Communication/Journalism, Public Relations Concentration, B.A.

The public relations professional emphasis prepares students for careers working in media relations, public affairs and digital strategic communications. The department offers a wide range of PR classes that not only teach students how to research, create, design and implement strategic communication plans and campaigns, but also how to use social media effectively in commercial, non-profit and governmental environments. Students have the opportunity to get involved in the PR departments of our student media groups and to join and lead our chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), a network of more than 11,000 students across the nation who study and practice professional public relations for real-world clients.

Note:

All students completing a Bachelor of Arts degree are required to attain proficiency in a foreign language. Proficiency may be satisfied by completing a language class at the 103 (intermediate) level or three years of any one foreign language in high school. Students may also meet this requirement through AP testing or CLEP testing.

42 crs.

All majors must take 42 credits in the Communication/Journalism major to graduate.

The Communication/Journalism major consists of a required Communication/Journalism Core (5 courses; 15 credits), a student-selected Professional Emphasis (4 courses; 12 credits), and Communication/Journalism Electives (5 courses; 15 credits).

Theory and Writing Core (15 crs.)

Each student must complete COM 111 and COM 112 with a C or better grade before taking any other communication/journalism courses:

Each student must have the appropriate class standing before taking the final two core courses (6 crs.):

Prior to taking COM 355 students must have Jr. standing and have taken the following: COM 201 & COM 241 , or COM 285 & COM 293 , or COM 224 & COM 284

Note:

Once a student has selected a professional emphasis area, he or she can transfer to another area if there is an opening in that emphasis and with the permission of the student’s academic advisor.

Professional Emphasis (12 crs.)

Public Relations

Communication/Journalism Electives (15 crs.)

Students must complete five courses to complete the major.

The Following Elective Courses Require Junior or Senior Status:

Note:

COM 396 and COM 396 may be scheduled through the department secretary by qualified juniors/seniors who have a 2.5 QPA and who have written approval from the department’s internship coordinator. Only 6 credits of internship count towards the major; additional internship credits available only by departmental permission.