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What are the Best Degrees for a Career in Public Relations?

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Choosing the right public relations degree is crucial for a successful PR career. While there’s no definitive list of degrees guaranteeing success, certain fields of study provide a strong foundation. Practical experience through internships, volunteer work, or entry-level positions is crucial for entering the PR industry. These opportunities allow aspiring PR professionals to apply theoretical knowledge, develop skills, and build a network. Specific PR degrees provide a foundation, but success relies on a combination of skills and qualities. This includes communication, creativity, problem-solving, relationship-building, adaptability, and a strong work ethic. Continuous learning and staying up-to-date are key to thriving in the dynamic world of PR.

Why pursue a career in PR

Before diving into the right courses to take to pursue a career in PR, aspiring PR professionals should consider why they want to get into the field. Here are some quotes to inspire up and coming PR practitioners around this dynamic, and opportunity-rich, profession.

“Publicity is absolutely critical. A good PR story is infinitely more effective than a front page ad.” — Richard Branson

“People do not buy goods and services. They buy relations, stories and magic.” — Seth Godin

“PR is a mix of journalism, psychology, and lawyering – it’s an ever-changing and always interesting landscape.” — Ronn D. Torossian

“Without publicity there is no prosperity.” — Yakov Zel’dovich

“If I was down to my last dollar, I would spend it on public relations.” – Bill Gates

Marketing or advertising

Degrees in marketing or advertising can be advantageous for PR professionals. They provide a strong foundation in strategic communication, consumer behavior, branding, and promotion. Understanding the principles of marketing and advertising helps PR practitioners develop effective communication strategies. Those types of strategies need to align with the company’s overall goals. These degrees also teach students about target audience analysis, market research, and integrated marketing communications. They are skills that are essential for crafting impactful PR campaigns.

Communication studies or public relations

A degree in communication studies or public relations is an obvious choice for those that are interested in pursuing a career in PR. These types of programs provide a comprehensive understanding of communication theories, strategies, and techniques. Students learn how to craft effective messages and manage media relations. They also learn how to develop communication plans and navigate crisis situations. The coursework often includes public speaking, writing, research, and strategic communication skills. Such a degree equips students with the fundamental skills and knowledge necessary for success in the PR industry.

Psychology or sociology

A degree in psychology or sociology can benefit PR professionals. It helps them understand human behavior, social dynamics, and cultural contexts. These fields provide insights into how people and societies respond to stimuli. PR professionals need to understand their target audience’s mindset, motivations, and values. This helps them create tailored messages and campaigns. Psychology and sociology backgrounds deepen PR practitioners’ understanding of human psychology and societal trends. This allows them to create more impactful communication strategies.

Journalism or mass communication

A degree in journalism or mass communication can be highly beneficial for aspiring PR professionals. Journalists possess strong writing, storytelling, and research skills. All those things are essential in crafting compelling PR campaigns. Journalists also have a solid understanding of media practices, ethics, and news production. And those things are invaluable when working with journalists and media outlets. A journalism degree provides practical experience in conducting interviews. Students get to learn about how to write press releases, and reporting, all of which are transferable skills in the PR field.

Business or management

A degree in business or management can provide a solid understanding of organizational dynamics, leadership, and strategic decision-making. PR professionals often work closely with senior executives, marketing teams, and other stakeholders within an organization. Having a business background equips PR practitioners with the necessary knowledge to navigate business environments. It helps them understand financial aspects, manage budgets, and contribute to the overall strategic goals of the organization.

Ronn Torossian founded 5WPR.

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Ronn Torossian

Ronn Torossian is the Founder and Chairman of 5WPR, one of the largest independently-owned PR firms in the United States. With over 25 years of experience crafting and executing powerful narratives, Torossian is one of America’s most prolific and well-respected Public Relations professionals. Since founding 5WPR in 2003, he has led the company’s growth, overseeing more than 275 professionals. With clients spanning corporate, technology, consumer and crisis, in addition to digital marketing and public affairs capabilities, 5WPR is regularly recognized as an industry leader and has been named “PR Agency of the Year” by the American Business Awards on multiple occasions. Throughout his career, Torossian has worked with some of the world’s most visible companies, brands and organizations. His strategic, resourceful approach has been recognized with numerous awards including being named the Stevie American Business Awards 2020 Entrepreneur of the Year, the American Business Awards PR Executive of the Year, twice over, an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year semi-finalist, Metropolitan Magazine’s Most Influential New Yorker, a 2020 Top Crisis Communications Professional by Business Insider, and a recipient of Crain’s New York 2021 Most Notable in Marketing & PR. Torossian is known as one of the country’s foremost experts on crisis communications, and is called on to counsel blue chip companies, top business executives and entrepreneurs both in the United States and worldwide. Torossian has lectured on crisis PR at Harvard Business School, appears regularly on CNN & CNBC, is a contributing columnist for Forbes and the New York Observer, and has authored two editions of his book, “For Immediate Release: Shape Minds, Build Brands, and Deliver Results With Game-Changing Public Relations,” which is an industry best-seller. A NYC native, Torossian is a member of Young Presidents Organization (YPO), and active in numerous charities.

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