MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
Dear Prospective Student,
Public Relations is one of the 10 fastest-growing professions in the U.S. (according to the
Bureau of Labor Statistics), and the forecast is similar in many other countries. What a time to be
working toward a career as a professional communicator!
When I was head of corporate communications at Merck & Co., I often looked to hire people
with graduate degrees for a few reasons. First, people with strong practitioner skills built on
solid academic foundations have a better chance of success in public relations. Second, an advanced
education shows intellectual drive and curiosity. As the field of public relations grows, there is
a real need for professionals who not only know their own organizations inside and out but also
have a worldview that includes knowledge of history, government, and public policy. In fact, during
this golden age of communication, all organizations need communication experts to help achieve
their missions and connect with their publics in meaningful ways.
Today, those who communicate on behalf of our institutions have greater power than ever, because
communications media are more powerful than ever before, and communicators are under greater
pressure to use their power in responsible ways. In order for organizations to build solid,
sustainable reputations and avoid the kinds of scandals that have affected so many of them (both
for-profits and not-for-profits), organizational communication must be strategic, proficient, and
ethical.
The M.S. in Public Relations and Corporate Communications is designed to help develop such
communicators through strong academic offerings. Our graduate courses, taught by faculty members
who are leaders in their communication disciplines, give students the opportunity to conduct
in-depth research using New York City as their laboratory. Students train through a balance of
theory and hands-on practice to emerge as confident practitioners, strategists, and tacticians who
are academically well-rounded and ready to promote their careers in an ever-changing
environment.
Our first class of 34 students began in September 2005, and we will have about 140 students when
we begin our third year in September 2007. I and other members of our faculty get to know our
students very well, and I can say with confidence that they will become leaders in communication,
business, government, academia, and nonprofits. We are tremendously proud of our students.
Sincerely,
John Doorley, B.S., M.A.
academic program director and clinical assistant professor,
graduate program in Public Relations and Corporate Communications,
Division of Programs in Business
