The New York Times recently named the University of Miami Public Relations program one of the top in the U.S.

In a story about how the public relations field now covers a wide range of industries, the Times analyzed the job market, cited average earnings, and listed five “well regarded” university programs to programs in P.R. which included the School of Communication Public Relations program.

"It's always good news to be recognized for the outstanding job the P.R. faculty do.  Everyone --faculty, students and alumni-- are responsible for this recognition," said Vice Dean Robert Hosmon, director of the public relations program at UM.

P.R. is the most popular major at the School of Communication.  Alumni of the program are working in major public relation firms around the world. Students enrolled in the public relations program acquire real world skills in the classroom and take internships, gain field experience, or study abroad to prepare for the professional world outside of the classroom. They conduct professional public relations campaigns which go on to compete in national competitions, and also work to help promote a number of local and national organizations through the student-run public relations and advertising agency called PRADUM. Past PRADUM clients include the Bill Cosford Cinema and Lingerie Miami, an organization which raises awareness and funding for empowering women out of poverty.

“The University of Miami’s P.R. program has provided me with multiple opportunities for involvement, including going to national conventions for media and communications, and working locally,” said Mason Clark, 21, a junior. “The professors really take the time to get to know their students and help them achieve their goals."

P.R. students at UM learn from seasoned scholars dedicated to research and teaching and experienced working professionals. Faculty are published authors who regularly contribute to communication journals.

Students are given the opportunity to interact with recognized industry professionals, some of whom are alumni, to help and guide them in their career ambitions.  Special guests and speakers over the years have included W.D. “Bill” Nielson, former vice president for public relations, Johnson & Johnson, Ann H. Barkelew, former senior counselor of Fleishman-Hillard, and Dara Busch, executive vice president of Rubenstein Public Relations.

For more information about the University of Miami Public Relations Department click here.