Public Relations, BA
Program Details
- Location
- Akron Campus
- Level
- undergraduate
- Degree/Program Type
- Bachelor of Arts / major
- Format
- In-person
- Course Info
- Curriculum Guide
- College
- Buchtel College of Arts & Sciences (BCAS)
- School/Department
- School of Communication
Program Contact
- McKenna Vietmeier, M.A.
-
Assistant Director & Professor of Instruction
330.972.5657
Overview
UA's Public Relations program prepares students to become skilled communicators capable of crafting strategic messages across diverse platforms. The curriculum combines foundational theory with practical, hands-on learning and emphasizes professional writing, multimedia design, and message strategy. Through this approach, students develop critical thinking, creativity, and technical expertise needed to engage diverse audiences and succeed in the competitive communication field.
Admissions Requirements
Students must meet the general admissions requirements of The University of Akron.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the Public Relations program are well-equipped for careers in corporate communications, social media, nonprofit organizations, government, media relations, and marketing. With strong skills in strategic messaging, professional writing, and multimedia design, they are prepared to manage public perception, build brand reputation, and engage diverse audiences. The program’s practical focus ensures students enter the workforce ready to contribute effectively in a variety of communication roles across industries.
Our students go on to hold roles like:
PR specialist
Social media manager
Event planner
Lobbyist
Speechwriter
Journalist
Marketing coordinator
Digital media specialist
Community relations specialist
WHERE RECENT GRADUATES ARE WORKING
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.
Better Business Bureau
Akron Zoo
Caesars Entertainment Corp.
MurphyEpson
Squirrels LLC
Destination Cleveland
Say YES to Career-Ready Communication
Build career-ready communication skills through specialized degree paths, real-world experiences, and add certificates that help you stand out in today’s competitive job market.
Four Concentrations
Customize Your Path
Choose from Media Studies, Public Relations, Communication Studies or Organizational Supervision to focus your degree.
Real-World Practice
Put Your Skills to Work
Gain hands-on experience and collaborate with real clients through community-engaged projects, internships, co-curriculars, and student clubs.
Expand Your Skills
Add Career-Focused Certificates
Build additional expertise with certificates in areas like social media, political communication, and business leadership.
Explore Undergraduate Certificates
WZIP-FM 88.1
Go live on the air, produce shows, and build your resume at one of the top student-run radio stations in the country.
ZTV
Create, film, edit, and star in original video productions while building professional media skills in a fun, collaborative environment.
PRSSA
Connect with communication professionals, hear from industry leaders and gain career insights through Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) events and networking opportunities.