Public Relations, B.A.
Program Overview
The public relations emphasis prepares students to become data-driven, strategic thinkers who solve complex communication problems. Through coursework in research, digital media, writing, ethics, and strategic planning, and real-world experience in the PR Intelligence Lab, students develop the skills needed to build trust, strengthen communities, and make a social impact.
How to apply
Strategic Thinking, Meaningful Impact
BYU’s public relations emphasis equips students with critical skills in analytical thinking, writing, research, campaign planning, and creative problem-solving. Students learn to build trust and create mutually beneficial relationships with diverse stakeholders through two-way communication.
With hands-on opportunities in the PR Intelligence Lab, students work on real-world projects for local, national, and international clients, gaining valuable experience in digital storytelling, relationship building, and strategic planning. The program inspires students to use intelligence and truth to strengthen communities, safeguard reputations, and create positive social impact in their professional careers.
With hands-on opportunities in the PR Intelligence Lab, students work on real-world projects for local, national, and international clients, gaining valuable experience in digital storytelling, relationship building, and strategic planning. The program inspires students to use intelligence and truth to strengthen communities, safeguard reputations, and create positive social impact in their professional careers.
TOP 7%
"Best Colleges for Communications in America" -Niche
85%
School of Communications graduates employed full-time within 1 year of graduation
#20
"2024 Best Colleges in America" -WSJ
WELCOME TO THE PR Intelligence Lab
Students in the PR Intelligence Lab solve real-world communication challenges for local, national, and international clients. Working in teams, they apply research, strategy, and digital storytelling to create impactful campaigns, gaining professional experience and preparing to address complex public relations problems with creativity and confidence.
Student Outcomes
Graduates of BYU’s public relations program are highly sought after, with many securing jobs at top PR agencies, Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, and government organizations before graduation. Equipped with real-world experience from the PR Intelligence Lab, alumni excel in strategic communication, campaign management, and stakeholder engagement, making a lasting impact wherever they go.
Career Services
Alumni & Student Stories
Interested in seeing what our students and graduates have been up to? Take a scroll…
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Public Relations Alum Colin Wylie on Sharing the Giving Machine With Columbus, Ohio
With the Help of a Miniature LEGO Replica, Colin Wylie Helps Spread the Word About a New Giving Machine
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Photo Essay: A Look Into Alum Emma Benson's Life as a Journalist
With Features About First Responders, Organ Donors and More, Emma Benson is Using Her Storytelling Skills for Good
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Deseret News VP Emily Hellewell on Problem Solving and Variety in the Field of Communications
BYU Public Relations Alum Emily Hellewell Shares Her Experience in the Communications Industry
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Make Something Wonderful: Homecoming Alumni Speaker Brent Anderson on the Craft of Creativity
In His 2024 Homecoming Alumni Lecture, School of Communications Alum Brent Anderson Shared Insights About Creativity from his Career Experience Working with Apple
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Advertising Alum Brent Anderson on “Harnessing the Unpredictability and Magic of Creativity”
Brent Anderson, an Honored Alumni Speaker for Homecoming Week, Shared More About His Creative Roots
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First Latin American Forum on Journalism and Religion Held at BYU
Journalists From Latin America Join BYU’s School of Communications in a Conversation About Religious Reporting
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Like Father, Like Son: Art Rascon Steps Down as Son Jacob Rascon Steps Up to Fill His Position As News Anchor
Jacob Rascon takes the place of his father Art Rascon after 36 years in the journalism business, looking forward to filling the shoes his father wore so well
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Alumni Profile: Jenny Anderson
Jenny Anderson Advertising, 2018 Senior Account Manager, VMLY&R, New York City
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Alumni Profile: Jerry Miller
Jerry Miller Broadcast Journalism, 1978 Voice of Idaho State Bengals for 39 years
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Notes from the Editor: Journalism & the Church
Meet the editor in chief of the Church News and learn about her vigor for the field of journalism
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Extra! Extra! Read All About the New DU Magazine
65 years after its editorial debut, the Daily Universe is entering a new phase
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TWO COLLEGE ANCHORS FIND THEIR WAY TO THE SAME ANCHOR DESK 12 YEARS LATER
From college to KUTV 2News, these two journalists have come up together through their careers of broadcast journalism
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STUDENT RESOURCES
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Academic Advising
Receive help with class registration, academic planning, and more.
