Public Relations

Curriculum

As a public relations major at the University of Mount Union, you will explore numerous writing styles, social media tactics and principles of communication. You will study group communication, crisis management, event planning and complete valuable research in the field. You will also develop essential public speaking and design skills and have the opportunity to receive hands-on experience through numerous University organizations, such as Raider Student Media and PRSSA.

Experiential Learning

HANDS-ON LEARNING

Students who choose to major in public relations at the University Mount Union have ample opportunities to get involved outside of the classroom. By getting involved in these extracurricular opportunities and student organizations, you can strengthen your skills in communication and get valuable hands-on experience, both of which are critical to a successful career in public relations after graduation. All majors are encouraged to participate actively in the activities and student organizations offered for public relations degree students. 

Service-learning is a large component of the public relations major. Recent classroom projects have benefitted National Banned Books Week, the Huston-Brumbaugh Nature Center, Pegasus Farm, and the Akron-Canton-Youngstown Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. 

ACTIVITIES AND ORGANIZATIONS

Students have the opportunity to join and become an active member in the University of Mount Union student-directed chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). As a member, you will hear speakers in the profession, tour agencies, attend local conferences and professional luncheons, and help develop an annual event that benefits a community nonprofit organization. Since the chapter is part of the national PRSSA organization, you will also have access to national scholarships, awards, internships, and public relations positions. 

You can also become active in the student-directed Raider Student Media that oversees Mount Union’s radio station (WRMU 91.1 FM), YouTube channel (Studio M), and campus newspaper (The Dynamo). Public relations students who also meet the requirements for the National Communication Association’s official undergraduate honor society, Lambda Pi Eta, will be invited to become members.

INTERNSHIPS 

Internships provide valuable and practical experience for public relations major students, and they help to fill the gap between the academic and professional worlds. 

Mount Union public relations degree students have interned with the following organizations:

• Akron Beacon Journal
• Aultman Hospital
• Canton Repository
• KDKA
• MTV
• Smithsonian Institute
• Washington Week in Review
• Cleveland Cavaliers
• Cleveland Indians
• Cleveland television channels: 5, 8, 19/43 and FOX Sports NET OHIO
• Country Music Television
• House of Blues
• WHBC-FM
• Walt Disney World

Careers

Mount Union’s public relations degree program provides students the knowledge and practical experience necessary to build meaningful relationships an organization and its target markets to ensure a successful career in public relations. The public relations major requirements and curriculum as well as the on-campus media opportunities will prepare you for a variety of careers.