Public Relations

What is Public Relations?

Public Relations is a challenging field with a wide variety of career opportunities. As a public relations specialist, you might work as a lobbyist on Capitol Hill or a conference planner for a hotel chain. You could work as a media relations director for a large corporation or as a fundraiser for a small non-profit agency. You may specialize in event planning or publicity writing. Whatever your interest, public relations offers a range of opportunities to put your talents to work.

Why study public relations at Heidelberg?

Heidelberg's Public Relations major provides you with the theory and practice needed to succeed on a professional career track. Offered under the Department of Communication and Theatre Arts, PR majors follow an interdisciplinary course of study selected from the departments of Business, Communication and English. Along with a variety of coursework in each area, you'll gain valuable hands-on experience in broadcasting, news writing, desktop publishing, digital photography, web design and campaign planning.

At Heidelberg, you may choose to major in Public Relations alone, or you may select it as a complement to another major.

What courses will I take?

Required Courses:
Financial Accounting, Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Marketing, Quantitative Reasoning, Elementary Statistics, Introduction to Computers, Computer-Mediated Communication, Technical Writing, Introduction to Journalism, Electronic Media Production I, Oral Communication II, Principles of Public Relations, Message Design in Public Relations, Public Relations Campaign Planning

Recommended Electives:
Graphic Design, Business Law I, Business Law II, Organizational Behavior, Persuasion, Interpersonal Communication, Mass Media Law, Music Industry, General Psychology and Social Psychology

Important information

  • At least 3 hours of Practicum and/or Internship is strongly recommended for all Public Relations majors.
  • Journalism is a prerequisite for Principles of Public Relations and should be completed in the sophomore year.
  • Technical Writing is a prerequisite for Message Design and must be completed before the spring semester of the junior year.
  • Higher level math courses can be substituted for Quantitative Reasoning and Elementary Statistics.
For more information contact

 Professor Linda Chudzinski
 Department of Communication & Theatre Arts
 Phone: (419) 448-2002
 Email: lchudzin@heidelberg.edu