A Minor in Public Relations complements other majors as most careers require understanding of internal and external communications. Studying public relations will enable students to better communicate with customers, clients, audiences, supervisors, and teammates. Students will study the variety of communication strategies, tactics, and media platforms public relations practitioners use to build and maintain positive relationships and favorable images for clients. Common job areas include media relations, event planning, corporate communications, content creator, crises management, publicity, public affairs, and government relations. A Minor in Public Relations would offer benefits to students in multiple disciplines, including Business, Marketing, English, Theater, Fine Arts, Political Science, Healthcare, Environmental Sustainability, Education, Women and Gender Studies, and Social Work.

Curriculum

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
School of Communication Core
COMM 175	Introduction to Communication	3
Public Relations Foundation Courses
COMM 210	Principles of Public Relations	3
COMM 213	Digital Foundations	3
Public Relations Focus Courses
COMM 314	Public Relations Cases	3
COMM 318	Public Relations Writing 1	3
Electives
Select two of the following:		6
COMM 101	Public Speaking & Critical Thinking
or COMM 103	Business & Professional Speaking
COMM 205	Reporting Basics I: Writing and Interviewing 1
COMM 268	Persuasion
COMM 278	International Public Relations (Abroad)
COMM 282	Media Law
COMM 290	Branding and Positioning
COMM 296	Themes in Advertising/Public Relations
COMM 311	Health Communication
COMM 312	Special Events Planning
COMM 313	Corporate and Organizational Communication
COMM 317	Media Planning
COMM 320	Public Service Communication 2
COMM 329	Advertising and Public Relations Design
COMM 331	Social Media Advertising
COMM 334	Mobile Advertising
COMM 336	Search & Display Advertising
COMM 337	AD/PR Multimedia Commercial Production 2
COMM 345	Student Agency 3
COMM 370	Special Topics in Advertising & Public Relations
COMM 375	Media Relations
COMM 391	Advertising/Public Relations Internship 2
Total Hours		21

¹

Writing Intensive

²

Satisfies Engaged Learning requirement

³

Inigo

Suggested Sequence of Courses

The below sequence of courses is meant to be used as a suggested path for completing coursework.  An individual student’s completion of requirements depends on course offerings in a given term as well as the start term for a major or graduate study.  Students should consult their advisor for assistance with course selection.

Plan of Study Grid

Sophomore
Fall		Hours
COMM 175	Introduction to Communication	3
	Hours	3
Spring
COMM 210	Principles of Public Relations	3
	Hours	3
Junior
Fall
COMM 213	Digital Foundations	3
	Hours	3
Spring
COMM 318	Public Relations Writing	3
	Hours	3
Senior
Fall
COMM 314	Public Relations Cases	3
	Hours	3
Spring
Minor Elective #1		3
Minor Elective #2		3
	Hours	6
	Total Hours	21

Learning Outcomes

Learn how to create and implement strategic public relations communication campaigns for industry products and services that are relevant to consumer needs and wants.

Write and design messages to reach diverse audiences and for distribution through multiple channels, including both traditional and digital media.

Implement ethical communication practices that are socially responsible and in the mutual interests of the organization and the community.