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College of Information and Communications

Public Relations

Are you self-confident and composed, even in difficult situations? Are you good at explaining things to others in a way that they can clearly understand, and more importantly, in a way that earns their trust? If so, it sounds like you could be destined for public relations. And our program can help develop and hone your natural skills into a stellar career.

Careers

Our graduates deliver South Carolina's message. They speak for government agencies, politicians, powerful businesses and this university. They host great fundraisers, manage social media and give voice to countless charities. They're also in Washington, D.C. and at New York's big firms, setting the national standard. And our mighty alumni network is a fierce ally — one of ours even runs My Carolina, our university alumni association.

Capstone Experience

As a senior, you'll spend a semester building a public relations campaign for a real client. That means you'll graduate with actual experience, putting you ahead of the pack. If you join our Bateman team, you'll help develop campaigns on a national level for this prestigious competition sponsored by the Public Relations Student Society of America. We are always top contenders.

Internships

Want to work in politics? Manage the message for a company in crisis? Organize a charity fundraiser? We have an extensive network of people who want to hire you for internships. Whatever your passion, we can help you find the right place. You'll also get class credit while gaining invaluable experience and building your portfolio. And these are just some of the many opportunities for our students.

Classes

You'll learn how to create a campaign, write a press release, manage an event and engage the public in your cause. You also can choose dozens of other classes to tailor your education to your personal career goal. Learn more about the classes you will take as a public relations student in the university's academic bulletin.

Advanced Study

The public relations major not only prepares you for the industry, but is also a strong foundation for graduate study.  You can further your understanding of communication strategies and how they’re applied by different types of organizations by starting graduate coursework through the Accelerated Master of Mass Communication program.  By choosing a specialization in either strategic communications management or multimedia journalism, you can complete two degrees in as little as five years.

Faculty

You’ll study with engaging teachers including Lisa Sisk, a hands-on 30-year public relations veteran whose students develop campaigns for real clients and produce the college’s alumni magazine. And Dr. Sei-Hill Kim, an expert in how social issues are presented in the media and why that matters.

The Next Step

When you schedule a visit to USC, be sure to tell the Visitor Center that you want to visit us in our new building. Group visits to the School of Journalism and Mass Communications are on Monday and Friday at 9:30 a.m.

Apply today to become a Gamecock.