Preparing Students for the Real World: Analyzing Public Relations (PR) Education for Entry-level Practice in the Health Industry

Author

Olivia Maria Lason, Seton Hall UniversityFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-20-2019

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MA Public Relations

Department

Communication and the Arts

Advisor

Renee Robinson, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Kristen Koehler, Ed.D.

Committee Member

Ruth Tsuria, Ph.D.

Keywords

public relations, agency public relations, health communication, entry-level skills and abilities, content analysis, undergraduate education, syllabus design

Abstract

Public relations (PR) agencies are often called upon to service the needs of niche industry areas of practice. These areas include healthcare communication which generates over 15% of firm revenue alone. Agencies are also top-employers of PR graduates, yet literature shows students are not meeting the skills and abilities expected of an entry-level practitioner. This study examined whether entry-level foundational skills and abilities (FSAs) are taught to PR students interested in the health field. Through a content analysis of undergraduate health communication syllabi in PR programs, the study found most FSAs were addressed; however, some areas were lacking. As such, a health communication syllabus that meets all FSAs needed was developed.

Recommended Citation

Lason, Olivia Maria, "Preparing Students for the Real World: Analyzing Public Relations (PR) Education for Entry-level Practice in the Health Industry" (2019). Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs). 2692.
https://scholarship.shu.edu/dissertations/2692