How a Psychology Minor Strengthens My PR Degree

By: Cloe Di Giulio

Along with PR, I am pursuing a minor in Psychology. One of my favorite aspects of PR is how human-centered the field is, so I want to be as knowledgeable as I can in relationship building and connecting with people beyond the surface level. Therefore, I feel that Psychology and PR go hand-in-hand when it comes to effective communication with clients, consumers, or the general public.  

I’m currently taking a course in Social Psychology, which covers how people’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by their social environment. Already, the knowledge I have gained from the course has shaped how I interpret my interactions with other people. The course has also given me insight into how individuals may respond to different communication messaging strategies. I believe that having this understanding provides PR professionals with the necessary tools to handle complex situations, such as crises.

On the first day of class, my professor told us that she believes everyone should have a minor in Psychology, no matter the major. And the more we dive into the content, the more I agree with her; In my opinion, there will always be aspects of Psychology that can be applied to both professional careers and one’s personal life.