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Public Relations

Program Overview

Program Overview

Successful communication is at the core of any flourishing organization. Social media, press releases and electronic press kits are among the tools of the trade. At Lipscomb, we teach both the tools and the skills that help stories find their target audience.

Our graduates boast a 96 percent placement rate in the field, and that begins here. Our seasoned faculty provides an integrated and creative community incorporating hands-on experiences. You will grow your digital communication knowledge with up-to-date and relevant media approaches. You will interact with real clients and serve their public relations needs as a part of Herd House, our in-hourse, student agency. and learn to be an adaptable professional in an ever-changing field. Our goal is to immerse students in a creative community revolving around hands-on experience and informed by a strong liberal arts core.

You could go on to be a communication director, publicist, social media manager, spokesperson, account executive at a public relations firm or just about anything else you are passionate about. You’ll be equipped for graduate school as well, if that is the path you choose. Whichever direction you progress, a public relations major will get you there.

Internship

Become more competitive in the job market with an internship related to your interests. You’ll gain experience and boost your exposure. An internship will also help you learn whether you’ve chosen a career you’ll enjoy.

Expert faculty, small class sizes

Learn from award-winning, experienced faculty who actually care about you. Our small class sizes allow us to get to know you personally. We lead an approachable community within our respective programs. Our faculty connections are the experts on their subject matter, too.

Nashville, TN

A big city. An even bigger opportunity. We consider Nashville, Tennessee, an extension of our classroom, and as a leading city in many industries, that means you’ll gain experience and insight you won’t find anywhere else.

Our Faculty

  • Jimmy McCollum headshot

    Jimmy Mccollum

    Professor

    Dr. Jimmy McCollum graduated from Lipscomb in 1987. He earned his M.S. in journalism at the University of Tennessee and his Ph.D. in mass communication at the University of Alabama....

    Meet Jimmy Mccollum
  • Alan Griggs headshot

    Alan Griggs

    Associate Professor

    Associate Professor Alan Griggs is a senior manager of communications with diverse experience including television news reporting and management, political and corporate communications and teaching. He is currently Associate Professor in...

    Meet Alan Griggs
  • Sarah Gibson

    Sarah Gibson

    Professor and Chair, Department of Communication and Journalism

    Professor Sarah Gibson is an educator and media professional from Abilene, Texas. She is a graduate of Abilene Christian University where she obtained her B.S. in Electronic Media, and the...

    Meet Sarah Gibson
  • Aaron Burtch headshot

    Aaron Burtch

    Athletics Advisor and Certifying Officer

    Aaron is a Michigan native, born in Flint, and stayed until he transferred to complete his bachelors degree at Abilene Christian University. He graduated in 1997 with his BA in...

    Meet Aaron Burtch
  • Lois Jones headshot

    Lois Jones

    Asst. Pro. Comm & Pub Rel

    Meet Lois Jones

Career Paths

Public Relations Specialists

Public relations specialists create and maintain a favorable public image for the organization they represent. They craft media releases and develop social media programs to shape public perception of their organization and to increase awareness of its work and goals.

Public Relations and Fundraising Managers

Public relations managers plan and direct the creation of material that will maintain or enhance the public image of their employer or client. Fundraising managers coordinate campaigns that bring in donations for their organization.

Reporters, Correspondents, and Broadcast News Analysts

Reporters, correspondents, and broadcast news analysts inform the public about news and events happening internationally, nationally, and locally. They report the news for newspapers, magazines, websites, television, and radio.