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Public Relations

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PRSSA trip to Washington, D.C.

PRSSA trip to Washington, D.C.

Welcome to the Texas State University School of Journalism and Mass Communication (SJMC) Public Relations program. This program is designed to ensure our graduates understand and can thrive in the ever-changing, globalized communication environment. Faculty challenge PR students to understand strategic communication, research, critical thinking, creativity and innovation to solve problems and meet goals.

With the explosion of digital media, the role of Public Relations is ever-expanding, requiring organizations to reach diverse publics by communicating across a variety of channels and platforms. Our students understand the need to create connections and engage with stakeholders to build mutually beneficial relationships.

In the end, our graduates research, write, plan, think, build, create, strategize, engage and evaluate. They are inquisitive, innovative, creative, bold, versatile and passionate. They understand the importance of ethical and credible communication. They are ready to be the next generation of public relations professionals of the highest standards.

Explore the degree options, courses, faculty and more on this site to appreciate Texas State offerings for those considering the field of public relations.

Careers in Public Relations

The current job market for public relations professionals is healthy. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the employment of public relations specialists to grow 12 percent by 2022. If all jobs are included that require PR skills but don’t include “public relations” in the title, the growth is much higher.

Below is a list of titles by entry-level, midcareer and senior-level job descriptions. Job seekers should check out the PRSA Jobcenter for more resources, visit the PRSA Job Center.

Entry-level titles: “Intern,” “Specialist,” “Coordinator,” and “Associate,” among others, combined with these terms:

Communications / Public Relations / Digital Marketing / Media / Social Media Marketing Communications / Digital Communications / Community Relations / Integrated Marketing Communications / Writer / Visual Communications / Outreach / Public Information / Public Affairs

Mid-career titles: “Director,” “Manager,” “Strategist,” “Analyst,” “Supervisor,” “Senior…,” and “Assistant Director,” among others, combined with these terms:

Public Relations / Corporate Communications / Strategic Communications / Digital Communications / Public Affairs / Internal Communications / Content Management / Community Relations / Development / Employee Communications / Marketing Communications / Media Relations / Media Affairs / Copywriter / Content Manager / Social Media / Digital Media / Government Relations / Speechwriter / Integrated Marketing Communications / Video Communications / Grants and Communications / Public Information / External Communication / Content Producer and Writer

Senior-level titles: “Vice-President,” “Executive,” “Chief,” among others, combined with these terms:

Communications / Public Relations / Brand Communications / Investor Relations / Speechwriter / Strategic Communications

PR Agency titles: Intern, Assistant Account Executive, Account Executive, Senior Account Executive, Account Supervisor, Account Director, Managing Director, Senior Managing Director, Vice-President, Owner and Founder

Internships & Campus Media

Public Relations majors are encouraged to seek internships but are not required to do so. The school’s internship coordinator maintains relationships with employers offering internships and provides guidance in seeking internships.

Campus media outlets also provide valuable practical experience. Students may work at campus media outlets Bobcat Promotions, The University Star and KTSW-FM 89.9 radio on a volunteer basis, for course credit or as a student media employee.

Public Relations Faculty

Jennifer Scharlach

Assistant Professor of Practice, Program Coordinator
Assistant Professor of Practice & Program Coordinator

Paul Villagran

Paul Villagran
Assistant Professor of Practice

Dr. Nandini Bhalla

Dr. Nandini Bhalla
Assistant Professor

Dr. Michel Haigh

Dr. Michel Haigh
Professor, Graduate Advisor & Program Coordinator

Charles Kaufman

Charles Kaufman
Senior Lecturer & Internship, Scholarship and Career Development Coordinator

Courtney Lyons-Garcia

Courtney Lyons-Garcia
Lecturer

Dr. Prisca Ngondo

Dr. Prisca Ngondo
Assistant Professor

Debra Price

Debra Price
Senior Lecturer