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Public Relations

96%
Employment Rate
of surveyed alumni within 9 months of graduation
12:1
RATIO
Of students to faculty
100%
OF INCOMING FIRST-YEARS & TRANSFERS
Receive scholarships or grants

A professional, ethical approach to public relations

The foundation for success in high-demand careers.

Mount Mercy University’s public relations program is one of few in eastern Iowa providing students with an education in the core values, principles and guidelines of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).

This major demonstrates how communication is involved in helping organizations communicate with their publics.

Students develop competence through understanding key concepts and strategic planning in public relations, and through mastering skills used in traditional public relations tactics. Real world projects and internships promote the linkage between classroom theory and everyday public relations practice.

Mount Mercy not only equips you with the practical knowledge in public relations but also with general life skills you will find useful after you leave campus.

LINDSAY DICK '08
DIRECTOR OF SALES, COLLABRANCE, LLC

Curriculum

Practice ethical and technical integrity while cultivating communication skills.

On the way to earning your bachelor of arts in public relations, core classes introduce students to modern communication concepts, providing vital foundations for work in three areas of study: public relations, communication, and journalism. 

What courses will I take?

Public Relations Major

Required:
AR 220Typography & Design3
CO 111Introduction to Communication Studies3
CO 120Introduction to Journalism3
CO 130Basic Media Grammar for Professional Writing2
CO 140Introduction to Mass Media in the United States3
CO 180Introduction to Public Relations3
CO 242Media Theory3
CO 280Writing For Public Relations3
CO 282Research In Public Relations3
CO 290News Processing for Journalism and Public Relations4
CO 345Strategies and Tactics in Public Relations3
CO 350Contemporary Perspectives on Public Relations3
CO 360Law and Ethics of Mass Media3
CO 380Internship in Communication3
CO 480Seminar in Communication3
Total Hours45

NOTE: Students majoring in the Communication Program can pursue an additional major or minor in the Communication Program ONLY if they also earn, at minimum, some other non-communication department minor.

Public Relations Minor
 

Required:
CO 111Introduction to Communication Studies3
CO 180Introduction to Public Relations3
CO 242Media Theory3
CO 280Writing For Public Relations3
CO 350Contemporary Perspectives on Public Relations3
CO 360Law and Ethics of Mass Media3
Total Hours18


 


 

Careers in public relations

Field experience sets you apart.

Graduates from our public relations program have found jobs nationally and locally at companies like Kendall Hunt Publishing, U.S. Cellular, and Four Oaks.

Students follow a variety of paths, including:

  • Media relations
  • Employee relations
  • Corporate communications
  • Event planning
  • Fundraising
  • Sports team management
  • College admissions
  • Marketing

What are the next steps?

Mount Mercy offers competitive tuition and generous scholarships.

We also encourage all students to apply for federal, state, and other kinds of financial assistance.

Learn more about:

We make it easy by accepting applications year-round! No deadline, no fee, no pressure.

  1. Create your application
  2. Apply under standard admissions criteria or go "test optional"
  3. Request official transcripts from all institutions previously attended. Mail to:

  Mount Mercy University Admissions
  1330 Elmhurst Drive NE
  Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402

For more detailed instructions on how to apply, see our Admissions page.