In an "Everything PR" article about the benefits of obtaining a degree in Public Relations, the online magazine said USC Annenberg's PR Program is the best program in the United States.

Citing an Education Portal list, "Everything PR" called USC Annenberg one of the "most promising" programs in the country.

"We couldn't be more proud of this distinction," said Director of Public Relations Studies Jerry Swerling. "It validates our whole approach to PR education and says to our students, 'You have chosen wisely.' The feedback we've long been receiving from our alumni about their ability to get excellent jobs, hit the ground running, and quickly ascend through the ranks has certainly been gratifying, but this kind of recognition from a third party observer is extraordinary."

From the article:

"Education Portal deems the University of Southern California, University of Texas and Syracuse University as the three most promising public relations programs in the country. At USC’s program, students take master’s level courses in the communication and journalism school. The University of Southern California is esteemed for its Strategic Communication and Public Relations Center, which is renowned for its ability to shape tomorrow’s marketing ideas and business leaders."

Swerling, who is also director of the Strategic Communication and Public Relations Center at USC Annenberg, said the article's comments about the important role played by the SCPRC in helping to shape both the profession and our curriculum - a truly unique strength of USC Annenberg PR Studies - is very insightful.

Education Portal also lauded the Strategic Communication and Public Relations Center as well as the many opportunities USC Annenberg students have on campus.

"Students take classes at the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism and gain hands-on experience working with the on-campus public relations firm, TriSight Communications," according to the Education Portal summary. "Students also can join the USC chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. USC is home to the research-focused Strategic Communication and Public Relations Center, which has earned recognition for its work in identifying best practices, new ideas and standards in public relations."

Geneva Overholser, director of the School of Journalism, which houses the Public Relations program, said she was happy but not surprised at the PR program's success.

"I'm delighted that our Public Relations program is being recognized for what it is: a vibrant, forward-looking academic program that draws on the many strengths of USC Annenberg, the University and the city of Los Angeles," Overholser said. "It has been growing in numbers and in excellence for years now, and I couldn't be more proud of it."

Added Swerling:

"Our pending move into our brand new home, Wallis Annenberg Hall, will give our students the opportunity to experience one of the best programs in the world, within a physical environment that will be, without question, the best in the world for PR education," Swerling said.