Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations in the Lew Klein College of Media and Communication at Temple University educates students with the knowledge, theory and skills to manage relationships across consumer, corporate, economic, government and media organizations. In our Public Relations bachelor’s degree program, students learn to develop strategies to advise organizations in matters of social responsibility and influencing public opinion. From basic writing skills to drafting strategic campaigns, evaluating legal and ethical considerations to managing technology’s impact on the field, our degree program provides students with the knowledge and skills for public relations (PR) success now and in the future.

Public relations is the strategic use of communication to establish, build and maintain mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics. Unlike marketing and advertising, PR uses integrated communication—including publicity, advertising, social media and original storytelling—to uniquely communicate important issues, opportunities, problems and their solutions to targeted audiences. Students in our Public Relations bachelor’s degree program learn to assess situations and determine, create and communicate strategic messages to build beneficial relationships among a wide variety of organizations and their diverse constituents.

In our program, you will learn theories that affect how today’s public relations is practiced and develop the knowledge base and the foundational PR skills of critical thinking, speaking and writing. Our classes will give you access to some of the latest industry-standard communication tools, enabling you to earn certifications and gain the technical skills today’s employers value and need, including data analytics, search engine optimization and social media marketing. Upon mastering those skills, you will

• Design, develop and evaluate campaigns;
• Learn how to manage client expectations as well as the ethical and legal implications of your work;
• Produce campaign materials that rely on original research, promotional materials, and social and traditional media techniques; and
• Strengthen your public speaking, team and leadership skills.

As a Public Relations BA graduate, you will be prepared to apply your expertise in entry-level positions in agency, corporate, government and nonprofit spaces. Using data analytics, promotions, relationship building and creative strategic messaging, you will be able to communicate effectively to ethically influence attitudes, behaviors and bring about positive change among key target audiences.

International Communication Concentration
Students in the International Communication Concentration (ICC) acquire a theoretical and practical education in international and intercultural communication and media. A unique opportunity for Klein students, this program allows you to obtain skills and knowledge in cultural sensitivity and intercultural communication by reflecting on your own cultural lens. Students participating in the ICC program are enlightened about various perspectives through an internationally and interculturally oriented curriculum. The program is offered on Temple’s domestic campuses, but students can supplement some coursework while studying abroad.