What is Public Relations?

Definition

As defined by Public Relation Society of America National Assembly, “Public relations is a strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics.”

Frequently Asked Questions about Public Relations (PR)

Is writing important?Writing is important to the profession of public relations. All of the elements involving PR it is a requirement to write and write well.Do you need to be able to work well in groups?Public relation as a student and a professional you are going to be working along with your classmates and co workers on various tasks and projects. It is important to be able to work well with other because as group you need to get the task done.Is public speaking needed?It is needed because when you go into the work force you need to able to communicate well to others in all aspects.What kinds of job opportunities are available?There are many jobs available in Public Relations.

These jobs would include: Entertainment PR Press Secretaries PR Departments (Companies and College/Universities) PR Companies Government Relations Public Relations Teachers

Event Coordinator Public Relations Coordinator

Bowie State University

The Department of Communications’ mission is to educate, mentor, and prepare students of diverse cultural backgrounds for successful careers in traditional and new media fields, including broadcast journalism, public relations, print journalism, emerging media and graduate studies in organizational communications. We enhance students’ analytical and critical thinking skills; leadership abilities, and oral and written communications skills that are mandatory in order to meet the challenges of a global society.

The Department of Communications draws upon the rich history of Historically Black Colleges and Universities to foster minority contributions in professional communications. The Department extends its mission to the entire student population through its oral communications and public speaking courses as part of Bowie State University’s general education requirements.

Bowie State University is strategically positioned in the Washington-Baltimore corridor, which allows the Department to draw upon a rich resource of professional and academic expertise. We engage students by providing opportunities for them to achieve the highest level of excellence in professional communications.

Under the department of communications at Bowie State students are able to major in Public Relations. By joining this program of study students are able to gain an understanding of the field through various classes. These classes would include Introduction of Mass Communication, Public Relations, Public Techniques, Advertising Copywriting, Media Ethics, Public Opinion, Public Relations Writing, Broadcast Law and Policy and Administration, and Advanced Public Relations. By taking these classes students will be able to hone their skills and prepare for the field of PR. Student Organization for Public Relations

Bowie State University is one of more than 200 universities across the country which hosts a chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). The declared purpose of PRSSA, the national organization, is to cultivate a favorable and mutually advantageous relationship between students and professional public relations practitioners.

The student society aims to foster the following:

Understanding of current theories and procedures of the profession Appreciation of the highest ethical ideals and principles Awareness of an appropriate professional attitude Appreciation of Associate Membership in PRSA and eventually accredited membership

The Bowie State PRSSA chapter provides students opportunities to gain practical and real-word experience in the field of public relations. They also learn and hone decision-making, planning, and leadership skills which are critical in today's society to be successful in the global marketplace.

Contact: Rochelle R. Daniel, Advisor, rdaniel@bowiestate.edu, 301-860-3705