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Earning your Public Relations degree from the University of Memphis prepares you to develop strategic communication plans, manage organizational reputation, and build meaningful relationships between organizations and their audiences. Designed for aspiring communication professionals, working adults, and future public relations leaders, this program develops the writing, media, strategic thinking, and communication skills needed to pursue careers in corporate communications, public affairs, healthcare, nonprofit organizations, marketing, and other industries.
Offered through UofM Global, the Public Relations program combines communication theory with practical application to help students understand media relations, social media strategy, content creation, crisis communication, reputation management, and stakeholder engagement. Graduates are prepared to create effective communication strategies, strengthen organizational relationships, manage public perception, and navigate the evolving challenges of today’s communication landscape.
Quick Facts
Degree Type: Bachelor's in Public Relations
Format: Fully online through UofM Global
Credit Hours: Minimum of 120 credit hours
Focus Areas: Strategic communication, public relations, media relations, social media management, content creation, crisis communication, reputation management, and corporate communication
Ideal For: Working professionals, adult learners, and students seeking careers in public relations, communication, media relations, marketing, public affairs, and organizational communication
Career Paths: Public relations specialist, corporate communications, media relations, social media management, content strategist, community relations, crisis communication, reputation management, and public affairs
The Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Media with a Public Relations concentration at the University of Memphis combines university general education requirements, journalism and strategic media coursework, marketing principles, communication strategy, and public relations practice to prepare students for careers in strategic communication across a variety of industries. Students develop practical skills in public relations writing, media relations, social media management, audience analytics, campaign planning, crisis communication, and reputation management while completing a curriculum designed to support future communication professionals.
University General Education Requirements (41 credit hours)
Students complete the University General Education Program, building a strong academic foundation in communication, mathematics, natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and critical thinking. These courses support the broad knowledge and analytical skills needed for effective communication professionals.
College and Bachelor of Arts Requirements (6–9 credit hours)
Students complete additional College and Bachelor of Arts requirements that strengthen their liberal arts education while supporting skills in research, communication, cultural awareness, and professional development.
Journalism and Strategic Media Core (16 credit hours)
The Journalism and Strategic Media core introduces students to media industries, professional writing, media law, and communication practices. Students develop foundational skills needed to create, analyze, and distribute effective messages across traditional and digital platforms.
Courses include:
- JRSM 1700 – Introduction to Media
- JRSM 1750 – Media Writing I
- JRSM 2121 – Media Writing II
- JRSM 4700 – Media Law
- JRSM 4950 – Professional Development
Students also complete hands-on experience through:
- JRSM 4930 – Media Internship
- JRSM 4940 – Student Media Practicum
Strategic Media Major Core
Students explore strategic communication principles, audience research, campaign development, and digital media strategies. Coursework prepares students to develop communication plans that connect organizations with their audiences.
Courses include:
- STRM 3200 – Introduction to Strategic Media
- STRM 3210 – Introduction to Strategic Writing
- STRM 3250 – Audience & Analytics
- STRM 4290 – Campaign Research & Planning
- STRM 4295 – Campaign Implementation & Evaluation
- JRSM 3905 – Graphics for Strategic Media
- JRSM 4710 – Social Media & Society
Marketing Requirements (9 credit hours)
Public relations professionals often work alongside marketing teams to develop brand strategies, engage audiences, and evaluate communication effectiveness. Students complete marketing coursework that strengthens their understanding of consumer behavior, integrated communication, and digital engagement.
Course options include:
- MKTG 3010 – Principles of Marketing
- MKTG 3140 – Integrated Marketing Communications
- MKTG 3340 – Principles of Social Media Marketing
- MKTG 4630 – Social Media Strategies and Analytics
Public Relations Concentration
The Public Relations concentration develops specialized skills in strategic communication, media relationships, ethical communication practices, and reputation management. Students learn how to create effective messages, support organizational goals, and respond to communication challenges.
Required courses include:
- STRM 3212 – Public Relations Writing
- STRM 4706 – PR Ethics & Advocacy
Students select additional public relations courses such as:
- STRM 4230 – Event Planning
- STRM 4231 – Crisis Communication
- STRM 4232 – Entertainment PR
- STRM 4233 – Media Relations
- STRM 4234 – Nonprofit PR
- STRM 4235 – Corporate PR
Strategic Communication Electives
Students further customize their degree through additional coursework focused on branding, communication strategy, account management, and multimedia storytelling.
