Skip to Main Content

Public Relations

Major | Minor

Why Study Public Relations at Goshen College?

Student in class

As a public relations major or minor at Goshen College, you’ll learn to strategically manage communication between organizations and the public—whether through digital content, media relations, brand storytelling, or crisis response. With a curriculum rooted in ethical communication and hands-on learning, you’ll build the creative and analytical skills needed to thrive in the fast-paced world of PR.

Our program blends theory with practice, preparing you to write compelling messages, lead campaigns and build relationships with audiences across platforms. From your first year, you’ll gain experience working in student-led media outlets, internships, and collaborative class projects. Whether you’re drawn to nonprofit advocacy, corporate communications, or social media strategy, Goshen College will help you craft a career that connects purpose with impact.

  • 91%
    of classes have fewer than 30 students
  • 93%
    of graduates are employed, in grad school, or in service within a year
  • 50%
    of students study abroad through our hands-on learning programs

    Career Paths

    A degree in public relations from Goshen College prepares you for careers like:

    • Public Relations Specialist
    • Social Media Manager
    • Corporate Communications Manager
    • Media Relations Coordinator
    • Content Strategist
    • Event Planner
    • Nonprofit Communications Director

    GC graduates work in fields such as marketing, media, higher education, and community advocacy. Many also go on to graduate study in communication, business, or public administration.

    Credits and Requirements

    The public relations major and minor combine foundational communication theory with practical skills in writing, campaign planning, and media strategy.

    Hands-On Learning Opportunities

    At Goshen College, public relations students build real-world experience from day one. You might write press releases for campus events, manage social media for a local nonprofit, or lead a client campaign for a class project. Additional opportunities include:

    • Internships with organizations such as Everence, local news outlets, or community groups
    • Involvement with The Record (student newspaper), 91.1 The Globe (radio), or FiveCore Media
    • Class projects that connect you with real clients in the Goshen community
    • Public relations work for campus events, theater productions, or athletics

    These experiences will help you build a robust portfolio and develop skills in writing, media relations, and strategic communication.

    Scholarships

    Public relations majors may be eligible for communication and journalism-related scholarships such as:

    • Gorsline Scholarship
    • Oswald Scholarship
    • Joel Kauffmann Scholarship (for students blending faith, creativity, and communication)

    Facilities & Resources

    You’ll learn and create in GC’s Center for Communication, featuring a professional-grade newsroom, video production suites, podcasting studios, and collaborative workspaces. Students use industry-standard software and have access to support from award-winning faculty mentors.

    Ready to get started?

    Related majors & minors

    All Majors & Minors
    • Multimedia Communication

      As a multimedia communication major or minor at Goshen College, you’ll gain the practical skills and creative experience to become a compelling storyteller across platforms—from journalism and video production to social media and strategic communication.

    • Film Production

      As a film production major, you’ll explore every aspect of filmmaking—from directing and producing to editing and sound design—while building the technical skills and creative vision to make your mark in the industry.

    • Journalism

      As a journalism student at Goshen College, you’ll develop the writing, research, and multimedia storytelling skills needed to pursue truth and share compelling stories with the world.

    • Theater

      At Goshen College, your journey as a theater major or minor immerses you in a vibrant, collaborative community where your creativity and voice are celebrated.

    • Undecided

      Choosing to be undecided means being intentional about finding a path that’s right for you.

    • Broadcasting

      In our award-winning broadcasting program, you’ll jump into hands-on experiences from your very first year—opportunities that students at larger schools often wait years to get.

    • Communication

      Whether your passion lies in journalism, public relations, broadcasting, digital media, or film, you’ll gain the skills, knowledge and opportunities to succeed in a fast-evolving media and communication landscape.