Public relations specialists are also called communications specialists or media specialists. Their main goal is to help their clients have a positive public image. They can work for businesses, nonprofit agencies, universities, hospitals, and other organizations that deal with the public. They handle organizational functions related to the public and the media. They also deal with community groups, conflict mediation, employee and investor relations, and even governmental relations. They draft press releases, contact people in the media to broadcast information, and even write articles regarding their clients or the business they work for.
Education Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism or English (4 years of college)
Master’s Degree in Journalism with an emphasis in Public Relations (2 years beyond a bachelor’s degree)
The educational requirements for a public relations specialist includes a bachelor’s degree (4 years of college). Employers also like to hire individuals with experience in the PR, public relations sector. This is why doing an internship during college in the public relations world can be very helpful to graduates as they try to find work after graduation. Large employers also look for PR specialists with a graduate certification or a master’s degree and an emphasis in public relations.
Coursework
Creative Writing
Finance
Political Science and Government
Media Writing
Sociology
Non-Profit Agencies
Project Management
Customer Relationships
Employment Trends
Job Availability of PR Specialists as of May 2008: 275,200
Projected Employment of PR Specialists in 2018: 341,300
Average Annual Salary for PR Specialists in U.S. in 2008: $51,280
Top Colleges
University of Phoenix
Argosy University
Everest College
Walden University
Baker University
University of Phoenix
Argosy University
Everest College
Walden University
Baker University
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Article Reference: Bureau of Labor Statistics
