What You Can Do with Your Journalism and Public Relations Degree

  • Ellen Matis at Hello Social Co.

    EMBRACING MODERN MEDIA: Ellen Matis, journalism alumna, went on to work as a digital media coordinator for a daily newspaper before starting her own social media agency, Hello Social Co., where she helps small businesses grow using their online presence. “When I entered my field, I was more than prepared to take on any challenges thrown my way,” she said.

    Kelsey Breunig

    Recent Grad Takes Three Job Offers

    “My education at IUP prepared me for my jobs at WTOP, Headlines and Global News, and SiriusXM. The Journalism Department taught me how to write and edit for the news. It taught me what newsworthy stories look like and how to pursue them. Furthermore, IUP provided me with experience working for a radio station through WIUP-FM.”

    Kelsey Breunig journalism alumna, went on to work for WTOP, Headlines and Global News, SiriusXM

    The Business of Making a Big Impact

    A journalism career no longer means you must write for a newspaper or magazine. The choices are expanding daily into niche areas of interest. Behind the glitz of media conglomerates like CNN and ESPN are highly skilled reporters. Online political and general news sites also seek talented writers and thinkers.

    Public relations is also evolving. While the field still covers a variety of marketing functions, skilled writers are increasingly valuable to handle the demands of coordinating social media.

    IUP alumni include a Pulitzer Prize winner, a director of events for a cruise line, magazine editors, newspaper editors, higher education and hospital public relations coordinators, and social media experts who drive international public relations.

    Careers

    With a BA in Journalism and Public Relations, you will have plenty of career options that span the worlds of news coverage and corporate or nonprofit outreach. Some of the opportunities include:

    • Public relations
    • Social media consultant/director
    • Photojournalism
    • Sports reporting
    • Political news
    • Events planning
    • Marketing
    • Global reporting opportunities
    • Advocacy
    • Strategic communication
    • Magazine writing
    • TV
    • Professional journals
    • Corporate content
    • Radio
    • Podcasting
    • Editing

    Path to Higher Degrees

    With your BA in Journalism and Public Relations from IUP you are in an excellent position to pursue many different higher degrees. Our graduates have gone on to pursue graduate degrees in sports administration, MBA, geography, regional planning, political science, and journalism.

  • Journalism and Public Relations Department
  • Humanities and Social Sciences Building, Room 404
    981 Grant Street
    Indiana, PA 15705
  • Phone: 724-357-4411
  • Office Hours
  • Monday through Friday
  • 7:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
  • 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.