Public Relations is one of the majors in the Department of Journalism and Mass Communications. The department is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Education in Journalism and Mass Communications. Murray State is one of three universities in Kentucky with ACEJMC accreditation.
The Public Relations
program provides
practical, real-world training and experience in the planning and
implementation of comprehensive public relations strategies and tactics.
Specific technical skills are mastered through a well-sequenced core set
of courses that provide each graduate with a portfolio of work,
professional experience and significant interaction with real clients
and brands. Positions in the field of Public Relations include social media
manager; communications director; newsletter editor; special events coordinator;
publicity director; speech writer; crisis management consultant; media
relations manager; researcher and public relations director for corporations,
education, government and non-profit organizations. PR is a growing,
values-driven industry with high standards of excellence, integrity, ethics and accountability.
Students majoring in public relations may earn a bachelor of science or a bachelor of arts degree. Students need a minimum of 120 semester hours, another major or minor, and completion of the university studies requirement for the appropriate degree. ACEJMC requires that students take 80 hours outside the department, 65 hours of university studies/liberal arts, and only three hours of credit for internships/co-ops.
An internship is often recommended between the junior and senior years.