Communication – Public Relations
Associate in Arts (Transfer)
As a public relations practitioner, you create the story. Your talents create concepts that attract attention and build customer loyalty. Skilled media planning helps you get your message delivered.
700
Scholarships available – and one might have your name on it
Test your strategic thinking with current tools, media, and platforms. Gain resume-building experience in public relations strategies, campaigns, event planning, and more.
Admissions Office
Hands-on, practical application of content learned in the classroom. Internship opportunities with local corporations and non-profit organizations.
Join PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America). Attend meetings of PRA (Public Relations Association of Central Illinois).
Brand Ambassador, PR Practitioner, Image Consultant, Director of Public Affairs, Publicist, Copywriter, Event Planner
COMPLETION TIME
24 Months
if Full Time
4 Semesters60 Total Credit Hours
What if I attend part-time?
Our Student Success Advisors help with an academic plan that works for you.
ESTIMATED COST
$9,600
+ supplies & fees
Based on 2024-25
What financial assistance can I receive?
Find the plan right for you by connecting with our Financial Aid office.
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
25 Students
average per class
Small class sizes mean more individual attention and a higher rate of success.
View the College Catalog to see a complete list of classes for this program.
Meet Our Students and Alumni
Illinois Central College has a 20-plus year history of helping students pave a path in public relations. Our public relations program has a reputation for providing the knowledge and skills to launch a successful career in the real world.
Brent Goken, Professor, Communication/Public Relations
How Do I Get Into the Communication – Public Relations Program?
Gain the tools and skills to start a public relations career and to transfer to a four-year university. Talk to an Admissions representative to learn how to get started.
- Complete our quick admissions application. It’s free and easy!
- Apply for financial aid (FAFSA).
- Apply for ICC Scholarships. Just 1 application for over 700 scholarships.
- Need help? Student success advisors are happy to assist.
- We recommend that students first enroll in COMM 115 prior to taking other public relations courses.
What Can I Expect As a Public Relations Student?
- Build an understanding of public relations theories and how to apply them.
- Learn how to write communications across multiple platforms that connect, inform, entertain, and persuade.
- Know how to manage crisis communications, events, brand and image programs, and more.
- Gain insight into media planning strategies , and managing and monitoring media campaigns.
How Am I Going to Manage This?
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What if I am working while going to school?
We have you covered. Many of our students are working adults who balance life and school. We have great resources on campus to help keep you going!
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What are my options for funding my education?
Do this first: fill out and file your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Even if you don’t want federal aid, this document is used by many scholarship and grant programs to evaluate aid packages.
Look for scholarships and grants first because usually they don’t have to be paid back. The ICC Foundation sponsors some scholarships, and grants may be available from Illinois or federal programs. Other organizations also offer scholarships, and we can help you research those opportunities.
Federally guaranteed student loans can be a smart way to fund college. Think about your transfer plans and what your career looks like. Some sources recommend that you cap your borrowing at the level of what you (realistically!) can expect to earn at your first job after college. So, research careers and pay, too.
Of course, savings, jobs, and work-study are key parts of your budget. Your employer may offer tuition reimbursement. Find the tools to make a complete plan for paying for school.