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Public Relations & Strategic Communication

Preparing the Faces of the Future

Are you an effective communicator looking to expand your skills? Do you want to play an integral role in the ever-changing, dynamic field of communication? Look no further than Ashland University’s Public Relations and Strategic Communication program.

In today’s complex, digitally connected world, companies seek employees that not only have highly developed technical abilities, but also strategic knowledge and competence. Ashland University's Public Relations and Strategic Communication program provides you with both.

Contact Us

Department Chair

Gwen A. Hullman, PhD
419.289.5298
ghullman@ashland.edu

Department Contact

120 Center for the Arts
419.289.5139
commstudies@ashland.edu

Curriculum

Brochures, Course Rotations & Four-Year Guides

Each department provides information specific to its majors and programs to help ensure you choose exactly which major is right for you. Use the supplemental material below to assist you in finding a major that most interests you.

Current Academic Year

Description of Communication Studies courses

Department Course Rotations

Current Academic Year
Health & Risk Communication and Public Relations & Strategic Communication (Double Major) Four-Year Guide
Public Relations and Strategic Communication Four-Year Guide
Sport Communication and Public Relations & Strategic Communication (Double Major) Four-Year Guide

Core Curriculum

Sample classes you may take include:

COM 430: Strategic Communication. This course provides instruction and practice in strategic communication theory and research at the organizational and public levels. Students will gain the necessary skills to identify and execute proper planning in both promotion and crisis planning for organizations to those who are directly and indirectly impacted.

COM 474: Public Relations Campaigns. This course is a capstone experience where students apply the knowledge they have gained to develop PR campaigns for real-world clients. This integration involves coordination of the entire PR process, including client communication, research, planning and development, implementation, and evaluation of PR campaigns. Students will strengthen their strategic thinking, writing, and presentation skills.

Contact Us

Contact Us

Department Chair

Gwen A. Hullman, PhD
419.289.5298
ghullman@ashland.edu

Department Contact

120 Center for the Arts
419.289.5139
commstudies@ashland.edu

Curriculum

Curriculum

Brochures, Course Rotations & Four-Year Guides

Each department provides information specific to its majors and programs to help ensure you choose exactly which major is right for you. Use the supplemental material below to assist you in finding a major that most interests you.

Current Academic Year

Description of Communication Studies courses

Department Course Rotations

Current Academic Year
Health & Risk Communication and Public Relations & Strategic Communication (Double Major) Four-Year Guide
Public Relations and Strategic Communication Four-Year Guide
Sport Communication and Public Relations & Strategic Communication (Double Major) Four-Year Guide

Core Curriculum

Core Curriculum

Sample classes you may take include:

COM 430: Strategic Communication. This course provides instruction and practice in strategic communication theory and research at the organizational and public levels. Students will gain the necessary skills to identify and execute proper planning in both promotion and crisis planning for organizations to those who are directly and indirectly impacted.

COM 474: Public Relations Campaigns. This course is a capstone experience where students apply the knowledge they have gained to develop PR campaigns for real-world clients. This integration involves coordination of the entire PR process, including client communication, research, planning and development, implementation, and evaluation of PR campaigns. Students will strengthen their strategic thinking, writing, and presentation skills.

What to Expect in the Public Relations and Strategic Communication Program

In this innovative program, you’ll learn and master the art and science of relating to the diverse public.

Public relations and strategic communication involve the ability to effectively relate to different audiences and properly formulate, design, and execute campaigns for clients. So whether you choose to be the face of an organization, government agency, or advocacy group, this program will prepare you for all aspects of relating to different publics.

You’ll also get firsthand experience in the creation and integration of campaigns based on the goals or mission of clients through your involvement in one of the many professional and student organizations on campus.

Program Benefits

In this program, you’ll:

  • Receive individual attention from experienced professors in the theory and practice of public relations and consultants in strategic communication
  • Get firsthand experience through research and PR campaign opportunities, and showcase your results at state, regional, and national conferences
  • Build a portfolio consisting of your accomplishments, projects, and campaigns to make you more marketable to potential employers

You’ll also have wide variety of options for internships, including:

  • Advertising and Marketing Agencies
  • Ashland Center for Nonviolence
  • Career Service
  • Financial Institutions
  • Government Agencies
  • Hospitals and Safety Organizations
  • Law Offices
  • Non-profits
  • Sports Organization

Public Relations and Strategic Communication Career Outlook

The ability to effectively relate to a variety of audiences is such a valuable skill that jobs requiring expertise in public relations and strategic communication are expected to grow by 24 percent over the next five years.

Career Opportunities

  • Advertising Agent
  • Campaign Director
  • Community Consultant
  • Community Relations Director
  • Event Planner
  • Hospital Liaison
  • Human Resources Officer
  • Marketing Director
  • Organizing Development Coordinator
  • Personnel Director
  • Public Relations Director
  • Strategic Communication Manager
  • Sports Information Director
  • Sport Team Publicist
  • Training & Development Coordinator