Program Overview

Advertising and Public Relations, Public Relations Concentration, B.S.

The Advertising and Public Relations program with a concentration in Public Relations is designed to prepare students for successful careers in the corporate and nonprofit sectors, education, entertainment, government and politics, social media, and sports. The program teaches coursework consistent with industry standards to prepare students for careers in public relations.

Program Description

The program helps students prepare for positions in public relations, teaching them to put their creative talents to use in areas like writing, audio, video, and social media. Students learn to help individuals and organizations build a positive reputation through a career in public relations (PR). The program offers a concentration in Public Relations, which is part of the Bachelor of Science in Advertising and Public Relations.

Career Opportunities

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects public relations to experience "faster than average" job growth through 2031. Careers in public relations include strategic communications, media relations, corporate communications, crisis communications, entertainment public relations, healthcare public relations, international public relations, and research methods.

Academic Map

The program requires a minimum of 120 hours to complete, including 41 hours of True Blue Core requirements, 48 hours of major requirements, 15-18 hours of minor requirements, and 13-22 hours of electives.

Degree Requirements

• True Blue Core (TBC): 41 hours
• Major Requirements: 48 hours
  • School of Journalism and Strategic Media Core: 15 hours
  • Writing/Design Requirements: 9 hours
  • Conceptual Requirements: 9 hours
  • Professional Topics: 12 hours
  • Senior Capstone: 3 hours
• Minor: 15-18 hours
• Electives: 13-22 hours

Major Requirements

The major requirements include:

• School of Journalism and Strategic Media Core:
  • Introduction to Media and Entertainment
  • Media Writing
  • Digital Media Practices
  • Careers in Journalism and Media
  • Professional Development
  • Media Law
  • MC Practicum or MC Internship
• Writing/Design Requirements:
  • Strategic Communication Writing for Public Relations
  • Crisis Communication in Public Relations
  • Visual Communication Applications
• Conceptual Requirements:
  • Public Relations Principles
  • Strategic Communication Research
  • Principles of Advertising or other approved courses
• Professional Topics:
  • Public Relations Publications
  • Case Studies in Public Relations
  • Interactive Advertising and Social Media or other approved courses
• Senior Capstone:
  • Public Relations Campaigns

Faculty

The program is taught by experienced faculty, including:

• Angie Boyd Chambers, Lecturer
• Dr. Tricia M. Farwell, Associate Professor
• Dr. Andrea Hall, Assistant Professor
• Dr. Matthew P. Taylor, Associate Professor
• Dr. Jun Zhang, Assistant Professor

Information

The School of Journalism and Strategic Media offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree with a major in Advertising and Public Relations or Journalism. Concentrations within Advertising and Public Relations include Advertising, Public Relations, and Public Relations-Recording Industry. The program is accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (ACEJMC).