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Appalachian State University

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Public Relations (BS)

About

Change the world through communication.

App State’s Public Relations (PR) degree program prepares you for a career in creating messages that are inclusive, sustainable and socially responsible — for both organizations and the public.

The PR curriculum provides a thorough introduction to the principles, necessary skills and contemporary practices of public relations. As a PR student, you’ll gain hands-on experience in writing, social media, design, and campaigns through the application of research, critical thinking and ethical practice. 

Numerous opportunities exist at App State for you to showcase your new communication expertise, including internships, study abroad classes and course-related work for local and regional clients. 

Additional opportunities are available through the Department of Communication's student-run communication agency, Second Story Media, as well as student-run media outlets—90.5WASU-FM, AppTV, The Appalachian newspaper and The Peel Literature and Arts Review — and App State’s chapter of the Public Relations Students Society of America.

More about App State’s Communication, Public Relations degree

After Graduation

Employment: App State’s PR graduates find work in almost every sector imaginable, including public relations and marketing; music, sports and news; health care and advocacy; technology and energies; retail and hospitality; and environmental, educational, government and cultural nonprofits.

Graduate schools: PR students have been accepted to graduate programs throughout the U.S. and abroad, studying at such institutions as the University of Cambridge, George Mason University, The Ohio State University, North Carolina State University and many more.

Career Exploration website

People

  • Alum Profile: Logan DiFranco ’20
    Alum Profile: Logan DiFranco ’20

    “(My) internship has brought me more confidence in my abilities than I could have wished for. It was awesome to be able to attribute it to how well Appalachian has prepared me for my future.”

    – DiFranco, who holds bachelor’s degrees in communication, public relations and communication, journalism from App State, was selected for and completed a highly competitive internship at Spark Foundry advertising agency in Chicago.

  • Alumnus Profile: Patrick Sullivan '16
    Alumnus Profile: Patrick Sullivan '16

    Patrick Sullivan finds that his public relations concentration in communication plays a big role in his career path, regardless of his job title.

Courses

  • Program of Study
    Program of Study
  • Four Year Guide
    Four Year Guide
  • NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide
    NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide

Related Programs

  • Communication Studies (BS)
  • Advertising (BS)
  • Electronic Media/Broadcasting (BS)

Minors

A minor is required for this degree.

View all minors

Engagement Outside the Classroom

  • AppTV offers a full range of original programming, produced by App State students.
  • The Appalachian is App State's student newspaper. Participation on the newspaper’s staff is open to full-time undergraduate and graduate students.
  • Second Story Media, App State’s student-run communication agency, partners with university and community nonprofit clients to provide communication services.
  • 90.5 WASU-FM — known as “The App” — is dedicated to bringing the best alternative rock music to the High Country and is operated by App State students and volunteer DJs.
  • Public Relations Student Society of America provides an opportunity for students to become involved in the professional association of their field. PRSSA offers leadership and networking opportunities such as the national PRSA-PRSSA conference, where students meet other public relations students and professionals from across the nation.
  • Carolinas Communication Association sponsors the Jarrard undergraduate paper competition.
  • Southern States Communication Association sponsors the Clevenger Undergraduate Honors Conference.

Global Learning

Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society.

The Department of Communication has study abroad opportunities in China, England, Ireland, the Netherlands and Poland.

Admission Requirements

A cumulative 2.5 GPA based on earned semester hours at App State is required prior to declaring the Public Relations major.

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Why Appalachian?

  • The PR program provides a comprehensive, hands-on and inclusive curriculum that allows students to refine their respective degrees based on professional interest.
  • PR students collaborate to create socially responsible campaigns in classes and for App State’s student-run media organizations. Small class sizes mean students develop lasting relationships with faculty — and with each other.
  • PR courses take place in technology-enhanced lecture rooms, as well as computer and smart labs designed to foster teamwork and mirror the environments interns and graduates will experience in the profession. Additionally, students can gain interdisciplinary technological experience through journalism, advertising and electronic media/broadcast courses and through student-run media.
  • PR students expand on what they learn in class by getting involved with App State’s award-winning, student-run media outlets and communication agency.
  • Students have access to professional development and networking opportunities through App State’s chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America, which emphasizes ethics and diversity in the profession.
  • At App State, many PR students participate in internships. Host sites have included NASCAR, Disney, Charlotte Hornets, Crown Communications, Rockford Art Museum, Noble Media Management, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Maryland Department of Natural Resources and many others.
  • The PR program’s strong alumni network keeps alumni, faculty and students connected to the field of public relations.

Location

Boone and Hickory*

*The Hickory Campus location is pending accreditation from SACSCOC for this program. Accreditation is expected in summer 2023.

Careers

  • Campaign Manager
  • Communications Director
  • Corporate Communications Specialist
  • Creative Director
  • Events Planner
  • Fundraiser
  • Grant Writer
  • Human Resources Manager
  • Labor Relations Manager
  • Market Researcher
  • Marketing Analyst
  • Media Analyst
  • Media Relations Coordinator
  • Program Coordinator, Nonprofit
  • Public Information Officer
  • Public Relations Manager

View more career opportunities

Contacts

College of Fine and Applied Arts

Department of Communication

Dr. Scott Welsh
Department Chair
welshsm@appstate.edu
828-262-2607

  • Department of Communication

    One of seven departments housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Department of Communication at Appalachian State University focuses on preparing students to succeed in the varied fields within the communication industry. The department offers five majors – advertising, communication studies, electronic media/broadcasting, journalism and public relations – and a minor in communication studies. Graduates work in a wide range of positions in media, corporate, agency, government and nonprofit organizations.

  • College of Fine and Applied Arts

    Appalachian State University’s College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of academic departments including Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and Theatre and Dance.

    The College of Fine and Applied Arts is characterized by the educational approach of integrating theory and practice, offering students the knowledge and experience for continued education or employment. Programs within the College feature opportunities for hands-on experiential learning, international experiences and interdisciplinary engagement. The College emphasizes undergraduate teaching, while being active in grants and sponsored research. The College of Fine and Applied Arts provides a vibrant educational atmosphere, fostering the very best in teaching and learning.

    We offer:

    • BS, BA, and BFA degrees in 30 academic concentrations or specializations
    • MS degrees in 4 concentrations
    • Army ROTC program

    Community Service:

    Our students and faculty find unique ways to bring community service into the learning experience through experiences such as campus and community workshops, after-school programs for area school children, and work with local non-profits.

    Industry and Community Involvement:

    All departments are highly involved with their industry counterparts and seek opportunities to work with community partners. In addition, each department has an advisory board of industry professionals that assist in program development, internships, job placement and fundraising.

    International Education:

    The College of Fine and Applied Arts wants all students to have the opportunity for international learning experiences and has offered programs in:

    • Austria
    • China
    • Costa Rica
    • Cuba
    • Dominican Republic
    • England
    • France
    • Germany
    • Italy
    • Mexico
    • New Zealand
    • Nicaragua
    • Panama
    • Poland
    • Rwanda
    • South Africa
    • Taiwan

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