MA in Public Relations

Student Experience

Internships

Apply Your Skills in the World’s Media Capital

Students choosing an internship within the MA in Public Relations are well-positioned to take advantage of Hofstra’s location. Internships are available at major New York City and Long Island public relations agencies and corporate offices, and a variety of positions can also be found in the nonprofit, education, government, and other business sectors. Students may secure their own internship or work with faculty, Hofstra's Center for Career Design and Development, and other on- and off-campus resources to identify the opportunities best matched to their professional goals.

Because of its significant on-site time commitment (averaging 12-15 hours per week), the program does not require an internship. However, students who can manage a 3-credit internship within their schedule are encouraged to do so.

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Internships

Professional Organizations

PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America)

The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) is the world’s leading professional organization for public relations practitioners, educators, and students. Its student chapters, known as PRSSA, are located on campuses everywhere, including Hofstra. Through conferences, programs, and professional networking events, the campus chapter of PRSSA serves its members by enhancing their knowledge of public relations and providing access to professional development opportunities, and to serve the public relations profession by helping to develop highly qualified, well-prepared professionals. Hofstra PRSSA is open to all PR majors and those who are interested in the field.

PRPLI (Public Relations Professionals of Long Island)

Hofstra has a long-standing involvement with Long Island’s leading organization of professional communicators. PRPLI gives students the opportunity to learn from and network with experienced practitioners from Long Island and New York City firms. The organization presents free networking and discounted professional development programs each month, and many public relations students have created relationships through PRPLI that have led to internships and jobs. Learn more at www.prpli.org

The Museum of Public Relations

Founded in 1997, the museum is considered the field’s primary repository for documents covering the evolution of the field over the last century. Its archives include more than 600 significant books (many first editions and signed); dozens of artifacts; correspondence; photographs of historically significant people and events; examples of old media technologies; and a digital archive of videotaped oral histories. It is considered the world’s largest collection of materials documenting PR history.

AEJMC Public Relations Division (Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication)

AEJMC's PR Division is the largest organization of public relations educators in the world, with more than 400 members from colleges and universities worldwide. Its membership primarily includes public relations researchers, educators, and graduate students. AEJMC’s Public Relations Division encourages the active involvement of graduate students, and any graduate student can be a member.

NYSCA (New York State Communication Association)

NYSCA is an organization of faculty, students, and professionals in communication who are dedicated to studying, improving, and applying the principles and practices of communication to all walks of life. The organization's annual October conference gives current graduate students the opportunity to present research papers, attend workshops, and network with communication faculty and leaders from throughout New York state and the northeast.