Public
Communications Major
What is Public Communications?
Public communications is often thought
of as public relations or mass communications. Public
communication graduates communicate with a broad scope
of people, through public speaking, TV, radio, newspaper,
and every other form of mass media. Public communication
is the idea of expressing an idea to many people at the
same time. Public communications can center a small audience
or a large crowd, a TV camera or a radio. All organizations,
public and private, must maintain effective relationships
with a wide variety of groups and individuals. These relationships
require thoughtful use of print and spoken word.
Consequently, public communications
students study how information is communicated to many
segments of society, including consumers, government officials,
community organizations, employees, investors and the
media. They learn how to assist their organizations in
structuring public opinion and in addressing the organization’s
social responsibilities. They learn how to frame messages
and communication strategies in ways that mutually benefit
their organizations and the public.
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What Kinds of Students Major
in Public Communications?
Students who are not afraid of public
speaking would be good in this field. Many students have
a fear of public speaking, so not everyone is comfortable
in this major. This is a field where students will be
in constant interaction with people. Public relations
people may have to perform "damage control."
A student must consider the implications of dealing with
people constantly.
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What Courses Do Public Communications
Majors Take?
The required and elective courses you
would take for majors vary considerably among institutions.
Courses are listed here that are illustrative of the breadth
of topics you are likely to experience were you to major
in this field.
Public
Communications |
Journalism |
Introduction
to Radio/TV/Film |
Fundamentals
of Speech |
Radio
and TV News |
Small
Group Communication |
Radio/TV
announcer |
Video
Production |
Feature
Writing |
Corporate
Public Relations |
Internship |
Mass
Media |
Corporate
Public Relations |
Controversy
and Negotiation |
Campaign
Development |
Are you interested in detailed information
about the forecasted demand for a particular profession?
Are you interested in the estimated salaries such positions
are likely to pay? This government Web site allows you
to search on a particular job, whether listed here or
not, to give you this information.
Bureau
of Labor Statistics
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What Types of Positions do
Public Communications Majors Take After College?
These professions and professional organizations
illustrate the types of positions you might qualify for
if you complete this major. Some majors are more directly
related to employment than others, however. You should
consider the likelihood of employment after graduation
carefully, if you do not plan to go on for graduate work
in a field. Even with the completion of graduate work
in some fields, however, employment is difficult, so you
should determine what the prospects are for this or any
major. Employment possibilities are often enhanced by
the selecting employment-related courses and by the enrollment
in second major or in a minor.
Public
Relations Officer |
Newscaster |
News
Program director |
Journalist |
Radio
announcer |
Media
Management |
Weather
Broadcaster |
Corporate
Communications Specialist |
Governmental
Communications Specialist |
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Related Links
If you are interested in learning more
about what professionals in this field do and what kinds
of activities they engage in, check out some of the following
links. You might also want to check out web sites for
University or College departments offering this major.
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University Departments to Consider
The following institutions are the featured
institutions on MyMajors because they support MyMajors
and you in your search for the best major available. They
offer excellent curriculums in well-rounded programs for
you to consider.
Other fine institutions offering this
major offer excellent programs to consider.
For information on options available
to campuses wishing to see their majors listed
on MyMajors, contact: admin@mymajors.com for details. |
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Two-Year College Curriculums
to Consider
Suggest to your two-year college
advisor that their institution's majors be included
to show you their course requirements and unique
resources. Two-year college representatives should
contact admin@mymajors.com for details. |
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Want
More Information? Look at major descriptions prepared
by university academic advisement staffs.
Public Communications Major