Course options include:
- STRM 4220 – Branding & Strategic Media
- STRM 4222 – Account Planning & Management
- JOUR 3526 – Multimedia Storytelling
- JOUR 4540 – Podcasting
Experiential Learning and Professional Development
The Public Relations program emphasizes real-world experience through internships, student media opportunities, campaign projects, and professional development coursework. Students gain practical experience applying public relations concepts in professional communication environments.
Students may also participate in opportunities such as:
- Public Relations Student Society of America
- Student-run strategic communication firms
- Industry internships and professional networking experiences
College Requirements and Additional Coursework
Students complete remaining degree requirements, electives, and approved coursework to reach the minimum 120 credit hours required for graduation. Elective opportunities allow students to explore additional interests in communication, marketing, media, business, or related fields.
Senior-Level Professional Experience
Students complete advanced coursework focused on applying strategic communication skills through campaign planning, implementation, evaluation, internships, and professional development. These experiences allow students to demonstrate their ability to research audiences, create communication strategies, and develop effective public relations solutions.
For additional information about degree requirements, approved electives, transfer credit opportunities, academic policies, or graduation requirements, explore the University of Memphis course catalog. If you would like to learn more about the Public Relations program, career opportunities, transfer pathways, or the admissions process, request more information to connect with an admissions representative or academic advisor.
Start or Advance Your Public Relations Career
The Public Relations program at the University of Memphis prepares you to develop strategic communication plans, build organizational reputation, and create meaningful connections between organizations and their audiences. Whether you are beginning your career in public relations or looking to advance in the communication field, the curriculum develops practical skills in public relations writing, media relations, social media strategy, campaign planning, crisis communication, and audience engagement that employers value across industries.
Designed for aspiring communication professionals and future PR leaders, the program equips graduates to pursue opportunities in corporate communications, healthcare, government, nonprofit organizations, public affairs, marketing agencies, and other sectors where effective communication and reputation management are essential.
See Full Outlook From The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics
Employment Outlook
Public Relations graduates are prepared for communication-focused careers across industries including business, healthcare, government, nonprofit organizations, education, entertainment, and public affairs. These roles emphasize building relationships, managing organizational reputation, creating strategic messaging, and helping organizations effectively communicate with their audiences.
Many common career paths align with public relations and communication occupations such as public relations specialists, corporate communications specialists, media relations professionals, social media managers, content strategists, and public affairs professionals. These roles rely on strong writing, strategic communication, digital media, research, and relationship-building skills developed through this program.
Employment for public relations specialists is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2024 to 2034 as organizations continue to prioritize community engagement, reputation management, and effective communication across traditional and digital platforms. The continued growth of social media and online communication creates additional opportunities for professionals who can help organizations manage their public image and connect with audiences.
Most public relations roles require at least a bachelor’s degree. The Public Relations program builds foundational skills in strategic communication, media relations, public relations writing, campaign planning, social media, and crisis communication to prepare graduates for careers in today’s evolving communication landscape.
Earning Potential
Public Relations careers offer competitive earning potential across areas such as corporate communications, media relations, public affairs, social media strategy, and reputation management. Salaries vary based on industry, experience, specialization, and level of responsibility.
According to national wage data for public relations specialists, the median annual wage was approximately $69,780 in 2024. Experienced professionals and those working in industries such as government, public relations agencies, corporate communications, and specialized communication roles may have opportunities for higher earnings.
Compensation varies by sector, with higher-paying opportunities often found in government, advertising and public relations services, corporate organizations, healthcare, and other industries where effective communication and reputation management are essential.
Most public relations professionals work full time and may manage communication campaigns, media responses, and organizational messaging in fast-paced environments. The Public Relations program prepares graduates with skills in strategic communication, writing, media relations, social media, analytics, and crisis communication to pursue advancement in the communication field.
Roles Related To This Degree
- Public Relations Specialist
- Corporate Communications Specialist
- Media Relations Specialist
- Social Media Manager
- Public Affairs Specialist
- Communications Coordinator
- Crisis Communication Specialist
- Event Planner