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Public Relations

Launch your career in a growing, exciting & creative profession with opportunities in almost every industry & sector. Our hands-on public relations major equips you with the knowledge & skills to develop, manage & implement strategic communication programs & campaigns for organizations & their audiences.

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Public Relations

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Degree Level
Bachelor of Arts
Delivery
In Person
Time to Degree
8 Semesters
Credit Hours
120 Total, 45 in Major
Careers
Managers, Specialists, Advertising
Public Relations students at EIU

Why Study Public Relations at EIU?

  • Experiential learning inside & outside of the classroom: Our faculty integrate active learning assignments, and you can join our student-run PR firm, Panther Communication, to gain experience and build your portfolio from day one.
  • We focus on career readiness & professional development: 100% placement rate in the 2024/25 career outcomes report, students gain workplace communication skills, and the PR Capstone coaches seniors to effectively navigate job applications and interviews.
  • Supportive faculty who are award-winning educators and highly committed to your learning, growth, and success.
  • One of only a few stand-alone public relations majors in the State of Illinois with a large selection of public relations classes informed by the profession.
  • Curriculum designed to easily double-major throughout the School of Communication, Journalism & Theatre.
"I am so glad I found the public relations major at EIU. The instructors in this program truly care about their students and make an effort to connect with them. My classes and professors equipped me with a broad range of skills that I now carry into my career, and I genuinely had so much fun along the way. I am incredibly grateful for the experiences, relationships, and opportunities this program gave me, and I will always look back on my time as a PR major with gratitude."
Kate Hampton
Public Relations | Class of 2026, Creative Director, Vita Marketing
Kate Hampton, Public Relations at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • Join our student-run PR firm Panther Communication and work with real clients from day one.
  • Complete internships for course credit as part of your public relations electives.
  • Enhance your professional development by joining our chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA).
  • Develop public relations campaigns & content as part of your coursework in classes such as Public Relations and Content Creation, Public Relations Campaigns, and Strategic Messages and Influence, among others.
  • Study abroad at one of our partner universities.
Explore Courses
Hands-On Experience, Public Relations students at EIU

What You'll Learn

Communication, creativity, problem-solving, strategic thinking: In classes such as PR Campaigns, Strategic Communication & Advocacy, Content Creation or PR Case Studies, our students complete hands-on assignments while gaining the knowledge and skills to develop sophisticated & creative solutions to complex communication challenges. Upon graduation, they are ready to launch successful careers in communication, public relations, & marketing.

View in Catalog
$59,401
Median Salary 4 Years After Graduation

Career Outcomes

  • Public Relations Managers
  • Public Relations Specialists
  • Advertising & Promotions Managers
  • Marketing Managers
  • Fundraising Managers
  • Meeting, Convention, & Event Planners
  • Communications Teachers, Postsecondary

Career Insights

Job Outlook ★ Bright Outlook Grow Rapidly
Preparation Needed Considerable (4/5)
Personality Fit Enterprising

Connect With Us

Dr. Claudia Janssen Danyi
Professor
cijanssen@eiu.edu
Buzzard Hall 2544
217-581-6003
Dr. Claudia Janssen Danyi Message Dr. Danyi

Message Dr. Danyi

or email cijanssen@eiu.edu directly
Dr. Matthew Gill
Department Chair
mjgill@eiu.edu
Buzzard Hall 2526
217-581-6003
Dr. Matthew Gill Message Dr. Gill

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or email mjgill@eiu.edu directly
Billy Panther
Head of Panther Pride
Old Main
217-581-2223
Billy the Panther Message Billy

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or email billy@eiu.edu directly

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