Department of English Language & Literature

Build The Relationships. Tell The Stories. Lead The Future.

Public relations is one of the fastest-growing industries in the United States, and Eastern Michigan University’s public relations program will prepare you to become a competitive professional in an increasingly complex communication environment. 

Our interdisciplinary public relations program combines rigorous coursework with practical, real-world application. You’ll learn theory and applied knowledge in the classroom and then use your knowledge working with area business and organizational leaders who will advance your expertise even further. To top it off, our small class sizes foster an engaging and interactive learning environment where professors truly get to know their students – and students thrive!

Want even more?  It pays well while you’re having fun. The median salary for a public relations specialist is $66,750, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

Define. Study. Thrive.

• What exactly is public relations?

  Curious about the practice of public relations – but not quite sure what it is? Don’t be embarrassed. You’re not alone. 

  The public relations profession covers a wide range of areas. That’s what makes it difficult to define. If you consult five different sources, you might find their five different responses mind-boggling. But there will be commonalities. Here’s what we and others believe:

  Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)

  “Public relations is a strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics.”

  Professor Lolita Cummings’ Definition

  Public relations is a management function that requires two-way communication and a conscious, deliberate effort to establish and maintain positive relationships.

  Our Most Basic Definition

  Public relations is simply doing what is right.

• What can you do with a public relations degree? 

  A public relations degree will prepare you for a wide range of communications-related careers. That’s one of the reasons why a PR degree is so appealing – and the profession is so fun! You could work in any of the following:

  • Media Relations 
  • Social Media
  • Sports Media
  • Community Relations
  • Development/Fundraising
  • Digital Media and Journalism
  • Content Development
  • Marketing and Advertising
  • Crisis Communication
  • Broadcast News
  • Publicity
  • And more!

  Does any of this appeal to you? Contact us today!

Learn. Lead. Love.

The public relations coursework encompasses a dynamic variety of topics and skills that students can expect to perform in their professional careers. These include public relations writing, digital and social media strategy, research and analytics, crisis communication, campaign planning, graphic design, management, media relations and more. 

Students are required to complete an internship in fields related to public relations, social media and communication. Program advisors are available to match students with relevant roles. Many of our program's graduates work for leading public relations and advertising agencies, major media organizations, prestigious corporations, respected public-sector agencies, and innovative non-profit institutions.

Students are also encouraged to join our Eleanor Wright Public Relations Student Society of America Chapter (PRSSA). Click here to learn more (link to PRSSA page). ​

The only question to ask yourself now is whether you’ll join us as a public relations major – or a public relations minor. Click on the links below to discover what’s best for you!

• Public Relations Major Course Requirements
• Public Relations Minor Course Requirements

Careers & Job Market Outlook

Apply. Accept. Award.

Everyone likes free money, right? We know how hard you work for your education – and how expensive that can sometimes be. Let us help.

Public relations majors and minors are eligible for a variety of PR program and English Department scholarships. Most deadlines are in February or March, so keep an eye out for your email in January or contact us (insert a link to Lolita’s email address here). Want a peek at what’s available? Take a look at this partial list. And, yes, there’s often more!