​Public Relations

Pursuit of this emphasis prepares students for entry-level positions in public relations, such as fundraising, promotion, lobbying, working in chambers of commerce, or working for non-profit or for-profit organizations. Opportunities to work for full-service or in-house PR departments are also common. Organizations realize the necessity of communicating with important groups in their environments and the necessity to promote their products or services effectively, in addition to managing the stresses and inaction that come with crises or change. Public Relations is a profession that stresses the connection between an organization and its publics. Job possibilities are limited only by a student’s imagination.

 

Required Courses:

• Communication 221, Basic Journalism: Newswriting and Reporting
• Communication 230, Introduction to Public Relations
• Communication 334, Writing for Public Relations
• Communication 431, Public Relations Capstone: Public Relations Campaigns
• Communication 480 or 485 (Communication Internship or Communication Externship)

At least twelve credits from:

• Communication 322*, Communication Graphics Laboratory: Publication Design
• Communication 330*, Public Relations Laboratory
• Communication 333, Case Studies in Public Relations
• Communication 336, Communication and Promotional Strategies
• Communication 339, Crisis Communication
• Communication 392, Communication Ethics

* Indicates a variable-focus course. Course may be a repeated for credit when different subtitles are offered.