Public Relations

Public Relations is more important than ever in today's high-frequency communication-oriented world. The Public Relations concentration (or PR, for short) here at the SUNY New Paltz Communication Department prepares students for this dynamic career choice, in which they will be called upon to creatively and effectively deliver messages to large groups and the general public.

Because the public relations field is constantly evolving, students at SUNY New Paltz learn beyond typical PR teachings. The PR curriculum places stress on communication ethics as well as the different, positive uses for public relations, such as non-profit PR and PR across industries.

PR students are dedicated to the study of the tools of persuasion, and the exploration of how persuasion is and has been abused in today's world. Donna Flayhan, head of the PR concentration and Professor of Communications and Media, says that students "...understand the implications of what they're doing [and become] smart and ethical PR practitioners [with a] progressive voice." For example, in the Advanced Public Relations class, "...students plan, create, and implement a semester length public relations campaign for a small business [or] organization."

The PR program is geared towards thorough preparation and hands-on experience for students, enabling them to make a smooth transition into the PR world.

Career Connections:

Students graduating with a Public Relations concentration find a wide variety of job opportunities including, but not limited to: Account director, PR Manager, Product Communications Director, Recruitment Consultant, working in corporate or internal communication, relations within media or investing, or governmental lobbying.

Public Relations Major Plan (.PDF Format)