The first degree, the last word.
Boston University was the first to offer a university-level degree in public relations, in 1947. In 1974, we created the first student-run public relations agency, PRLab. Today, we remain the last word in public relations education, research and leadership.
Our faculty of renowned scholars and award-winning practitioners teach strong fundamentals, conduct research and often consult for businesses. Their ranks include two recipients of Public Relations Society of America’s Outstanding Educator Award, Stephen Quigley and Donald Wright.
Founded in 1978, PRLab is the nation’s oldest student-run public relations agency. Students get hands-on experience by working in an agency-style setting with a wide variety of clients in the greater-Boston area. Learn more about PRLab.
Students get the chance to let their talents shine in PRLab, under the supervision of Professor Amy Shanler, herself a BU alumna. They create campaigns for professional clients, often with spectacular results, as in their ongoing work for Ben & Jerry’s.
Alumni carry our leadership commitment to top levels in virtually every field. To name a few: Sandra Frazier (COM’01), CEO of Tandem Public Relations; Ray Kotcher (COM’83), professor of the practice of public relations and non-executive chairman, Ketchum; and Jonathan Yohannan (COM’96), Senior Vice President of Integrated Communication for KIND snacks.
In this age of social media, public relations is more complex, more challenging and more important than ever. One thing hasn’t changed: BU is shaping its future.
