Program Overview

Public Relations, B.A.

The Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations program at Palm Beach Atlantic University is designed to engage students with communication challenges on individual and international scales. This program generates impactful messages, evaluates communication practices, conveys complex narratives through easy-to-follow campaigns, and informs audiences and leaders using ethical frameworks rooted in Christian values.

Why Major in Public Relations at PBA?

Create a name for yourself as a quick-thinking and strategic public relations expert in a world that runs on rapid global communication. Students will gain knowledge and skills for analyzing complex public communication challenges, discerning strategic solutions, and collaborating between stakeholders with varied goals. The program helps design and execute plans to develop shared meaning, true perceptions, and favorable public images in corporate, government, and non-profit settings.

• Christ-Centered PR: Learn how a Christian worldview informs ethical public relations and fosters two-way communication between organizations and their audiences.
• Experiential Learning: Uncover real-world public relations needs through assignments with actual clients and hands-on internships.
• Multi-Media Communication: Grow talents in writing, editing, social media, video, print, and information management contexts.
• Start Your Profession from Day 1: Expand skills through classes and grow your network through PBA's chapter of Public Relations Student Society of America, all while building a portfolio that will make you marketable in a competitive market.

What You'll Learn

The B.A. in Public Relations ignites curiosity to:

• Learn the processes of public relations that will make campaigns successful.
• Write strategic messages for global, diverse audiences in a variety of media formats.
• Understand industry standards in performance, professionalism, and ethical conduct.
• Use critical thinking skills to solve problems in a variety of social contexts.

Program Details

This program, informed through the lens of scripture, equips students to anticipate and interpret audience perceptions, improve public understanding, influence public policy, and counsel leaders and managers on how to be accountable and engaging in the public sphere.

Curriculum

The faith-integrated Bachelor's in Public Relations curriculum begins with a grounding in communications and media. Students build out their roster of public relations strategies and techniques through courses in ethics, persuasion, social media, campaigns, journalism, and media law. They also take risks and ask questions first-hand through an internship or practicum placement.

Career Development

Engage your inquisitive nature and seek out avenues for adventurous public relations roles with the guidance and connections of PBA's Office of Career Development. This includes reviewing résumés and cover letters, preparing for interviews, finding internships and job openings, and networking with professionals in West Palm Beach and across the county.

Careers

The paths that lie ahead in the field of public relations hold intriguing challenges and trailblazing opportunities. These roles are in consistent demand, and expertise can be well compensated:

• Public relations specialists earn a median annual salary of $62,800.
• Roles like PR and fundraising managers reach an average of nearly $120,000 per year. Potential career paths include:
• Public relations officer
• Social media manager
• Customer relations liaison
• Media relations officer
• Special events coordinator

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