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Public Relations Concentration

A Hands-On Concentration with Connections to the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA)

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Why study Public Relations at Marist University?

The Public Relations program at Marist University prepares students to build and manage communication strategies across media and organizational settings. Students develop and execute campaigns, create content, and manage client relationships through hands-on learning and applied projects. Learning takes place in collaborative environments, including student-run agencies and professional development organizations. The program prepares graduates for careers in public relations, communications, and corporate settings.

Program Distinctions

Top-Ranked Program

Marist's School of Communication and the Arts is ranked among the top 25% of colleges for communications in the United States (Niche).

Hands-On Experience

Hands-on experience through North Road Communications, a student-run public relations agency where students develop campaigns, manage client relationships, and execute real-world communication strategies.

Engage Beyond the Classroom

Active involvement in professional organizations such as the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), providing opportunities for networking, leadership development, and industry engagement.

Build Your Portfolio

Opportunities to create strategic communication campaigns and professional portfolios through applied coursework, client-based projects, internships, and collaborative media environments.

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Practice Public Relations In the Classroom

The Public Relations curriculum prepares you for careers in a variety of fields related to corporate, nonprofit, public affairs, and social media. The courses offer hands-on experience as you learn about theory, research, and practice. Upon completion of the coursework, you'll will have a deeper understanding of media relations, social media, ethics, crisis communication, and campaign strategy. Unique to Marist’s Public Relations curriculum is our continued work with local businesses who often serve as real clients in courses. You'll be able to work directly with these clients to build materials specific to their needs.

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North Road Communications

North Road Communications (NRC) is Marist's student-run integrated marketing communications firm that offers publicity services for non-profit community clients and provides hands-on, experiential learning opportunities for students. Guided by the principles of doing, helping, and learning, NRC offers event planning, marketing research, media relations, strategic communication campaigns, and social media management. Students from diverse disciplines, including Public Relations, Advertising, Digital Media, and Marketing, collaborate for an integrated approach to their work.

Industry-Experienced Communication Faculty

On top of a thorough theoretical foundation in communications, all of our faculty come to us with years of industry experience. This allows our Communication students to learn first-hand about their future careers and gain important connections to major institutions in their fields. View all Communication faculty >

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Marist's Center for Social Media

Students in various disciplines, including Public Relations, are encouraged to explore and use the tools available in the Center for Social Media, which provides training in social media listening, engagement, influence, and analytics. Students use social media listening software to enhance their skills and actively engage on campus and in the community.

Marist University's Public Relations Concentration Frequently Asked Questions

A Public Relations concentration generally includes courses in PR writing, campaign strategy, media relations, research, and analytics. A strong program combines communication strategy and writing with hands-on experience with real clients. At Marist, Public Relations concentration students build expertise through courses such as Campaign Management, Public Relations Writing Tools, and Advanced Strategic Storytelling. They develop skills in media relations, ethics, strategic communication, and client management. This blend of theory and practical application prepares students for successful careers in Public Relations after graduation.  

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At Marist University, Public Relations students gain PR experience before graduation by working with real clients, participating in student-run agency work, and pursuing internships that help them build professional portfolios and industry connections before entering the workforce. 83% of Marist students complete one or more internships before graduation.

At Marist University, local businesses regularly serve as real clients in PR courses, allowing students to develop communication materials, campaign strategies, and public relations solutions that address actual organizational needs. This hands-on approach helps students apply classroom learning to real business challenges.

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