PUBLIC
RELATIONS
Program Overview
Students majoring in Public Relations learn how to promote a client's business, image, or product in the international marketplace. Public relations is an arena of strategic communication that focuses on the free placement of messages in the media through media releases, editorial content and promotion. Both a major and a minor are offered in Public Relations.
Classroom requirements reflect the importance of research, writing and design, strategic development and application, client relations, and the relationship of all media (electronic, print, online and related digital multimedia technology) to public relations in the public and private sectors.
Throughout the curriculum, students learn the fundamentals of PR, history, theories and the overall industry. In later courses, students begin to develop a greater understand and practical skills in both PR writing and design. A thorough education in both statistics and research are added at the sophomore and junior levels to allow students to understand how to make educated designs and build sound strategic models for their clients. As juniors and seniors, PR majors add elective courses to enhance their education in International PR, management, non-profits, sports, travel and tourism and much more. As seniors, students in the capstone class are challenged to create and execute PR campaigns for real-life clients. Demand for PR interns is high, and the internship and practicum programs provide students ample opportunity to work within a professional environment after being admitted to the major.
Get involved in Public Relations early by joining the UM Chapter of the PRSSA Public Relations Student Society of America or gain experience through PREP, the Public Relations Experience Program. Set yourself up for the perfect internship.
The Public Relations Experience Program (PREP) is unique to the University of Miami. PREP allows School of Communication majors the opportunity to apply skills they learn in the classroom to the real world. Students work with a variety of South Florida organizations including the NHL Florida Panthers, the PGA Tour Cadillac Championship, and NASCAR Championship Weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway, not to mention a number of galas and other events for the Miami Children's Hospital Foundation and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, just to name a few.
Students participate and implement promotional strategies to increase the awareness and attendance for the Cadillac Championship by engaging in pre-event promotion throughout South Florida. Along with providing assistance with the promotional phase, students have the opportunity to work in Doral during the week of the tournament and assist with media check-in, press conferences, social media and general media relations. The fast-paced environment of the media center at both the Cadillac Championship at HMS provides students with experience not available in a classroom setting.
Year after year students in the PREP program perform at an industry level. Other skills and tasks that students are able to use by way of the PREP program include working press conferences, running social media, writing press materials, engaging in event planning and much more. Students with PREP experience are recognized for the caliber of work they do and their commitment to perfection; as such, they are frequently sought after to administer and lead key events. Many PREP students gain internships and even full-time employment from their PREP experience.
Student Spotlight: Kelly Boyd, former PREP member
When I transferred to the University of Miami my junior year, I knew I wanted to study public relations and sports administration, but I don’t think I fully grasped what a public relations practitioner does. While I was only able to complete one semester of PREP, I wish I could have done more. Not only do the semesters grant you real-life experience, but working your way up to a manager looks great on a resume. From the first event I worked with PREP, I immediately grasped an understanding of the work that is needed to be a successful public relations professional, and that knowledge only grew with every event that we had the opportunity to work. This led me to work at NASCAR Ford Championship Weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway, where I knew that this was the industry that I wanted to start a career in. Through the work with PREP and Dr. Scott’s leadership, I was able to secure internships with the PGA TOUR as well as with Homestead-Miami Speedway, where I am currently working. If working in sports public relations is not the road you want to take in your career, there are many other events in PREP that will allow you to create connections would normally be hard pressed to find. This program allows you to gain real-life experience in a variety of positions at organizations. Experience that continues to grow as you work more events and take on more responsibilities, something that is unlike other experiential learning programs. Take as many semesters as you can, and have fun! That’s what this program is about.
Kelly Boyd
PREP Coordinator
University of Miami B.S. Communications ‘13
The University of Miami chapter of PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America) is a flagship club for students interested or majoring in public relations. PRSSA nurtures the next generation of professionals through professional development, networking opportunities and industry news. Some initiatives for the UM chapter include a professional speaker series, lunch and learns, public relations events, fundraisers and other opportunities.
Interested in joining an energetic club that will get you a professional public relations boost to enhance your career?
UMPRSSA is a member-oriented organization that offers great networking opportunities, professional development, agency tours, notable guest speakers and the chance to build up your portfolio by leading and participating in exciting events.
The chapter is composed of four committees: membership and recruitment, fundraising, publicity, and events. To learn more, please contact prssaum@gmail.com.
Take a look at last year’s Miami-Vice-themed Fashion Show below and see an example of a one of last year’s guest speakers by clicking here.
STUDENT
WORK
CPR436 Public Relations Final Campaign Poster for PGA Tour U
CPR436 Public Relations Final Campaign Brochure for Stop Bullies
CPR436 Public Relations Final Campaign Palm Card for PGA Tour U
The PRADDY Awards were created to showcase the work of advertising and public relations students. Each year, students have the opportunity to enter their own individual designs and or written work. Entries are judged by public relations professionals on the professionalism, quality of workmanship, formatting, style, creativity and overall effectiveness. Each category has a first place winner and an honorable mention award.
Click below to see the category winners from the 2014 PRADDY Awards in PR:
