
Public Relations
About This Program
You’re energized by fast-paced environments. You enjoy talking to people and learning from others. You’re focused, organized, and self-motivated. Public relations may be the major for you.
Why Utica College
A pioneer in the field of public relations education, Utica College's Bachelor of Science program in Public Relations was established by nationally renowned educator Raymond Simon in 1950. Today the major offers highly personalized study, an exceptional faculty made up of seasoned industry professionals, many opportunities for real-world learning, state-of-the-art facilities, and an optional concentration in sports communication.
Contact Information
Office of Admissions
General Information
Track
- Major
Degree
- B.S.
Location
- Utica Campus
Public Relations at Utica
"After graduation, I quickly realized that my training at UC gave me the tools necessary to make an immediate impact in the agency business. I still find myself tapping the resources of our PR/J family, including faculty and fellow alumni."
What You'll Learn
The public relations major provides foundational learning in the discipline while focusing on the tools and skills required in today’s rapidly changing digital landscape. Its comprehensive curriculum offers specialized training in public relations principles and practices, research, strategic planning, writing, and media techniques.
Along with the B.S. in Public Relations program, Utica College also offers a B.B.A. in Public Relations and Marketing, a Public Relations concentration within the Communication and Media major, and a minor in Public Relations.

Public Relations Faculty

- Assistant Professor of Public Relations and Digital Marketing

- Professor of Journalism

- Professor of Public Relations and Journalism

- Associate Professor of Journalism and Management

- Professor of Public Relations & Management
Adjunct Faculty
- Adjunct Instructor of Public Relations
- Adjunct Professor of Public Relations
- Director of Media Relations
Public Relations at Utica College
A Degree That Works
UC public relations alumni have taken leadership positions at:
- Ketchum
- PR Newswire
- Regent Broadcasting
- Burson Marsteller
- General Motors
- AFLAC
- Edelman Change
- Office of the Governor of New York State

Alumni Voices: Tim Roye '81
Graduate of Utica College's Public Relations - Journalism program Tim Roye '81 tells the story of his journey from WPNR sports announcer to the voice of the Golden State Warriors.

The Ray Simon Institute
Named for the former head of the Utica College public relations degree program, The Raymond Simon Institute for Public Relations was founded in 1986 with the purpose of enhancing UC's public relations and journalism programs.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE RAY SIMON INSTITUTEAlumni Voices: Ericka Bennett '00
Ericka Bennett '00 talks about her experience at Utica College and her position as Associate General Counsel at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Institute in Buffalo, NY.

Sports Communication
An intense 15-credit concentration within the Public Relations major designed to help you gain the skills necessary to succeed in the sports industry. Working closely with our faculty, you’ll learn about sports promotion, public relations, marketing and advertising. You’ll also study the complex relationship between sports and the media, learn how the business of sports works, and how sports reporters craft their stories.
LEARN MOREAlumni Voices: Chris Bandura '99
Hear how Chris Bandura's experience at Utica College prepared him for an exciting career as Vice President of Media Relations and Communications for the Buffalo Sabres.

Experiential Learning
A key component of the Public Relations programs at Utica College, internships provide students with invaluable real-world experience, networking opportunities and the chance to put into practice what's learned in the classroom. Our students have obtained internships at several high profile organizations, including National Geographic, Black Entertainment Television, Bose Corporation, the New York Daily News, and the Baseball Hall of Fame.
LEARN MOREAlumni Voices: Stephanie Zimmer '96
A conversation with distinguished Utica College alumna Stephanie Zimmer '96, Head of Brand Experience Marketing for Mercedes Benz USA.
Student Voices: Eric Johnson
A brief conversation with Eric Johnson '17, public relations major with a concentration in sports communication and management minor, about his program, his professors, and his plans for the future.
