Belmont University announced today the launch of a new Public Relations Management (PRM) major in its University College/Adult Degree Programs. Classes, which begin in June 2009, will be offered in the evening in eight-week semesters, allowing working adults the flexibility to fulfill educational needs without sacrificing career or professional responsibilities.
The PRM program’s launch is particularly good news for adults impacted by the current recession or for anyone looking for a career change. The U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that 243,000 public relations specialists were employed nationwide in 2006 and predicts an 18 percent increase in employment through 2016. In May 2006, Money magazine ranked public relations as 20th on its list of 50 “best jobs” for employment opportunity and potential salary.
Dr. Jimmy Davis, dean of the University College/Adult Degree Programs, said, “Public Relations Management is an important new program for us and the new students who will enter the program. One of the outcomes of living in the information age is the need for a wide variety of communications professionals. Public Relations is one of the areas that corporations and non-profit institutions rely on for success. The instructors in the PR Management Program have outstanding academic credentials and are exceptional practitioners of Public Relations.”
The Public Relations Management curriculum will combine theoretical learning with real-world experiences as students master skills in writing, business, research, client relationships and communications strategies and practices. Whether students are interested in managing communications for a large company or working in a prestigious public relations firm, international PR, healthcare PR or PR for nonprofits, the B.S. in Public Relations Management will provide the critical advantage of learning that is relevant and immediately applicable in the real world. The PRM degree will give its graduates an important edge in the competitive PR landscape.
For more information on program requirements or an application, contact Belmont’s PRM Program Advisor Dr. Casie Wilkins at 615-460-6979 or wilkinsc@mail.belmont.edu. Additional details are also available at www.belmont.edu/uc/pr_management.
Belmont’s University College invites adults to “Finish What You Started” by offering bachelor degree programs designed to fit an adult student’s life and work schedule. The programs are flexible and offer a number of learning options with locations on Belmont’s main campus and Cool Springs as well as some general education online courses. In addition to Public Relations Management, the University College/Adult Degree Programs also include programs in Accounting, Business Administration, Liberal Studies, Ministry and a Nursing RN-BSN bridge.
