Public Relations
The public relations degree provides students with the concepts, skills, and expertise needed to help organizations build mutually beneficial relationships with diverse publics. The knowledge and tools students develop through our curriculum ensure they can enter any field from corporate communication to government affairs to a public relations firm. The professional internship experience coupled with coursework that focuses heavily on writing, research, and strategic planning provides opportunities for students to practice and refine their skills.
Courses
Courses primarily for undergraduates:
P R 220. Principles of Public Relations.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.S.Alt. SS., offered irregularly.
Introduction to public relations in business, government and non-profit organizations; functions, processes, and management; ethics, public opinion and theory.
P R 301. Research and Strategic Planning for Advertising and Public Relations.
(Cross-listed with ADVRT). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.S.
Prereq: ADVRT 230 or P R 220; Sophomore classification
The use of primary and secondary research for situations, organizations and the public. Formation and development of strategic plans for public relations and advertising students.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
P R 305. Publicity Methods.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.S.
Prereq: ENGL 250, Sophomore classification
Communication and publicity fundamentals and the use of media for publicity purposes. Not available to Greenlee School majors.
P R 321. Public Relations Writing.
(2-3) Cr. 3.
F.S.
Prereq: Minimum of C+ in JL MC 201; P R 301. Recommended: JL MC 242 and JL MC 316 or computer design proficiency.
Developing and writing public relations materials with an emphasis on media relations and news. Techniques addressed include media kits, brochures, newsletters and speeches.
P R 390. Professional Skills Development.
(Cross-listed with ADVRT, JL MC). Cr. 1-3.
Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits. F.S.
Prereq: Minimum of C+ in JL MC 201; other vary by topic. Instructor permission for non-majors.
Check School for course availability.
For Greenlee School majors: repeatable, maximum of 3 credits apply toward major requirements.
P R 424. Public Relations Campaigns.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.S.
Prereq: Minimum of C+ in JL MC 321; junior classification.
Developing public relations and public information campaigns for business and social institutions.
P R 490. Independent Study in Communication.
Cr. arr.
Prereq: Junior classification and contract with supervising professor to register.
Independent studies are research-based. Students may study problems associated with a medium, a professional specialization, a philosophical or practical concern, a reportorial method or writing technique, or a special topic in their field. Credit is not given for working on student or professional media without an accompanying research component.
P R 497. Special Topics in Communication.
(Cross-listed with ADVRT, JL MC). Cr. 1-3.
Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits. F.S.
Seminars or one-time classes on topics of relevance to students in communication.
Greenlee School majors: repeatable, maximum of 3 credits toward major requirements; 6 credits maximum.
P R 499. Professional Media Internship.
Cr. 3.
Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Faculty adviser approval.
A 400-hour internship in the student's journalism and mass communication or advertising specialization. Assessment based on employer evaluations, student reports and faculty reviews.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
