Public relations specialists handle organizational functions such as media, community, consumer, industry, financial, and governmental relations. They are actively engaged in promoting or creating goodwill for individuals, groups, or organizations by writing or selecting favorable publicity material and releasing it through various communications media. Responsibilities may include preparing and arranging displays and making speeches. Frequently, they prepare or edit organizational publications including employee newsletters and stockholders' reports for internal and external audiences. Finally, public relations specialists respond to requests for information from the media and general public.

GCC offers the following programs:

Associate in Applied Science

• Public Relations

Certificate of Completion

• Journalism

Students planning to transfer to ASU may refer to the appropriate Maricopa-ASU Partnership Program (MAPP) below for guidance in selecting courses towards their degree.

• Business (Communication)

General Program Information

The Public Relations program is designed to provide students with journalism, photography, business, and communication skills that will prepare them for entry-level employment in press relations, community or consumer relations, market research, in-house publication departments, political campaigns, fund raising and volunteer recruitment. Students will compile a portfolio of their news and feature writing, photography, publications designs, plans for events and advertising designs. The portfolio will include both published and unpublished work.

The journalism program prepares students to work in the publishing industry whether they have a bachelor's degree in another discipline or are just beginning their career path in journalism. The certificate of completion includes journalism courses required by journalism schools throughout the state and country and requires an internship in journalism and a juried portfolio of published articles to complete the certificate.

If you have questions or need more information, please contact Jennifer Duncan or the English Department at (623) 845-3914.

Career Information