Communication Degree (B.A.), Public Relations Concentration

Major

Part of the

Skill-building experiences coupled with a knowledge base in essential concepts and theories in the field of public relations.

Graduates are able to successfully plan, implement and evaluate communication programs directed toward relationship building between organizations and their publics.

Our curriculum balances theory and practical experience, bolstered by foundational principles in ethics, diversity, and intercultural communication.

Opportunities:

Personal, one-on-one faculty advisers
On-site television studio, radio station, student newspaper
Internships locally and in Washington, D.C.
Exceptional alumni networking
Communication Club and Television Club

Alumni Career Paths:

Media Relations Director
Sports Communication Specialist
Social Media Manager
Campaign Director
Public Health Advisor
Digital Marketing Specialist

Requirements

Program Description

The Public Relations concentration focuses on the knowledge and skills required to develop and maintain mutually beneficial relationships between organizations or individuals and their publics. Students learn the skills, concepts and theoretical background to enable them to plan, implement and evaluate communication programs directed toward relationship building.

Requirements for the Communication Major - 45 Credits

Required Major Core - 27 Credits

Note:

STUDENTS MUST ELECT ONE OF THE FOLLOWING CONCENTRATIONS: Communication and Culture, Journalism, Public Relations, Media Arts and Analysis, or the Student-Defined Concentration. In addition to the required courses for each concentration, students are required to take electives, one of which must bear a COMM designation. If the concentration requires three or more electives, one of the remaining electives may be chosen from the approved elective list from any of the other concentrations.

Public Relations - 18 Credits

Required - 9 Credits

Students must take the following:

Electives - 9 Credits

Students must choose any three elective courses from the following:

At least two must have a COMM designation.

Additional Graduation Requirements

All students must meet the University Graduation Requirements and complete a general education or common core of studies, distributed among the different academic areas as detailed in General Education: WISE or Common Core.

Learning Outcomes

The Communication Department prepares students to be well-informed, responsible citizens and creative and ethical communication practitioners. The department is unique in offering this balance of theory and practice, which is manifest through our courses, our widely respected internship program, and our students’ involvement in a wide and diverse variety of campus and community organizations.

From the local to the global level, our students and graduates apply their knowledge and skills to pursue further knowledge, establish professional careers, and improve their communities.