INFORMATION FOR
Love social media? Sports? Entertainment? Music? Fashion? Pop culture? Events? Advocacy? PR skills apply to any industry!
Public Relations is Ranked #1 Best Creative and Media Job by US News & World Report
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects high demand and faster than national average growth for PR careers.
Our public relations major and minor enhances a student’s knowledge and skills to effectively communicate on behalf of organizations across media and social channels to a variety of stakeholders. Public relations campaigns influence diverse target audiences to help companies achieve their business and communication objectives.
"I was recognized as Rookie of the Year at MWW Integrated Public Relations for my passion and performance in my first year at the agency. I am so grateful for my professors, the Student Public Relations Association and WP for helping me get there!"
Isabel Medina, Account Coordinator, Brand Practice, MWW. BA in Public Relations 2023 Vice PresidentStudent Public Relations Association 2022-2023
WP public relations graduates work in a wide range of industries from sports to entertainment to healthcare. Our talented alumni often visit campus to mentor and recruit current public relations students for internships and jobs.
Public relations faculty members are experts in social media analytics, global communication, integrated marketing, brand writing, crisis management, and corporate social responsibility, and have worked at award-winning global marketing and public relations agencies, including Ogilvy, Porter Novelli, and Weber Shandwick, Taylor, Edelman, among others.
Students can use our SMART (Social Media Applications Research Teaching) Lab to learn and use social media analytics software, podcasting tools, and have opportunities for certification, training, workshops.
Available Certificates:
Public Relations students have access to William Paterson University's SMART Lab.
Alumni Featured in Video (in order)
Zach Hertz, Communication Specialist, NJ Prevention Network. MA Professional Communication '24, BA in Public Relations '21
Isabel Medina, Account Coordinator, Mike Worldwide Integrated Public Relations, BA in Public Relations '23
Matthew Wendler, Director of New Business, Fortier Public Relations, BA in Public Relations '18
Maria Donado, Human Resources Manager, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, BA Public Relations '11
Leslie Campos, Account Executive/Co-Chair of Diversity & Inclusion Committee, Coyne Public Relations, BA Public Relations '20
Shannon D'Amore, Manager, Event Booking, Public Relations '18 Music & Entertainment Industries – “Take advantage of your time as a student. Intern as much as you can and start creating relationships in the real world now - it will benefit you in the long run!”
Thomas DeMartino, Digital Operations, National Basketball Association, Public Relations 2019 – “I finally got my foot in the door at my dream organization, the NBA. My former PR professor was one of the first people I texted to share the news, because the faculty at WP always supported me and encouraged me to keep working towards my goals. I knew I had to build skills that would help me get there and to never give up which led me to my big break where I’m a project employee supporting digital operations.”
Tom LaBelle, Edelman, Vice President, National Health Media, Public Relations '16 – “The dedication of the WP PR/communication faculty in helping students get internships and real work experience was the most important and helpful thing in my career.”
Katie McNamara, SPRA EBoard Manager of Marketing Strategy, Planning, & Analysis, Public Relations '12 – “The professors and students in the PR/Communication program were amazing to work with and learn from. The real life experiences brought into the classroom prepared me for the challenges I could face and how to properly navigate to create my own career, even if my goals differed from my peers. The emphasis on internships kicked off my career direction.”
Victoria Saavedra, Senior Publicist, CBS ENTERTAINMENT, Public Relations '17 – “PR courses helped me to understand aspects of strategic communications from social media to CSR and more. PR Faculty mentorship helped me land internships at top media brands like BET and NBCUniversal that led to my current position at CBS Entertainment.”
Sena Salloum, SPRA President, Vice President, Enterprise Operations, Public Relations '09 – “The PR/Communication department contributed largely to my professional writing, speaking, and relationship building skills - all of which are critical to succeed. The professors were true masters of their craft across all areas of communication, providing me with a diverse skill set.”
Esma Senman, Business and Social Impact Account Coordinator, Violet PR, Public Relations 2023 - “My classes and involvement in the Student Public Relations Association helped prepare me for internships and my career. I interned for a PR firm in the city that primarily works with non-profits. The non-profit world is where I want to be, and the professors here helped me to understand my skills and how I could apply them to my passion.”
Hasaan Yasin, Senior Manager, Marketing, Novartis, Public Relations 2014 – “I owe a great deal of my achievements to the knowledge and skills I acquired as a PR student. WP’s commitment to nurturing and empowering students had a profound impact on my professional development. I continue to carry forward the values and expertise I have gained through lifelong faculty mentorship and support. As a VP in the PR Club, I am thankful for my SPRA faculty advisor’s belief in my potential which has been a driving force behind my accomplishments.”
