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Quinnipiac University

BA in Public Relations Experiential Learning

Experiential learning at Quinnipiac offers multiple opportunities to apply your knowledge through hands-on work, service and exploration, preparing you for success in 21st-century careers. With an abundance of resources, internship opportunities and career-focused guidance, you'll be equipped with the skills and knowledge that distinguish you to employers and pave the way for long-term success.

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Interested in pursuing a career in advertising, marketing, public relations or graphic and interactive design? Build your portfolio and sharpen your skills as you work with real clients at The Agency — our award-winning and student-run interdisciplinary firm.

Within The Agency, students assume roles that prepare them to step in and succeed in professional environments. Some students will serve as dedicated account executives, mastering the art of professional communication as they manage client relationships, set project deadlines, identify key deliverables and share external feedback with their colleagues. Others will work as functional subject matter experts, taking the lead as vice presidents in copy, design, social media or video to deliver the materials and strategies that address the holistic communications needs of their client portfolio.  

Offered as a 400-level elective, The Agency epitomizes learning by doing. Under the guidance of our esteemed faculty — many of whom are experienced communications professionals outside of academia — The Agency has successfully funneled student creativity and passion into projects spanning website and app design, social media, print collateral and promotional materials, market research and data analysis, media relations and community engagement and strategic planning and branding.

Student-run Agency earns industry awards

Students collaborating during a meeting for The Agency in the School of Communications.
Students at The Agency work to finalize a new internal logo.
Governor Ned Lamont with student members of The Agency at CT Innovation.
The Agency meets with a new client, Ellis Brooklyn, at the CT Innovations office in New Haven. Agency members had the chance to meet briefly with Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, who is working to bring more innovative, growing companies to the state.
Students collaborating during a meeting for The Agency in the School of Communications.
The Agency is overseen by experienced instructors and communications professionals, including John Powers, visiting assistant professor of graphic and interactive design.
Students collaborating during a meeting for The Agency in the School of Communications.
Offered as a 400-level elective class, The Agency meets once weekly and mimics the structure of a professional interdisciplinary marketing and advertising firm.
Students collaborating during a meeting for The Agency in the School of Communications.
“My experience working at The Agency has been invaluable. I have learned so much about client relations, team building and professionalism.” - Louis Stamoulis ‘23, Senior Account Executive at The Agency
Students collaborating during a meeting for The Agency in the School of Communications.
Students within The Agency are assigned to a client team consisting of an account executive as well as functional vice presidents of copy, social media, video and graphic design.

Experience the Action

We're proud to offer a range of experiential learning opportunities tailored to students interested in joining this exciting field. Become an invaluable member of student-run media groups or professional organizations as you hone your skills for a career in public relations.  

  • Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) is the foremost organization for students interested in public relations. They run QuinniPR, QU's student-run PR firm which focuses on providing pro-bono services to local small businesses and non-profits.
  • Our student media organizations provide students the opportunity to understand the vast world of communications. These groups include:
  • The Quinnipiac Podcast Studio, with limitless opportunities to create PR-centered shows.
  • Live, work and learn in some of the nation's largest cities while you intern at leading companies, network with industry professionals and explore all that the cities have to offer:

From Classroom to Career

Students take notes on their computers during a lecture.

Working in Social Media

At Quinnipiac, we recognize that the realm of social media is a dynamic and influential force in today's digital landscape. From internships with leading companies and organizations to real-world projects that put theory into practice, we empower our students to navigate the complex landscape of social media management, content creation and online community engagement.

Explore careers in social media

A Course in Global Perspective

Exploring Communications Abroad (COM 340) introduces students to the worldwide development of communications, including communication practices, infrastructure, environments and specializations. Students conduct primary and secondary research on communications in a specific country or in a cross-cultural context. The topics can range from international cinema though storytelling and global branding to documentary filmmaking depending on the specialty of the instructor. This course includes a short-term study-abroad component directly related to the topic.

Recent sections related to public relations include:

The London Brand is a course that provides a comprehensive overview of the ‘branding’ of London from several perspectives (history, architecture, theater, film, music, English football, the Queen) and specifically as they relate to how branding helps provide a clear, compelling vision for a city. In turn, this vision can be translated into planning and action, and ultimately communicated intelligently to build a positive image in the minds of those who engage (or may want to engage) with the city.

2 female student posing in front of the London Bridge
2 female student posing in front of the London Bridge

Visualizing Greece provides a practical introduction to and exploration of visual communication in the context of specific iconic areas of Greece, such as Ancient Athens and the Greek Islands. Throughout the course, students sketch, design, conceptualize, reflect upon and discuss their ideas on the creative process, all with Greece as their laboratory. Basic perceptual theories are introduced to help students grasp the use of visual elements like color, form, depth and movement in Greece's cultural celebrations. Ultimately, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the impact of historical and contemporary visual imagery in Greece, exploring how it influences our perceptions and how visual culture can be harnessed for advertising and public relations.

Greek flag overlooking Greece
Greek flag overlooking Greece

Locations: Paris, France; Zurich, Switzerland

The Emily in Paris Effect: Luxury and Lifestyle Strategic Communications is a course that introduces students to luxury and lifestyle brand strategic communications by exploring the social, cultural, and professional practices and responsibilities of the industry. Students will learn methods to thoughtfully research and segment stakeholder groups, design appropriate messaging for them, and implement effective and ethical strategies and tactics. Students will learn critical thinking skills and professional roles central to luxury brand work.

A Foundation for Your Future

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180 Internship Locations

The number of locations where communications students interned across the country during the 2019-20 academic year.

73% Hands-On Experience

Percentage of seniors who participated in at least one internship during their time at Quinnipiac.

Career-Building Resources

3 female students speak to a woman standing behind a career fair table

Job Market Trends

Quinnipiac students excel as interns, new hires, managers and executives in almost every industry. Gather real-world data about starting salaries, hiring trends and in-demand skills to inform your decision-making and put you on a path to success. 

Explore real-world data and insights

View all tools and resources

Students speaking to recruiters at the University-Wide Career Fair held in the Athletic and Recreation Center.

Design your career path

With an abundance of career-focused information and resources, the career advisers within the School of Communications support students as they expand their professional networks and attract the attention of prestigious employers.

Learn more about career development

A career advisor working with a student

Career and Experiential Learning Lab

iQ, Quinnipiac University’s holistic approach to career development and experiential learning, surrounds every individual with a personalized plan that maximizes their time at Quinnipiac. The powerhouse of iQ, our Career and Experiential Learning Lab is the physical space where students and advisers bridge the gap between college and career. 

Learn more about our Career and Experiential Learning Lab

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Contact Admissions

Our undergraduate admissions counselors are here to answer any questions you may have and help you navigate the application process.

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