Public Relations and Marketing Communications
Tell compelling stories that influence, inspire audiences
Shape the identity of brands, businesses, nonprofits, and individuals through impactful, strategic storytelling. Through our BA in PR and marketing communications, you will learn how to amplify messages across marketing channels. You'll master communications strategies that will prepare you to thrive in careers in public relations, marketing, and media.
We offer our bachelor's degree through the Gwen Ifill School of Media, Humanities, and Social Sciences. The curriculum bridges classroom learning with hands-on experience. You’ll learn how to craft engaging content that builds brand awareness and drives conversion. You'll also become the go-to expert in strategic communication, digital marketing, content marketing, market research, crisis management, social media analytics, advertising, and more.
Our Boston campus is a prime location for internships. The Simmons campus is close to renowned companies and organizations in media, health, education, and technology. On-the-job experience will give you an edge in securing exciting jobs in the field.
Experts predict public relations jobs will grow 6 percent from 2023 to 2033. This growth is faster than the average for all jobs. With 27,100 job openings annually, you will be well-positioned to achieve career success.
Why Study Public Relations and Communications at Simmons?
Our integrated, flexible curriculum combines learning experiences in the classroom with real-world scenarios. You'll practice strategic and tactical ways to solve problems, increase brand recognition, and hone integrated marketing communications tools.
Our faculty are seasoned industry professionals who will guide you in preparing for the real world of communications. Learn writing and editing techniques tailored to target audiences — from press releases to social media posts. Create marketing communications materials for internal and external use while analyzing real-world campaigns.
Through our curriculum, you’ll explore topics including:
- Content creation, strategy, and analytics
- Data-driven communication/storytelling
- Health communication
- Public relations and crisis communication
- Traditional marketing
- Integrated communication and branding
- Media ethics and policy
- User experience (UX) design
- Visual communication
- Political communication and public advocacy
- Social media platforms
- Search engine optimization (SEO)
In addition, you’ll explore emerging industry trends and stay ahead of the curve with expertise in:
- Video editing
- AI-powered content creation
- PESO marketing (paid, earned, shared, owned media)
- The resurgence of email marketing and platforms like Substack
Our project-based curriculum centers on immersive and collaborative learning. Take advantage of Studio 5, Simmons'student-run agency, where you'll work on projects for real clients.
Thanks to our Boston location, you’ll also access internship opportunities in various industries and specialties. Our graduates have interned at many well-established organizations and companies. These include the Harvard Public Health Department, Hollywood Agency, Moderna, WGBH, and the Boston Center for the Arts.
What Jobs Can You Do in PR and Marketing Communications?
From crafting digital marketing campaigns to writing speeches for politicians, our students graduate nimble, adaptable, and ready for anything. A communications and public relations degree will prepare you for many career paths.
List some recent communications and PR jobs held by our graduates:
- Development and Communications Coordinator
- Marketing Manager
- Digital Marketing Specialist
- Social Media Editor
- Social Media Strategist
- Content Producer
- Marketing and Creative Director
- Production Management
- JD Candidate
- MBA Candidate
- Communications Director (Capital Hill)
- Creative Strategist
- Attorney
- Business Owner
- Data Analyst
- Environmental Researcher
Our Faculty
Briana Martino
Associate Professor and Department Chair
Erica Moura
Associate Professor of Practice
Bob White
Professor
Kat Lombard-Cook
Assistant Professor & the Design Track Director and the Integrated Media Track Director
Dannie Annecston
Assistant Professor of Practice
Yulong Li
Associate Professor
Edward Vieira
Professor
Spotlight on Public Relations and Marketing Communications Students and Alums
Reflecting on Community Service, Friendship, and Fun at Simmons
First-generation student Gia Elie ’24 has engaged in community service in the Boston area as part of the Alpha Kappa sorority. She has also been involved with the Black Student Organization and has completed two internships. She counts the friendships she has made at Simmons as one of her most transformative experiences.
Black Student Organization Honors Black History Month with Food, Festivities, and Intergenerational Community
Throughout Black History Month, all students are welcome to express their solidarity with Simmons’ Black community over cupcakes, soul food, music, and dancing. We spoke with BSO’s Soul President Gia Elie ’24, Soul Vice President Sunei Clarke ’24, and Soul of Communications Bartianna Brown ’24 about their passion for Black history and co-curating events that celebrate their culture.
Gia Lebrun ’24 Shares her Perspective as a First-Generation Student at Simmons
We asked first-generation student Gia Lebrun ’24 about her perspective on the college experience and what advice she would give to prospective first-generation students.
Studio 5 Imparts Real-World Industry Experience to Communications Students
Essentially a student-run communications agency, Studio 5 gives Communications students at Simmons a taste of real work experience. We spoke with Communications professors and recent alumnae/i about what makes Studio 5 such a successful exercise in experiential learning.
Maggie Knowles '02 Helps Celebrate Local Food Culture and Agricultural Sustainability
As the Editor-in-Chief of edible MAINE, a print and digital magazine that explores Maine’s food scene, alumna Maggie Knowles promotes a holistic approach to the culinary arts and food production. Knowles spoke with us about her love for writing and food, and how Simmons helped her achieve her dreams.
Sherri Burnett '24 Hones her Marketing Skills with a Full-time Job and Side Businesses
Sherri Burnett '24 Hones her Marketing Skills with a Full-time Job and Side Businesses Public Relations and Marketing/Communications major Sherri Burnett is pursuing her degree online from California. Simmons is giving her the tools she needs to further hone her...
Meet Your Orientation Leaders: Emily Marder '23, Katelyn Fox '25, Kiki Regan '23, Sophie Bredensteiner '23, and Tess Federico-Maietta '23
Emily Marder '23 is a Nursing major from Lynnfield, Massachusetts. Emily explains why she became an Orientation Leader: "I had fond memories of my orientation and liked how the Orientation Leaders were able to foster a community feeling and connect...
How the Ifill Forum Gave Kate Farrell ’23 Hope for Democracy
Kate Farrell ’23 fills us in on participating in the Ifill Forum and how alumna Gwen Ifill's legacy is felt in the Simmons classroom.