10 Top Double Majors With a PR Degree

Public relations, or simply PR, is the process by which organizations communicate and build relationships with the public.

Double majoring in PR and another related subject can provide students with a unique and valuable qualification as they enter the workforce. Public relations is an excellent field of employment for ambitious individuals who enjoy communication, human psychology, and a constantly changing work environment.

Public Relations Double Majors

Students interested in supplementing their PR major should consider these additional areas of study. A good double major degree will provide unique but complementary skills while allowing students to explore areas of interest.

Marketing

Public relations in for-profit organizations has a strong relationship to marketing. Shaping the public perception of a company requires thoughtful consideration of brand awareness and cultural values.

A second major in marketing will allow PR professionals to integrate principles of marketing into all of their communications and press releases.

Communications

A PR Major can pair well with a bachelor's degree in communications. Public relations could be considered a subset of communication, so learning about fundamental principles of communication will enhance your PR skills.

It is important for PR professionals to understand different communication contexts, media forms, and audience expectations. Studying communications with PR can increase your confidence in any role.

Journalism

Journalists are adept at shaping public opinions based on the perspectives they take, the angles they pursue, and the narratives they craft. There is a high degree of overlap between the skills needed in PR and journalism so a double major in these subjects can help students target PR roles with a writing focus.

English

For PR professionals who communicate in English, a deep understanding of the language they are working in is essential. A bachelor's degree in English will allow students to explore grammar, writing, communication, literature, and many PR-relevant aspects of language.

An English major adds a unique understanding of history, literature, and tradition and can be very useful in public relations.

Creative Writing

Similar to journalism, creative writing can make a great second major for PR majors who enjoy written formats. A creative writing bachelor's degree will allow students to explore a wider range of written forms and expand their creative potential.

Studying PR and creative writing is a great choice for students who enjoy finding new perspectives and communicating them to diverse audiences.

Business

A business degree is popular due to its many applications. Students who double major in business and PR will understand organizational structures, marketing, management, and other important factors that shape the organizations PR professionals represent.

Double majoring in business and PR can lead to successful careers in PR and management since managers must often communicate on behalf of organizations.

Graphic Design

Pursuing a major in graphic design can allow PR students to target a specific area of the field and gain in-demand skills. PR communication is not limited to written or spoken word as it also includes graphics, logos, and other aesthetic aspects of communication.

Sociology

Success in public relations requires a good handle on understanding how societies shape public perception. Studying sociology alongside PR can help students go deeper into the way groups form and change.

PR communications that are informed by sociological principles will be well-received by the public.

Psychology

Understanding the human mind is one of the biggest keys to PR. Double majoring in PR and psychology will allow graduates to understand conflict, attention, communication, and motivation in their professional contexts.

A degree in psychology can also help students develop the soft skills they will use every day in PR.

Political Science

Public relations shares many of its fundamental principles with political science. Organizations must build alliances, compete for attention, and shape public perception, similar to politicians.

Studying political science can help ambitious PR students qualify for critical roles that place them in the public eye.

What Is a Double Major?

A double major is a single bachelor's degree with two majors listed on the resulting diploma. Earning a double major involves completing the major requirements for both majors. The requirements to earn a major are more than those required to earn a minor, so a double major demonstrates education in both areas.

Double Major vs. Dual Degree

Double majors and dual degrees are similar but have several key differences. A double major will only result in one degree while a dual degree awards students with two separate degrees.

Because a dual degree results in a second degree, it typically takes at least an additional year to complete. Students can often complete a double major without having to spend another year in college.

FAQs About Double Majoring With PR

Find out if double majoring with PR is right for you with answers to these common questions.

Can You Double Major With PR?

Yes, a double major with PR should be possible at most institutions. Majors will have different requirements at each university so be sure to speak with an academic advisor to design a degree plan for your double major with PR.

Is a Double Major With PR Worth It?

Yes, a double major with PR increases the value of the degree in a time- and cost-effective manner. Students who graduate with a double major may experience a greater long-term return on their financial investment due to more potential career opportunities.

What Are the Benefits of Double Majoring With PR?

A key benefit of doing a double major with PR is the ability to specialize while remaining open to a wide range of possibilities. The second major can relate to an area of PR and signal specific skills in that area. For example, a double major in PR and English or creative writing will help with writing press releases or other forms of communication.

Will a Double Major With PR Improve My Career Outlook?

The job market can be competitive and intimidating for many graduates. Completing a double major with PR will allow you to stand out from the crowd. Employers will recognize the additional effort students put in to complete two majors and broaden their skills.