Public Relations program | Communication | Harding

Why study public relations at Harding?

Student media

The department’s student media oversee The Bison newspaper, Petit Jean yearbook, HU16 television station, VideoWorks and KVHU 95.3/AM1660 radio stations. Students who volunteer or are hired for staff positions gain invaluable experience to apply to their future careers as well as a solid portfolio to present to future employers.

Pivot Creative Studios

Pivot Creative Studio is a student-run, full-service creative agency within the Department of Communication. Our mission is to provide organizations with fresh strategies and innovative perspectives that assist clients in reaching their branding goals.

Integrated Marketing Communication Organization

The Integrated Marketing Communication Organization is focused on providing experiences through projects, fundraisers, conferences, professional trips and community service that will enhance marketing-communication skills. This student-led organization is open to all connected majors.

More information

Internships are an essential part of our students’ academic journey. As part of their degree
requirements, communication students complete internships that provide valuable, real-world
experience in their chosen field. Students secure placements in a wide range of businesses,
organizations and companies, providing them professional experiences that prove invaluable upon graduation.

Internships

The department of communication offers a variety of scholarships awarded based on both need
and merit. Students can work for on-campus media outlets such as HU16 and The
Bison for scholarships and pay. Recipients benefit from both financial assistance and
extracurricular work experience.

Scholarship Opportunities

Students have enriching opportunities for personal and professional growth through active
participation in organizations focused on integrated marketing communication and public relations. Through educational trips, interviews and events, these groups provide networking and leadership development with both peers and professionals.

Organizations

The department of communication is home to a wide range of student media outlets including
the HU16 television station, The Bison newspaper and the Petit Jean yearbook. These
platforms offer practical, hands-on experience in journalism, broadcasting and multimedia
production, allowing students to develop their skills and build extensive portfolios.

Student Media Opportunities

What can you do with a degree in public relations?

Public Relations Firms

Public relations specialists play a pivotal role in managing and enhancing the public image and reputation of clients across various industries. A firm will give you the opportunity to work with a variety of clients, tailoring strategies to meet their individual needs. You'll be involved in campaign development, media relations, content creation, crisis management and more.

Corporations

As a PR specialist for a corporation, you'll focus your strategies on addressing the company's specific needs. You'll have a chance to develop a deeper knowledge of the organization's goals and values and integrate them into campaigns that address their target audience.

Public Institutions

In government agencies or nonprofit organizations, public relations can be even more nuanced as public perception is more closely tied to success. As a PR specialist, you'll be essential to building public trust, fostering transparency and advancing organizational goals through strategic communication that aligns with the institution's mission and values.

Faculty Highlight

April Fatula, M.S.

Instructor

Jack R. Shock, Ed.D.

Assistant Vice President for University Communication and Marketing

Distinguished Professor

Meet all faculty