Public Relations

Return to: School of Arts and Science

Faculty:

Chair: R. Petrausch; Program Director: J. Breslin; Associate Professors: J. Breslin, J. Eggensperger, A. Kelso, R. Petrausch, O. Shachar; Assistant Professors: M. Bard, N. Redcross; Clinical Lecturer: N. Barnett Crosby.

The convergence of traditional mass media and social media, accelerated by social trends and personal technology and by 24-hour news cycles, has intensified the focus on communications in organizations of all sizes and types. At the same time, the demand for professional communicators in all segments of modern society is exploding and constantly changing.  More than ever, business and service organizations are employing trained communication specialists with advanced skills in written and oral communication, as well as proficiency in communication management and the use of new technologies for research, competitive intelligence, information distribution, community building, and developing company and brand images.

Iona’s graduate programs in Public Relations train such professionals, as attested by accreditation from the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (ACE JMC), the leading body in higher education for the discipline.

The Iona curriculum in public relations is designed to both meet the communication needs of modern organizations as they interact with their many constituencies and to provide the foundation for professionals to grow and develop new skills throughout their careers. The program changes in response to requirements of the industry, as well as input from alumni and communications professionals, who teach part-time or serve on the department’s professional advisory council. 

Seven core courses (21 credits) provide both theoretical underpinnings of public relations and practical applications at levels designed to demonstrate accomplishments comparable to those in agencies and corporate communication departments. Specialization courses and opportunities for individualized study and internships emphasize professional experience and networking opportunities.

Admission

See “Academic Information - Non-Matriculated ” in this catalog for requirements to be met, in addition to the following:

1. Applicants who lack an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 may qualify for admission by attaining a score of 450 on the verbal exam of the GRE.  Alternatively, applicants who have significant professional experience may be admitted based on evidence of their achievements.
2. Writing samples which demonstrate clarity of analysis and advanced use of language.
3. An interview with the program director.

Graduation Requirements

1. Completion of 36 credits including the appropriate distribution of credits;
2. A minimum GPA of 3.0;
3. Acceptance of the written master’s thesis/project or completion of the culminating experience;
4. All requirements must be completed within five years from the date of admission to the program

Programs

• Public Relations, MA (0604)

• Non-Profit Public Relations (online) Advanced Certificate (0604)

Return to: School of Arts and Science