Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations
Learn more about the Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations.
The Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations consists of 17 Public Relations courses (minimum of 48 credit hours). In the Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations, students learn the theories of communication influencing how public relations (PR) is practiced while developing the knowledge base and skills they need for strategic and critical thinking, speaking and writing—the basic foundations for becoming a PR professional.
The goal of the Public Relations major is to help students understand public relations is an ongoing communication and relational process, not a position. Viewed this way, public relations requires responsible, thoughtful reflection and action from all levels of organizations, not just those in leadership positions. This approach requires competencies of self-awareness, oral and written communication skills, ethical decision-making and action, and the ability to understand audiences' needs, wants and desires, and generate mutual win-win scenarios using a variety of communication tools to generate a vision and lead with, through, and for others to bring about positive change.
This program will build both knowledge and skills for students to understand true public relations, e.g., "relating" to publics through building a meaningful two-way continuous dialogue built on mutual trust and respect, and be able to effectively formulate a position and influence and empower others. They will be able to use the knowledge gained from this program to bridge the divide between the theoretical and practical application in the organizations they work in (for-profit, non-profit, government and non-government organizations) and industries and the communities they serve.
Requirements for the Degree
Summary of Requirements
- University requirements:
- Lew Klein College of Media and Communication requirements, including KLN 1001.
- Minimum of 48 credits in Public Relations courses and CSI 1111 or CSI 1911.
- A grade of C or higher must be attained in all required Public Relations courses and CSI 1111 or CSI 1911.
- An overall GPA of 2.0 must be attained in the major.
- No more than 12 semester hours of transfer credits may be applied to Public Relations major requirements.
- No more than 8 credits may be taken in Kinesiology and Dance activities courses.
Public Relations Requirements
Code | Title | Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
1000-Level Core Requirements | ||
CSI 1111 | Introduction to Public Speaking | 3 |
or CSI 1911 | Honors Introduction to Public Speaking | |
PR 1101 | PRactical Grammar for Public Communications | 3 |
PR 1112 | Communicating Leadership | 3 |
PR 1496 | News Writing and Media Relations | 3 |
PR 1552 | Introduction to Public Relations | 3 |
2000-Level Core Requirements | ||
PR 2551 | Research Methods | 3 |
PR 2662 | Leading Groups and Team Building | 3 |
PR 2701 | Public Relations Theory | 3 |
3000-Level Core Requirements | ||
PR 3096 | Public Relations Writing | 3 |
PR 3101 | Digital Media, Social Media, Audience Analytics for Public Relations | 3 |
PR 3201 | Law and Ethics in Public Relations | 3 |
PR 3202 | Diversity and Public Relations | 3 |
PR 3301 | Industry Essentials for Public Relations | 2 |
PR 3302 | Crisis Communication | 3 |
PR 3587 | Public Relations Field Experience | 1 to 3 |
4000-Level Core Requirements | ||
PR 4102 | Public Relations Portfolio | 3 |
PR 4501 | Public Relations Capstone | 3 |
Total Credit Hours | 48-50 |
Suggested Academic Plan
Please note that this is a suggested academic plan. Depending on your situation, your academic plan may look different.
Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations
Requirements for New Students starting in the 2022-2023 Academic Year
Year 1 | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Credit Hours | |
PR 1101 | PRactical Grammar for Public Communications | 3 |
PR 1112 | Communicating Leadership | 3 |
ENG 0802, 0812, or 0902 | Analytical Reading and Writing [GW] | 4 |
GenEd Quantitative Literacy Course [GQ] | 4 | |
KLN 1001 | Klein First-Year Seminar | 1 |
Term Credit Hours | 15 | |
Spring | ||
CSI 1111 or 1911 | Introduction to Public Speaking | 3 |
PR 1496 | News Writing and Media Relations [WI] | 3 |
PR 1552 | Introduction to Public Relations | 3 |
IH 0851 or 0951 | Intellectual Heritage I: The Good Life [GY] | 3 |
GenEd Breadth Course | 3 | |
Term Credit Hours | 15 | |
Year 2 | ||
Fall | ||
PR 2551 | Research Methods | 3 |
PR 2701 | Public Relations Theory | 3 |
IH 0852 or 0952 | Intellectual Heritage II: The Common Good [GZ] | 3 |
GenEd Breadth Course | 3 | |
Elective | 3 | |
Term Credit Hours | 15 | |
Spring | ||
PR 2662 | Leading Groups and Team Building | 3 |
GenEd Breadth Course | 3 | |
GenEd Breadth Course | 3 | |
Electives | 6 | |
Term Credit Hours | 15 | |
Year 3 | ||
Fall | ||
PR 3096 | Public Relations Writing [WI] | 3 |
PR 3101 | Digital Media, Social Media, Audience Analytics for Public Relations | 3 |
PR 3201 | Law and Ethics in Public Relations | 3 |
PR 3202 | Diversity and Public Relations | 3 |
GenEd Breadth Course | 3 | |
Term Credit Hours | 15 | |
Spring | ||
PR 3301 | Industry Essentials for Public Relations | 2 |
PR 3302 | Crisis Communication | 3 |
PR 3587 | Public Relations Field Experience1 | 2 |
Electives | 11 | |
Term Credit Hours | 18 | |
Year 4 | ||
Fall | ||
PR 4102 | Public Relations Portfolio | 3 |
GenEd Breadth Course | 3 | |
Electives | 9 | |
Term Credit Hours | 15 | |
Spring | ||
PR 4501 | Public Relations Capstone | 3 |
GenEd Breadth Course | 3 | |
Electives | 10 | |
Term Credit Hours | 16 | |
Total Credit Hours: | 124 |
1 | This program requires a minimum of 124 credits. If students choose to take PR 3587 Public Relations Field Experience for less than 2 credits, they may need to take one additional elective credit to reach a total of 124 credits. |