Public Relations

Public Relations

“My professors and classes at Drake did a great job of solidifying my interest in PR during my first semester. I know many of my high school peers are still not completely comfortable with their choice in major.”
—Ellen Converse, Junior, School of Journalism and Mass Communication

All “spin” aside, as a Drake PR student you’ll receive some of the best preparation in the world for your field. You’ll learn research, planning, and communication skills that allow you to establish relationships between an organization and its audiences. You’ll develop strategic thinking skills, a global perspective, and an ethical framework that will enable you to quickly advance into a leadership role. You’ll join an impressive group of Bulldogs who’ve graduated and left their mark on the profession as public relations spokespersons and strategists for corporations, small businesses, government bodies, nonprofit organizations, and marketing agencies around the world.

Work as you learn (and vice versa)

Our internship coordinator will help you identify opportunities to jump-start your career. Drake public relations students have put their skills to work with such organizations as:

  • Meredith Corporation
  • Broadway in Chicago
  • Iowa Public TV and Public Radio
  • Iowa Department of Natural Resources
  • Iowa Legislature
  • Drake Athletics
  • S. Olympic Committee
  • Iowa Cubs
  • Iowa Buccaneers
  • Bank of America
  • Principal Financial Group
  • Iowa State Fair
  • Integer Group
  • LS2Group political consultants
  • Hennepin County Medical Center
  • Iowa Health Care Association
  • Mayo Clinic
  • Numerous political parties and campaigns at the local, state, and national level

Lead the field—as a student and alum

Public relations students are regulars on the award stage, receiving honors that include PRIME Awards from the Public Relations Society of America; national Bateman case study and Women in Communication awards, International Association of Business Communicators Bronze Quill awards, and more. Public relations alumni work around the world for business and nonprofits including Disney Cruise Lines, Crocs, Wells Fargo, Lessing-Flynn Advertising, LS2Group political consultants, Wellmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Weber Shandwick, the Science Center of Iowa, the Minnesota Lottery, FleishmanHillard, Principal Financial Group, Ketchum Worldwide, Mayo Clinic, Haworth Marketing + Media, Edelman, Starbucks, and Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry.

Drake’s public relations program has received the prestigious Certification in Education for Public Relations, a designation earned by fewer than 40 PR programs worldwide.


Of course, you’ll benefit from the experiences that all Drake Bulldogs enjoy—mentorship from professors at the top of their field; résumé-worthy internships, research experiences, and other professional preparation; opportunities to learn while serving the community; and January Term experiences (at no additional tuition cost) that immerse you into the fascinating topics—and locations—you choose.

Learn more:

Looking for your admission counselor? Visit the Admission office to find a counselor or schedule a campus visit. For all other questions about the Public Relations program at Drake University, please reach out to the contact below.

Public Relations Website | School of Journalism & Mass Communication

Eric Kwame Adae, Ph.D. 
Assistant Professor, Public Relations
eric.adae@drake.edu

Jennifer Glover Konfrst
Associate Professor of Journalism and Mass Communication
jennifer.gloverkonfrst@drake.edu

Mu He
Assistant Professor, Public Relations
mu.he@drake.edu

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