Why Major in Communication: Public Relations?
Comprehensive communication majors emphasizing in public relations learn methods to understanding targeted audiences, and explaining products, services and missions to a specific audience. Faculty focus on oral, written and verbal communication skills as well as problem-solving skills to effectively meet the needs of management and the targeted audience.
All faculty members teaching public relations classes have professional experience, providing practical knowledge as well as professional contacts in the field.
Also available: Online B.S. in Communication: Public Relations
Career Ready. Day One.
Northwest ensures students are career ready, day one through internships, field experiences and networking opportunities. Read Sydnee's story »
Career Opportunities
96%
placement rate
More than 96% of students who graduate with a degree in comprehensive communication with an emphasis in public relations obtain employment or continue their education within six months after graduation. Job titles related to this major include:
- Political strategist and lobbyist
- Non-profit fundraiser
- Event planner
- Brand ambassador
- Tourism director
- Speech writer
- Press agent
- Communications director
- Public information officer
*Based on self-reported data in recent years.
Profession-Based Learning Experiences
Knacktive combines six disciplines (computer science, English, art, marketing, mass media and public relations) into a semester-long interactive and collaborative course. Teams of students conduct market research, analyze data, write creative strategies, and develop an integrated, digital marketing communication campaign and promotional materials for a real-world client.
At the end of each course, teams pitch their ideas to convince the client to implement their plans. The experience prepares students for careers with digital marketing and advertising agencies who are competing for clients.
Past Knacktive clients include:
- 2011 – Cincinnati-based LasikPlus Vision
- 2012 – Science City, located in Kansas City at the Union Station
- 2013 – Tri-State Ford
- 2014 – Horace Mann Laboratory School
- 2015 – DecisionFx, located in Kansas City
- 2016 – Hy-Vee Market, located in Des Moines, IA
- 2017 – Velocitie, located in Kansas City, MO
- 2018 – American Royal, located in Kansas City, MO
- 2019 – Maryville Tourism
Internships
Internships are required with this major. Northwest offers many on-campus internships in addition to opportunities to network and gain internships with regional and nationally known agencies. Northwest public relations students have landed internships at agencies and organizations including:
- Mix 93.3 (Kansas City)
- Worlds of Fun
- MacDonnell Douglas
- Defenbaugh Industries
- Bernstein Rein Advertising
- Marriot Hotels
- St. Luke’s Hospital
- Kansas City Sports Commission
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Northwest Office of Communication and Marketing
- VML
- Cerner
Study Abroad
Study Abroad is an opportunity for students to apply hands-on international experience to their own academic development. Faculty members supervise short-term study abroad programs that prepare students before, during and after the program. Two types of study abroad programs are available – faculty-led and traditional study abroad.
The traditional program may be a semester, summer or year-long program and is taught by Northwest’s international partner institutions.
The Northwest Difference
Founded in 1905, Northwest is a traditional campus with more than 7,200 undergraduate and graduate students. Located in the middle of everywhere, Maryville is two hours from Omaha, Nebraska and Kansas City, Missouri and 2 ½ hours from Des Moines, Iowa.
The Bearcat Advantage provides out-of-state students the opportunity to earn in-state tuition rates that can save more than $7,500. With the average undergraduate financial aid award of $3,588 for in-state students and $9,804 for out-of-state students, Northwest offers a quality education at an affordable price.
At Northwest, the American Dream Grant covers 100% of the tuition and fees for Pell-eligible students.
Save more than $7,200 over four years through our textbooks and laptop program.
Laptop Program Information
Nearly $22 Million in scholarships and grants awarded annually.
Scholarship Information
Students organizations, internships and profession-based learning experiences ensure students are Career Ready, Day One.
Read student stories
Graduation Rate: 90th percentile of Northwest's national peer group.
