About Integrative Public Relations

Our Integrative Public Relations Major is the first interdisciplinary public relations program in Michigan and your key to an exciting career in public relations. Your journey begins with the expertise of faculty from three departments - Broadcasting and Cinematic Arts, Communication and Journalism - complemented by a range of electives from 10 additional departments campus-wide. Our comprehensive interdisciplinary approach, coupled with courses you select when personalizing your learning experience, prepares you for a rewarding career in public relations.

Our program will prepare you to meet the demands of a growing public relations industry. We will teach you the essential skills to be successful. Some examples of skills you will learn in the program include effective written communication, persuasive speaking and presentations, research and information gathering, strategic planning, problem solving, layout, design and production, editing, computers, decision making, conceptualizing, networking, and time management.

You can create a program of study that reflects your career goals in public relations through an internship of your choice and by adding a minor in areas such as advertising, marketing, event planning, sport management, entrepreneurship, public affairs, social media, multimedia design and more.

You'll also have pre-professional and co-curricular learning opportunities. As a member of the award-winning Central Michigan University Public Relations Student Society of America Chapter, you'll have opportunities to network with professionals and attend regional and national conferences. You can also work with real clients at PR Central, a nationally affiliated and award-winning student-run public relations firm.

The IPR program has offered me endless support including countless professional development opportunities, leadership roles, and most importantly, a network that lasts outside of my time at CMU.

Cassie Malhado | IPR graduate

Public relations is a large world-wide industry and we will help you explore the vast employment opportunities in areas such as PR agency, corporate, government, healthcare, education, community relations, sports, travel, music, business, entertainment, tourism, nonprofit, fundraising, public affairs, and special events planning. When you graduate, you will enter a profession with continued job growth and join our successful alumni.

  • Alums and interns are employed at all Fortune 500 companies in Michigan.
  • Graduates work at 6 of the top 10 global PR firms.
  • Graduates work in international locations and major cities throughout the U.S.