B.A. Journalism and Public Relations
In Concordia University, Nebraska’s journalism and public relations program, we will help you develop your thinking, writing and speaking skills so you are able to size up situations, determine what’s happening and report information accurately, quickly, honestly and responsibly. These are skills that are important not only in professional journalism and public relations, but in any professional career.
Our program is designed for students who seek careers in a wide variety of journalism and public relations options. You also might consider a degree in journalism and public relations if you want to enter a pre-law program.
Become a well-trained, ethical professional who responsibly provides information that the world can rely on.
Program Highlights
WHY STUDY JOURNALISM AND PUBLIC RELATIONS AT CONCORDIA?
The journalism and public relations program at Concordia University, Nebraska prepares students to be lights of Christ in the world, by putting into practice Luther’s view of vocation: we serve God by serving other people. People need news and information that they can trust as being honest, accurate and credible. Concordia’s program teaches students to be responsible journalists and public relations professionals who follow ethical principles in providing information that others can rely on.
MEET OUR EXPERT FACULTY
As experts in journalism and public relations, our faculty and instructors bring years of experience to the classroom.
Meet our students
“Concordia's journalism and public relations program gave me the opportunity to nail down the basics of journalism while also learning the ins and outs of every type of media.”
Madison Pitsch
Concordia, Missouri
Accreditation
Concordia University, Nebraska is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Degree Goals
A journalism and public relations program graduate from Concordia University, Nebraska will be able to:
- Write for a diverse audience, using proper grammar and punctuation, word usage and spelling, sentence and storytelling structures across multiple journalistic formats.
- Gather and analyze information using journalistic storytelling techniques, such as interviewing, observation and researching primary and secondary sources.
- Think critically, creatively and independently.
- Demonstrate an understanding of professional ethical principles in journalism and public relations, and will work ethically in pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness and diversity.
- Understand and apply historical, theoretical, legal and societal context as they pertain to the journalism and public relations fields.
English, Communication and Theatre Arts Minors
- Communication
- Composition and Rhetoric
- English
- Interpersonal Communication
- Journalism and Public Relations
- Literature
- Theatre
- Writing
Career Outcomes
Newspaper Editor
- Assign articles to writers
- Cover news stories
- Correct spelling, grammar and overall tone of articles
- Oversee all newspaper content
Journalist
- Inform the public about current events and what is happening in the world
- Work in television, radio, print and/or online news channels
- Gather information, conduct interviews and investigate news stories
Broadcast News Analyst
- Collect information and opinions and use them to create a story to present via television, radio or podcast
- Organize and moderate panel discussions
- Interview guests
Public Relations Specialist
- Create and maintain a favorable public image for the company or person represented
- Craft media releases
- Develop social media plans
- Shape public perception and increase awareness
FAQs
What kind of job can I get with a degree in journalism and public relations?
Because the skills you earn with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and public relations are so broad, there is really no limit to the careers you can choose after graduation.
If you’re leaning towards a career in journalism, you might investigate jobs as a
- news reporter,
- broadcast journalist,
- sportswriter,
- editor or
- social media manager.
If you think a career in public relations is more your style, you might find a job as a
- media relations specialist,
- strategic planner,
- marketing communications specialist or
- copywriter.
Do I need a degree to work in journalism or public relations?
A bachelor’s degree is typically needed if you want a career in journalism or public relations. Both are highly competitive fields and a degree is pretty much a must for even entry-level positions. While English and communications majors often choose careers in journalism and PR, if you know you want to go into either journalism or public relations, you’re better off enrolling in a more targeted degree program.
What opportunities are available on campus to get real-world journalism and public relations experience?
There are many opportunities at Concordia Nebraska for you to get hands-on experience in journalism- and public relations-related activities.
- Concordia’s newspaper, The Sower, covers campus news for the Concordia community while providing valuable professional experience in digital and print media for staff members.
- Concordia is a member of the Northern Plains Collegiate Media Association. Compete against other schools in the NPCMA annual Golden Leaf Awards Contest and attend NPCMA conferences.
- Alpha Delta Rho chapter of Lambda Pi Eta is a communication honor society sponsored by the National Communication Association.
- Concordia’s speech team performs individual events at area tournaments and has competed at the American Forensics Association National Championship.
- Public relations classes regularly take on projects in which students help plan and publicize events for local businesses, churches and non-profit organizations.
- Record and produce radio interviews and programs on a variety of topics for use by KNNA-LP-FM radio over the air in Lincoln, on its website thecross957.org and by affiliated Lutheran stations.
Related Programs
Applied Communication
Applied communication is one of the most versatile majors available. A degree in applied communication can prepare you for a traditional career path as a communication specialist in small businesses, government offices and non-profit organizations. With the bachelor’s degree in applied communication, you can also find work in journalism, marketing, education, entertainment or any number of other career fields.
Strategic Communication
A degree in strategic communication opens up a lot of possibilities for employment in a field that you’re passionate about. You might choose to pursue a career in a wide range of strategic communication and public relations professions including: account management, advertising, art direction, audience research, copywriting, digital strategy, marketing, media planning, public relations, strategic communication research, sports and entertainment promotion, social media management and sports information.
Marketing
A bachelor of science degree in marketing from Concordia University, Nebraska will equip you with knowledge and skills covering a comprehensive set of marketing concepts and practices.
English
Concordia’s English major promotes careful reading, encourages critical thinking and models Christian scholarship and thoughtful discussion processes. Ideally, our students will develop a desire to read more and appreciate the role of literature in exploring themselves, the human condition, and Christ’s response to humanity and to our students in particular.
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1 Recent graduates attending graduate school or employed within six months of graduation.
2Average Class Size for Representative Subject Most Aligned with Major, Over Last 5 Years.