About Public Relations at UNCby Kirstie Lynn Castaneira (BA-2013)
Public relations, as defined by PRSA, functions to “help an organization and its publics adapt mutually to each other.” As a management function, it includes anticipating, analyzing and interpreting public opinion; counseling management; developing programs that inform public understanding; and planning and implementing an organization’s efforts to influence or change public policy. At Carolina, over 40% of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication’s students study in the public relations sequence. Students are able to excel in courses such as PR Campaigns and PR Writing with many classes having a teamwork component mirroring that of a full-time PR position. The public relations sequence provides career services options and leadership and mentorship opportunities. Our unique classroom settings allow students to build their portfolio and take real-world skills into their professional and personal endeavors outside of the University. See what people are saying on Verbatim, online record of public comments made by individuals or issued on behalf of organizations. The purpose of the blog is to highlight the dynamic nature of organizational communication and encourage public discussion.
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Several resources provide information about the profession:
-What does a public relations agency do? - Forbes article. - LinkedIn provides information on various facets of PR. - Salary info may help as you seek internships and jobs - PRSSA's Progressions blog offers peer insights into the profession. Some facts on the PR industry:
- There are more than 7,000 PR agencies just in the United States - The median PR salary is $51,280 - The expected growth for jobs is PR is 24% by 2018 |
Are there PR student organizations I can join?
Yes! Carolina PRSSA is the UNC-Chapel Hill chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America. Additionally, join Heelprint Communications, a student-run creative communications agency. |
May I get help with finding a job or an internship?
Indeed! The school offers its own Career Services department. Visit with Jay Eubank, director of Career Services in Carroll 162. Send him an email at [email protected] How can I get in touch with public relations alumni?
It's easy! The School's Alumni and Friends page has a link to an online alumni directory so you can begin networking today! |
Leave Your Heel Print! Anna Dillon and Mike Cohen developed this presentation in Spring 2013 about public relations opportunities in the j-school. |
Required Courses and Prerequisites
Core Classes for All Sequences:
· JOMC 141 Professional Problems and Ethics · JOMC 153 News Writing · JOMC 340 Intro to Mass Comm Law (153) Advertising/ Public Relations Core Classes: · JOMC 137 Principles of Ad and PR · JOMC 279 Ad and PR Research (137) Public Relations Specialization: · JOMC 232 Public Relations Writing (137 & 153) - students provide tips for service learning courses. · JOMC 431 Case Studies in Public Relations (137) · JOMC 434 Public Relations Campaigns (232, 279, 431) · Either JOMC 333, 433, 435 or 491 (PR-related topic) State & Local Government: · POLI 101 or 405 |
Immersions:
Students must complete at least two courses from a single immersion. Immersions: The Audience; Mass Communication Theory; History, Law and Regulation; Digital Media; Diversity; Political Communication; Business and Entrepreneurship; Sports Communication; and Honors Students in the school must also take HIST 128, ECON 101, and either POLI 100, 208 or 209. For more information about the public relations curriculum, click here. Course details are available at the j-school's Registration Central. ** Prerequisites are listed in parentheses |
Interested in minoring in public relations?
Visit the JOMC website for more information about course requirements.
Visit the JOMC website for more information about course requirements.
Meet Our Faculty
Click on each photo to learn more about our professors
Finding Internships and Jobs
Edelman internships
Fleishman Hillard internships
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PRSSA members may access the Internship site and the PRSA Job Center
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