Public RelationsBS
The program starts in the fall. Please review the deadlines.
Learn the strategic, tactical, and organizational skills to become a public relations leader. Emerson College’s Public Relations undergraduate program will give you hands-on courses, immersive experiences, and a network of global connections to launch your career. Through the program, you’ll master the human approach to storytelling and learn to craft compelling public relations campaigns that support leaders and strengthen organizations and brands.
At a Glance
- Become an effective storyteller, strategist, and leader. Build trust and influence what people think, feel, and do, in the community and in the marketplace
- Learn from faculty who are veteran public relations and communication professionals and experts in shaping brand narratives and organizational stories.
- Gain real-world internship experience and pursue unique global communications programming.
Become an Effective Storyteller and Strategist
Emerson’s Public Relations undergraduate program will prepare you to lead in today’s evolving information landscape of social media, influencer marketing, and crisis communication. You’ll learn the importance of human relationships as technology continues to shape the way organizations engage with audiences.
The curriculum blends theory with practice, from the history and ethics of public relations to practical skills in writing, research methods, strategy, and campaign development. Our internationally recognized faculty are your guides as you develop the creative thinking, analytical skills, and cultural awareness to communicate messages strategically and effectively. By the time you graduate, you’ll know how to build communication campaigns that earn trust and drive meaningful engagement.
Purpose in Practice
Undergraduate Public Relations students put strategy and purpose into practice through internships, civic engagement, and advocacy. With exposure to internationally recognized survey research initiatives, global communication programs, and hands-on experiences in Boston, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles, you’ll learn how to build trust and shape conversations.
The work of public relations happens in the real world, and so does the learning.
Join student-run organizations like Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) and the Communications, Politics, and Law Association (CPLA). Enroll in a Civic Engagement Semester, where your coursework and internship will focus on civic engagement and community building. Create campaigns for change with the student communication consultancy Common Collective, which provides communications services to community clients including Boston City Hall, Boston Public Schools, and the Red Cross. Participate in Emerson Polling, a nationally recognized polling group, for public opinion and market research on timely issues.
Barcelona: Emerson-Blanquerna Center for Global Communication
Study global communication and public relations in Barcelona through Emerson College’s exchange program with Ramon Llull University. You’ll visit with the founders of global communication and PR firms and leaders in international relations and politics. Every year, Emerson students help plan and produce the Emerson-Blanquerna Global Communication Summit alternating between Barcelona and Washington, D.C.
Sydney: Global Communication and Leadership
Spend two weeks in Sydney, Australia, learning from international communication leaders. You’ll earn four credits during this intensive, faculty-led program, coming back to Emerson with brand-new perspectives on the ways effective communication and leadership work on an international scale. You’ll gain practical and technical understanding of international public and media relations, social media, branding, crisis communication, and more.
Mexico: Rosarito Public Diplomacy Workshop
Study public diplomacy and civic engagement in this three-week program in Rosarito, Mexico. You’ll meet with community leaders and organizations that have created grassroots programs to bridge cultural differences between Mexico and the United States. You’ll study the context behind border and immigration issues, and plan a student film festival.
Learn from PR Pros and Communication Leaders
Our faculty are acclaimed PR and strategic communications experts, committed to sharing their worldwide contacts and helping you understand the theory and strategy behind effective campaigns.
Tour Emerson
Come see all Emerson has to offer. Learn about campus life and explore classrooms, residence halls, and creative spaces with our student ambassadors.
Apply to Emerson
On any given day, you’re creating something. You’re writing, performing, filming, designing, or building an idea from the ground up. Whatever it is, you care deeply about the work, and you want to see where it can take you.
Our Undergraduate Admission team is here to find the path that fits your goals, answer your questions, and prepare you for a career in the ever-evolving arts and communication industries. Learn more about applying to Emerson on our Application Process page.