Public Relations
Classes:
Course requirements for public relations majors include introductory advertising
and public relations, research, law and ethics, graphic design, public relations
writing and an additional writing course, public relations campaigns and PR
management.
Careers:
Public relations students most often seek staff writer positions
with corporate, institutional or non-profit organizations, either
in external communications (press releases, brochures, annual reports,
special events, etc.) or internal communications (employee newsletters
and publications). Employment opportunities also exist in
account management with public relations firms.
Internships: Students are encouraged to participate
in supervised internships that carry three hours of academic credit. Many
students hold additional internships (not for credit) that prepare
them for entry-level positions.
Capstone Experience:
Public relations students have the opportunity to gain experience
in the field through the annual Bateman case competition of the Public
Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). Competing
with other universities across the country, a group of undergraduate
students develops a complete campaign for a national client that
is judged by a panel of public relations professionals.
In the tropical paradise of Hawaii, USC public relations students
won the national championship in the 2002 Bateman competition. Their
winning campaign was for Contiki, an international travel agency. Contiki
provided the student teams with all-expense paid trips to Honolulu. |
