Required Courses for the Public Relations Major:
BUSI 307 Principles of Marketing
BUSI 367 Advertising
COMM 261 Mass Media and Modern Society
COMM 339 Persuasion
PUBR 363 Media and Public Relations Writing
PUBR 367 Layout and Design
ECON 200 Principles of Economics
PUBR 341 Public Relations
PUBR 491 Public Relations Cases
PUBR 493 Internship
One of the following two courses:
BUSI 315 Negotiations
BUSI 335 Human Resources
Students are encouraged to meet with the program coordinator to discuss areas of interest. Often students can major in a second area, or can develop specific areas of expertise. Courses in psychology and sociology are generally useful, as is a familiarity with the various forms of communication technology (e.g., video, Internet, multimedia, print).
Students interested in writing/public presentation should consider the following courses:
COMM 235 Small Group Communication
COMM 260 Introduction to Journalism
COMM 333 Organizational Communication
ENGL 210 Creative Writing
ENGL 301 Advanced Composition
ENGL 310 Advanced Creative Writing
Students interested in print/digital imaging should consider the following courses:
ARTD 211 Design
ARTD 236 Photography
ARTD 345 Graphic Design I
ARTD 445 Graphic Design II
THEA 376 Theatre Design and Technology
Students interested in gaining additional knowledge in business should consider the following courses:
BUSI 105 The Evolution of Commerce
BUSI 305 Administration and Organization
PUBR 341. Public Relations 1 course credit
An examination of contemporary theory and practice. Students will study the history and development of public relations and will create a variety of applications (press releases, public presentations, features, etc.). Students will analyze case studies and will carry out a public relations campaign. Prerequisite: COMM 101.
PUBR 363. Media and Public Relations Writing 1 course credit
A broadcast media and public relations writing course providing practical experience in the creation of commercial and noncommercial materials for radio, television, print and news media. Prerequisite: COMM 261 or PUBR 341. Offered each semester.
PUBR 367. Layout and Design 1 course credit
A study of design and layout concepts as they apply to print and electronic communication. Applications include Web site design and the creation and implementation of media projects (promotional graphics, printed materials, photo-illustrations). Combines application of communication theory with practice in developing successful projects. Prerequisite: COMM 101. Offered each year.
PUBR 491. Public Relations Cases 1 course credit
This course is designed as the culminating experience for Public Relations majors. It will involve detailed examination of public relations campaigns (and case studies). Students will understand the public relations problem-solving process and will be able to apply it to current communication campaigns. Prerequisite: Senior Public Relations major or approval of instructor.
PUBR 493. Internship 1 - 2 course credits
An experience designed to allow the student to use in-the-field concepts and ideas developed during major study and to help prepare the student for employment. Prerequisites: Junior standing and prior approval. May be repeated for credit.