A professor speaks to a group of students sitting in the film viewing room with black and white film on the screen over his shoulder.

Public Relations

Be the powerful communicator who tells the story of a company or organization that makes the world take notice.

Get connected to the world with services such as the 24-hour Associated Press satellite news service and CNN Newsource — just like what commercial news outlets receive daily — or create news yourself by writing stories for the campus newspaper, The Spartan, or for the campus radio station. Work as a team and develop a public relations campaign for a local client. Study crisis communications from one of the country’s leading experts.

Our Public Relations major provides a thorough background in the theoretical principle and the practical application of public relations so you understand the why and the how behind brand and personal communication. You’ll see how communication objectives are met by for-profit and not-for-profit companies and firms, and train to think strategically. Our program also requires majors to take writing classes designed for work in public relations, as excellent writing skills are always in demand.

Public relations student Tiffany R. studying for a communications exam at York College
As a public relations major, you'll get experience in public speaking, public relations campaigns, crisis communications and more.
Professor Lowell Briggs has spent his professional career developing an expertise in Crisis Communications and is now sharing his experiences in his Crisis Communications Management class at YCP. Download a transcript of this video.

Public relationsYour future in

Our graduates have gone on to work for American Cancer Society, Bank of America, the Department of Homeland Security, Penn State University and other colleges, the United Way and Wellspan Health. You’ll be confident headed into your job search with hands-on experience starting your first year and an opportunity to design and execute a PR campaign. Possible careers include:
  • Public Relations or Marketing Managers
  • Crisis Communication Directors
  • Social media Planners or Consultants; Website Content Experts
  • Spokespersons or Public Information Officers
  • Event Coordinators, Integrated Marketing Consultants, and more

Program Requirements

Required Courses and Degree Requirements for Graduation
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2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog

Contact Us
Communications and Writing Department
Michael Zerbe, Ph.D., Interim Chair
Humanities Center, Room 158
Phone: 717.815.1944
mzerbe@ycp.edu