR Capstone coaches seniors to effectively navigate job applications and interviews.
  • Supportive faculty who are award-winning educators and highly committed to your learning, growth, and success.
  • One of only a few stand-alone public relations majors in the State of Illinois with a large selection of public relations classes informed by the profession.
  • Curriculum designed to easily double-major throughout the School of Communication, Journalism & Theatre.
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"My public relations major has taught me so much more than the basic principles of PR. It has also taught me how to approach leadership, public speaking, and organizational skills, all things I had struggled with as a quiet freshman. The program has given me the ultimate toolkit for success with knowledge, hands-on experience, and leadership opportunities. I couldn't be more grateful for it."
Chloe Harnetiaux
Public Relations | Class of 2027
Chloe Harnetiaux, Public Relations at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • Join our student-run PR firm Panther Communication and work with real clients from day one.
  • Complete internships for course credit as part of your public relations electives.
  • Enhance your professional development by joining our chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA).
  • Develop public relations campaigns & content as part of your coursework in classes such as Public Relations and Content Creation, Public Relations Campaigns, and Strategic Messages and Influence, among others.
  • Study abroad at one of our partner universities.
Explore Courses
Hands-On Experience, Public Relations students at EIU

What You'll Learn

Public Relations focuses on developing, managing and implementing strategic communication programs and campaigns for organizations and their audiences. It is a fit if you are creative, enjoy writing and working with people and like solving communication problems.

Program 4-Year Sequence Curriculum
View in Catalog
$59,401
Median Salary 4 Years After Graduation

Career Outcomes

  • Public Relations Managers
  • Public Relations Specialists
  • Advertising & Promotions Managers
  • Marketing Managers
  • Fundraising Managers
  • Meeting, Convention, & Event Planners
  • Communications Teachers, Postsecondary

Career Insights

Job Outlook ★ Bright Outlook Grow Rapidly
Preparation Needed Considerable (4/5)
Personality Fit Enterprising

Connect With Us

Claudia Janssen Danyi
Professor
cijanssen@eiu.edu
2544 Buzzard Hall
217-581-6003
Claudia Janssen Danyi Message Claudia

Message Claudia

or email cijanssen@eiu.edu directly
Matthew Gill
Department Chair
mjgill@eiu.edu
Buzzard Hall 2526
217-581-6003
Matthew Gill Message Matthew

Message Matthew

or email mjgill@eiu.edu directly
Billy Panther
Head of Panther Pride
Old Main
217-581-2223
Billy the Panther Message Billy

Message Billy

or email billy@eiu.edu directly

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