Public Relations Major

Student event photo op

Speak Out!

In today's media crazy marketplace, where every misstep of an individual or company is tweeted, posted and instantaneously available to the world via the Internet, Public Relations practitioners are often the most important and visible faces of their corporations and organizations. UT-Arlington's Public Relations (PR) major prepares students to speak out in this often chaotic and exciting area.

Public Relations Highlights

Public Health Research

 PR Campaign students supported major grant research designed to understand and combat COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy.  

The students conducted focus groups and survey research for clients including:

  • Mission Arlington
  • the Alliance for Children 
  • Helping Hands for Single Moms

Additionally, campaign students created a volunteer recruitment campaign for Lone Star CASA 

Strategic Communication Planning

PR Methods II students developed strategic communication plans for Southside Community Garden, a non-profit working to improve health outcomes in Fort Worth’s 76104 zip code, which has the lowest life expectancy in the state of Texas.

Professional Development Opportunities

PR Management students participated in informational interviews with leading corporate executives at businesses including HBO, State Farm, Texas Rangers Baseball Club, the Miami Dolphins, e.l.f. beauty, and ABC News.

Student Award

Ella Scott placed first in press release writing and PR crisis management at the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association competition in March. 

What Can You Do With A Public Relations Degree?

  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Public Relations Manager
  • Communications Planner
  • Social Media Marketing Specialist
  • Event Coordinator

Courses In The Major

Foundational Courses

  • COMM 2311 - Writing for Mass Media
  • COMM 3315 - Communication Theory
  • COMM 3300 - Communication Technology
  • COMM 3310 - Communication Law and Ethics
  • ADVT 2337 - Introduction to Advertising
  • PREL 2338 - Introduction to Public Relations

Advanced Courses

  • PREL 3339 - Public Relations Methods I
  • PREL 3340 - Public Relations Methods II
  • PREL 4316 - PR Campaigns
  • PREL 4320 - Public Relations Management Case Studies

You can find the official link to all Communication and Public Relations courses in the University Catalog.

 

Internships and Opportunities

We encourage all eligible students to do an internship while a Public Relations student.

Public Relations Coordinator

Dr. Shelley Wigley

Public Relations Sequence Coordinator

Associate Professor, Public Relations

Shelley Wigley Headshot