Public Relations Major

About our program

Learn to build and maintain good relationships, strategize and execute effective campaigns, manage crises, and uphold positive public images for various organizations — and graduate with the power to shape public perception and craft compelling narratives in a world that thrives on communication. 
 
You’ll have plenty of opportunities to put your knowledge to work by connecting with seasoned professionals in class, in clubs and through internships. You’ll also have the chance to participate in service learning that reflects your commitment to societal good.  
 
And because you’ll be grounded in values, you’ll be a leader, a strategist and a responsible communicator who understands both the power and the ethics of influence.  

Johnston Hall, view from Wisconsin Avenue.

Johnston Hall, College of Communication

Benefits you’ll get from Marquette’s College of Communication

At the College of Communication, you'll be immersed in your discipline from your first day on campus, practicing in our studios and stages, connecting with alumni and other professionals, and marrying theory and skill to master changing technology and communication across fields. Get more hands-on experience through an internship—84% of our students do them. 

What can you do with a major in public relations from Marquette?

Most of our public relations graduates go directly into the workforce. Here’s where some of our recent graduates landed.  

  • Advocate Aurora Health
  • Baird
  • Boelter + Lincoln
  • Bublr Bikes
  • Comcast Corp.
  • FCB Chicago
  • FleishmanHillard
  • Kohl’s
  • Kohler
  • Marquette University
  • Milwaukee Brewers
  • Mueller Communications
  • Northwestern Mutual
  • Oscar Mayer
  • U.S. Department of Defense
  • Women’s Support Center 

Collage image of Johnston Hall and students working in a television studio

Hands-on learning for career success

While you’re here at Marquette, preparing you for what’s next will be one of our top priorities. So, expect lots of learning by doing, connecting with others who share your passions, and reflecting on how you can Be The Difference.   

 

Spaces to learn

Learn hands-on in Johnston Hall — home to some of the country’s most cutting-edge technology (and one of the most historic buildings on campus). We’re preparing you to be an agile communicator in a technologically advanced world, so we’re putting you in that world right away. And by right away, we mean starting your first year. 

Here's just some of what Johnston Hall offers: 

  • Black Box Studio
  • Virtual production studio
  • A/V control center
  • Green screen room
  • Motion capture and animation
  • High-end workstations for design motion graphics and 3D modeling
  • Professional cameras, audio and lighting equipment 

Fine Arts minor

Supercharge your creativity, learn more about the arts and follow your artistic inspiration with a minor in graphic design or fine studio art. Both programs give you a unique blend of creative conceptualizing, execution, theory and technology. The fine arts minor is a collaboration between Marquette and the nearby Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD).  

Learn more about our Fine Arts minor.

Internships

Join the Marquette chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America to connect with PR pros and learn about specialization opportunities in business, an agency setting, the nonprofit industry, health care, sports and entertainment. 

With an internship, you’ll get real work experience while exploring the career possibilities in public relations. Here are just a few of the places our students have completed internships recently: 

  • American Diabetes Association
  • American Red Cross
  • Children's Wisconsin
  • Harley-Davidson
  • Major-league sports teams
  • Milwaukee Department of City Development
  • Northwestern Mutual Financial Network
  • Summerfest 

Explore our internship experiences.

Diederich Experiences

Through the unique travel opportunities of the Diederich Experiences, you can engage with our amazing alumni from across the country who work in your specific area of interest. These distinctive trips build your network, introduce you to job options, and provide excellent insight and advice that will get you wherever you want to go. Annual experiences include LA, Chicago, New York and Puerto Rico, and cover several of our majors. 

Leadership learning

Good leaders communicate. And great communicators lead. Join our C-Lead program sophomore year and you’ll complete a combination of leadership development activities, mentorship and rewarding course work to unleash your leadership potential. You'll make yourself a more competitive candidate and create relationships that will exponentially further your career. 

Explore our C-Lead program. 

Study abroad

Expand your communication education with a semester abroad. Study program course work at prestigious universities around the world. Other international opportunities are available for digital media students through core courses, summer study, language study, faculty-led programs or research. 

Check out our study abroad programs.

 

What to expect from a Marquette degree

A Marquette education equips students to thrive professionally and personally through overall student support, career preparation and an extended family that can't wait to meet you. But don't just take our word for it. 

#6

#6 Best College in Job Placement /#1 in Wisconsin

Zippia.com

#55

#55 in Student Outcomes

Wall Street Journal

#12

#12 Best Colleges for Internships

The Princeton Review (private universities)

Aerial of campus
 

Take the next step.