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

  1. University requirements:
    1. New students are required to complete the General Education (GenEd) curriculum.
    2. All students must take a minimum of two writing-intensive courses. The specific writing-intensive courses required for this major are PR 1496  and PR 3096.
  2. Lew Klein College of Media and Communication requirements, including KLN 1001.
  3. Minimum of 48 credits in Public Relations courses and CSI 1111 or CSI 1911.
  4. A grade of C or higher must be attained in all required Public Relations courses and CSI 1111 or CSI 1911.
  5. An overall GPA of 2.0 must be attained in the major.
  6. No more than 12 semester hours of transfer credits may be applied to Public Relations major requirements.
  7. No more than 8 credits may be taken in Kinesiology and Dance activities courses.

Public Relations Requirements

1000-Level Core Requirements
CSI 1111Introduction to Public Speaking3
or CSI 1911 Honors Introduction to Public Speaking
PR 1101PRactical Grammar for Public Communications3
PR 1112Communicating Leadership3
PR 1496News Writing and Media Relations3
PR 1552Introduction to Public Relations3
2000-Level Core Requirements
PR 2551Research Methods3
PR 2662Leading Groups and Team Building3
PR 2701Public Relations Theory3
3000-Level Core Requirements
PR 3096Public Relations Writing3
PR 3101Digital Media, Social Media, Audience Analytics for Public Relations3
PR 3201Law and Ethics in Public Relations3
PR 3202Diversity and Public Relations3
PR 3301Industry Essentials for Public Relations2
PR 3302Crisis Communication3
PR 3587Public Relations Field Experience1 to 3
4000-Level Core Requirements
PR 4102Public Relations Portfolio3
PR 4501Public Relations Capstone3
Total Credit Hours48-50

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
FallCredit Hours
PR 1101PRactical Grammar for Public Communications3
PR 1112Communicating Leadership3
ENG 0802, 0812, or 0902Analytical Reading and Writing [GW]4
GenEd Quantitative Literacy Course [GQ]4
KLN 1001Klein First-Year Seminar1
 Term Credit Hours15
Spring
CSI 1111 or 1911Introduction to Public Speaking3
PR 1496News Writing and Media Relations [WI]3
PR 1552Introduction to Public Relations3
IH 0851 or 0951Intellectual Heritage I: The Good Life [GY]3
GenEd Breadth Course3
 Term Credit Hours15
Year 2
Fall
PR 2551Research Methods3
PR 2701Public Relations Theory3
IH 0852 or 0952Intellectual Heritage II: The Common Good [GZ]3
GenEd Breadth Course3
Elective3
 Term Credit Hours15
Spring
PR 2662Leading Groups and Team Building3
GenEd Breadth Course3
GenEd Breadth Course3
Electives6
 Term Credit Hours15
Year 3
Fall
PR 3096Public Relations Writing [WI]3
PR 3101Digital Media, Social Media, Audience Analytics for Public Relations3
PR 3201Law and Ethics in Public Relations3
PR 3202Diversity and Public Relations3
GenEd Breadth Course3
 Term Credit Hours15
Spring
PR 3301Industry Essentials for Public Relations2
PR 3302Crisis Communication3
PR 3587Public Relations Field Experience12
Electives11
 Term Credit Hours18
Year 4
Fall
PR 4102Public Relations Portfolio3
GenEd Breadth Course3
Electives9
 Term Credit Hours15
Spring
PR 4501Public Relations Capstone3
GenEd Breadth Course3
Electives10
 Term Credit Hours16
 Total Credit Hours: 124