Public Relations Major, B.S.

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Department of Journalism and Media Production

College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

Program Available Format(s): In-Person

About the Program

Students pursuing the B.S. degree in Public Relations build on the fundamentals 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.

Students in all JMP programs are expected to demonstrate common industry standards such as active participation, professional conduct, academic integrity, and adherence to deadlines.

Student Outcomes

Think critically and evaluate sources. 
Apply Associated Press style guidelines to their writing. 
Create original works of reporting. 
Analyze ethical and legal considerations in the field. 
Demonstrate professional, collaborative behavior. 
Create strategic PR plans and execute tactical activities. 
Work collaboratively within a team and professional environment.

General Degree Requirements

To earn a degree, students must satisfy all requirements in each of the four areas below, in addition to their individual major requirements.

Program Requirements

A total of 120 semester hours are required for graduation.
A grade of C- or better is required for each course in this program to count toward the bachelor’s degree. Students should note that programs differ in the minimum grade required.

General Studies Requirements: 33 credits

Students should consult the General Studies Requirements for a list of courses that fulfill the General Studies Requirements for degree completion.

Written Communication (6 credits)
Oral Communication (3 credits)
Quantitative Literacy (3 credits)
Arts and Humanities (6 credits)
Historical (3 credits)
Natural and Physical Sciences (6 credits)
Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 credits)
Global Diversity (0 or 3 credits**)

** Students will fulfill the global diversity requirement by taking an approved course within one of the following categories: arts and humanities; historical; natural and physical sciences; or social and behavioral sciences.

Ethnic Studies & Social Justice Requirement: 0 or 3 credits

Students should consult the Ethnic Studies & Social Justice Graduation Requirement for a list of courses that fulfill the ESSJ Requirement for degree completion.
Many programs include courses that meet this requirement. Students should consult with their advisor to determine what program courses may fulfill this requirement.

Department Core: 12 credits

All Journalism and Media Production majors begin with the following courses and prepare a portfolio for evaluation:

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

Public Relations Courses: 21 credits

All Public Relations majors take the following specialized courses, including a Portfolio Review and approved Senior Experience course. 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 3540 - Mobile and Social Media Communication Credits: 3
JMP 3700 - Public Relations Writing Credits: 3
JMP 3740 - Public Relations Research, Planning and Measurement Credits: 3
JMP 3980 - Internship: Journalism and Media Production Credits: 3
JMP 4740 - Public Relations in Crises Credits: 3
JMP 4750 - Public Relations Laboratory Credits: 3

Major Electives: 9 credits

Students complete the major with nine credit hours of electives, three of which need to be upper division. Any JMP course is an acceptable elective, but the following list is particularly suited to the degree.

JMP 2450 - Basic Media Production and Leadership Credits: 3
JMP 2460 - Raster Graphics Credits: 3
JMP 2465 - Vector Graphics Credits: 3
JMP 3300 - Multimedia Journalism I Credits: 3
JMP 3470 - Writing for Interactive Media Credits: 3
JMP 3510 - Portfolio Presentation Credits: 1
JMP 3580 - Making Media Social Credits: 3
JMP 3670 - Writing for the Environmental Industry Credits: 3
JMP 3720 - Media and Influencer Relations Credits: 3
JMP 3780 - Communication Law Credits: 3
JMP 3970 - Journalism Field Experience Credits: 3

Senior Experience: 3 credits

JMP 4500 - Ethical and Legal Issues in Journalism Credits: 3

Summary of Requirements

General Studies Requirements	33 credits
ESSJ Requirement	0-3 credits
Department Core	12 credits
Major Required Courses	21 credits
Major Electives	9 credits
Senior Experience	3 credits
Unrestricted Electives	39-42 credits
Total for the Public Relations Major, B.S.	120 credits

Required courses for the major may also count for General Studies and ESSJ requirements, so the total credits listed may be greater than the number required to complete the degree. Therefore, it is important that you work with your advisor to make sure you are meeting requirements for your degree.