ic relations principles, public relations communication, and public relations cases. Following completion of these courses, students enroll in course work designed to advance their knowledge of public relations campaigns and current topics in the public relations field. In addition, students may select from elective courses involving topics such as social networking to complete their degree program.
Special Programs, Co-ops, and Internships
All public relations majors may take one hour of internship credit. That translates to 10 hours a week for a semester or full time in the summer. A major benefit is that the experience routinely reduces the amount of time you’ll need to become productive as a new employee on your first job. That’s an important consideration for a potential employer. For that reason, many students complete more than one internship.
Students have interned on and off the campus in Knoxville, and in other cities and states. Interns often are hired full-time after graduation based on their internship. You may find your internship work either confirms the kind of job you want after graduation, or leads you to a job in a different aspect of public relations.
Highlights of Public Relations
International study is possible through well-established exchange programs with professional schools in the Netherlands, Denmark, the United Kingdom, and Italy. Public relations majors join the Public Relations Society of America and participate in local, regional, and national conferences. The University of Tennessee is one of a very few universities nationwide who offer a separate major in public relations.
Students in the College of Communication and Information are encouraged to participate in a study abroad program as part of the University of Tennessee’s commitment to make our graduates “Ready for the World.” Studying abroad opens up many opportunities for students to learn about communication and information in an international setting, develop cross-cultural communication skills, and enhance their marketability and career options. Students often say that their study abroad experience was the highlight of their college years. Communication and information students may study journalism in Denmark or the Netherlands, intercultural communication in Paris and Brussels, video production and travel writing in Cyprus, global public relations and social media in Italy, British media in London, foreign language in any number of countries, or participate in the study abroad program of their choice. Most students participate in study abroad during their second or third year at UT.
Learn more about UT’s Ready for the World initiative to help students gain the international and intercultural knowledge they need to succeed in today’s world.
Academic Plan and Milestones
Following an academic plan will help students stay on track to graduate in four years. Beginning with first-time, first-year, full-time, degree-seeking students entering in the Fall 2013 semester, UT has implemented Universal Tracking (uTrack), an academic monitoring system designed to help students stay on track for timely graduation. In order to remain on track, students must complete the minimum requirements for each tracking semester, known as milestones. Milestones may include successful completion of specified courses and/or attainment of a minimum GPA.
To see a sample academic plan and milestones for this major, go to http://catalog.utk.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=14&poid=5237&returnto=1322
For More Information
School of Advertising & Public Relations
476 Communications Building
Knoxville, TN 37996-0343
The information on this page should be considered general information only. For more specific information on this and other programs refer to the UT catalog or contact the department and/or college directly.