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Bridge Semester
Make sure you're on track to enter the Journalism & Sports Media program.
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Professionalism Policy
Discover how the School of Communications prepares you for the workplace.
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Courses
Freshman Year
Sophomore Year
Junior Year
Senior Year
Electives
1st Semester
WRTG 150 (3.0 credits)
COMMS 101 (3.0 credits)
Religion Cornerstone course (2.0 credits)
General Education courses and/or general electives (5.0 credits)
UNIV 101 (2.0 credits)
Total Hours 15.0 credits
2nd Semester
A HTG 100 (3.0 credits)
COMMS 235 (3.0 credits)
Religion Cornerstone course (2.0 credits)
General Education courses and/or general electives (7.0 credits)
Total Hours 15.0 credits
Apply to the major in September or January, after you have completed the prerequisites with a "B" or better.
3rd SEMESTER
COMMS 300 (3.0 credits)
COMMS 304 (3.0 credits)
STAT 121 (3.0 credits)
Religion Cornerstone course (2.0 credits)
General Education courses and/or general electives (4.0 credits)
Total Hours 15.0 credits
4th SEMESTER
COMMS 318 (3.0 credits)
COMMS 333 (3.0 credits)
STAT 121 (if still needed) (3.0 credits)
COMMS elective (COMMS 351 recommended) (3.0 credits)
General Education courses and/or general electives (3.0 credits)
Total Hours 15.0 credits
5th SEMESTER
COMMS 320 (3.0 credits)
COMMS 350 (3.0 credits)
Religion Cornerstone course (2.0 credits)
General Education courses and/or general electives (3.0 credits)
Total Hours 11.0
6th SEMESTER
COMMS 436 (3.0 credits)
COMMS elective (3.0 credits)
COMMS 496R, COMMS 497R, COMMS 498R, or COMMS 491R (3.0 credits
Religion elective (2.0 credits)
General Education courses and/or general electives (3.0 credits)
Total Hours 14.0
7th SEMESTER
COMMS 485 (3.0 credits)
COMMS elective (3.0 credits)
General Education courses and/or general electives (3.0 credits)
Religion elective (2.0 credits)
Total Hours 11.0
8th SEMESTER
Religion elective (2.0 credits)
General Education courses and/or general electives (6.0 credits)
Total Hours 8.0
COMMS 301 - Media History and Culture (3.0 credits)
COMMS 302 - Popular Culture and Media (3.0 credits)
COMMS 351 - Media Technology and Audiences (3.0 credits)
COMMS 411 - Media Effects and Health (3.0 credits)
COMMS 416 - Civic Communication and Public Advocacy (3.0 credits)
COMMS 481 - Family, Gender, and Media (3.0 credits)
COMMS 482 - Religion, Media, and Society (3.0 credits)
COMMS 302 - Popular Culture and Media (3.0 credits)
COMMS 351 - Media Technology and Audiences (3.0 credits)
COMMS 411 - Media Effects and Health (3.0 credits)
COMMS 416 - Civic Communication and Public Advocacy (3.0 credits)
COMMS 481 - Family, Gender, and Media (3.0 credits)
COMMS 482 - Religion, Media, and Society (3.0 credits)
PUBLIC RELATIONS FACULTY
Pamela Brubaker
Professor: Associate Director - Graduate Studies
Public Relations research; digital storytelling; strategic communications
360A BRMB
(801) 422-5591
pamela_brubaker@byu.edu
Public Relations research; digital storytelling; strategic communications
360A BRMB
(801) 422-5591
pamela_brubaker@byu.edu
Christopher Wilson
Associate Professor: Public Relations management and strategy
322 BRMB
(801) 422-0988
chriswilson@byu.edu
322 BRMB
(801) 422-0988
chriswilson@byu.edu
