Public Relations Major, B.S.

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Students in the Public Relations major will build upon the fundamentals of journalism and media production in a program that focuses on the theories and methods for helping organizations and individuals nurture their reputations so that they can achieve their goals; employing communication strategies and tactics that influence internal and external stakeholders and prospects in the general public; and that prepares individuals to function as public relations assistants, technicians, and managers. Students receive instruction in public relations theory; related principles of persuasion, marketing and journalism; message/image design; image management; media relations; community relations; public affairs; and internal and external communication.

Department Core

Students first complete 12-credit hours in the department’s core courses and prepare a portfolio for evaluation.

JMP 1100 - Journalism Fundamentals Credits: 3
JMP 1450 - Media Literacy and Communication Credits: 3
JMP 2430 - Introduction to Media Production Credits: 3
JMP 2435 - Multimedia Writing and Production Credits: 3

Public Relations Courses

After completing the core and portfolio review, students progress in more specialized courses within Public Relations. Students must complete a Senior Experience course (JMP 4500) plus at least 24 credit hours from the courses below. (Public Relations Lab is a repeatable course and may be taken for up to six credit hours.)

JMP 2700 - Fundamentals of Public Relations Credits: 3
JMP 3510 - Portfolio Presentation Credits: 1
JMP 3540 - Mobile and Social Media Communication Credits: 3
JMP 3700 - Public Relations Writing Credits: 3
JMP 3720 - Media and Influencer Relations Credits: 3
JMP 3740 - Public Relations Research, Planning and Management Credits: 3
JMP 3980 - Internship: Journalism and Media Production Credits: 3
JMP 4500 - Ethical and Legal Issues in Journalism Credits: 3
JMP 4740 - Public Relations in Crises Credits: 3
JMP 4750 - Public Relations Laboratory Credits: 3

Department Electives

Students complete the 45-credit hour major with six credit hours in electives. Any course offered by the department is an eligible elective.