Program Description
The public relations major combines a strong base in academic study with opportunities to test concepts through projects with actual clients. Writing proficiency is a necessary element of the major, as writing and knowledge of target audiences form the basic foundation of good public relations.
Students learn theories and gain hands-on experience in creating strategic information programs, internal communications plans, media relations, and special events as they build their professional portfolios using all available formats of media (print, video, radio and television, and digital and electronic applications).
Students learn from practicing professionals who are their professors, lecturers, mentors, and clients, bringing a real-world substance to the major. Internships augment the experience.
Learning Outcomes
Successful graduates of this program will be able to:
- select and propose public relations strategies employed in businesses and non-profit organizations.
- create and express content through above average skills.
- understand and utilize the best channel for delivering public relations messages to appropriate audiences.
- package and edit message content through appropriate media.
- conduct themselves with professionalism in project management, client relationships, portfolio development, presentations, work relationships, and job identification.
Portfolio Review Course Requirements
- EPMD 1000 Introduction to Media Production
- MEDC 1010 Introduction to Mass Communications
- PBRL 2100 Fundamentals of Strategic Communications and Public Relations
- INTM 2350 Production Tools for Advertising and PR
- PBRL 2920 Writing for Public Relations
Degree Requirements
A minimum of 128 credit hours consisting of the following:
- 60 required credit hours
- Applicable university global citizenship or general education program hours
- Electives
Required Courses
| EPMD 1000 Introduction to Media Production | 3 hours |
| MEDC 1010 Introduction to Mass Communications | 3 hours |
| JOUR 1030 Fundamentals of Reporting | 3 hours |
| MEDC 1050 Introduction to Media Writing | 3 hours |
| BUSN 1200 Introduction to Business | 3 hours |
| SPCM 1280 Interpersonal Communications | 3 hours |
| PBRL 2100 Fundamentals of Strategic Communications and Public Relations | 3 hours |
| MEDC 2200 Ethics in the Media | 3 hours |
| INTM 2350 Production Tools for Advertising and PR | 3 hours |
| PBRL 2920 Writing for Public Relations | 3 hours |
| INTM 3100 Programming for Web Communications | 3 hours |
| ADVT 3500 Visual Communication for Advertising and Public Relations | 3 hours |
| SPCM 3500 Presentations for Media Professionals | 3 hours |
| MEDC 4100 The Law and the Media | 3 hours |
| PBRL 4300 Crisis Communications Management | 3 hours |
| PBRL 4800 Media Relations | 3 hours |
| PBRL 4920 Public Relations Campaigns* | 3 hours |
| MEDC 4950 Professional Media Practicum, or PBRL 4620 Senior Overview | 3 hours |
| *Capstone Course |
In addition, a minimum of 6 credit hours from the following:
| MEDC 2800 Cultural Diversity in the Media | 3 hours |
| PBRL 3200 Specialized Publications | 3 hours |
| MEDC 3260 International Communications | 3 hours |
| MNGT 3550 Public Relations | 3 hours |
| PBRL 3920 Public Information Production | 3 hours |
| PBRL 4050 Special Events | 3 hours |
| PBRL 4200 Organizational Communication | 3 hours |
| PBRL 4700 Professional Development in Public Relations | 3 hours |
Relevant electives
(not required for the major, but the faculty suggests students consider these courses to supplement their major):
| JOUR 2300 Journalism: Layout and Design | 3 hours |
| MNGT 3500 Marketing | 3 hours |
| MNGT 3510 Advertising | 3 hours |
| PBRL 4190 Public Relations Research | 3 hours |
| MEDC 4500 Interactive Media | 3 hours |
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