Public relations has been approved as a major within the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication at Iowa State.

The new degree program — previously offered at Iowa State as an degree emphasis within the journalism major — was approved by the Board of Regents at its meeting Aug. 8 at the Memorial Union.

“I just feel excited,” said Erin Wilgenbusch, senior lecturer for the of journalism and communication who teaches courses on public relations.

Wilgenbusch said the process to make public relations a stand-alone program began about two years ago. She estimated that anywhere from 100 to 150 students could be in the program within its first year.

The Greenlee School has had many students in public relations-related internships for several years and Wilgenbusch said that adding the program will help the school sustain its credibility.

“A good PR program is grounded in journalistic principles and ethics,” said Wilgenbusch, who explained the program will help the Greenlee School remain a leader in teaching journalism and communications.