Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations, offered by the Department of Advertising and Public Relations, consists of 17 Public Relations courses (minimum of 48 credit hours). In this major, students learn the theories of communication influencing how public relations (PR) is practiced and developing the knowledge and skills they need for communicating effectively: strategic and critical thinking, speaking and writing—the basic foundations for becoming a PR professional.

The goal of the Public Relations major is to empower students and understand public relations is all about two-way communication to build relationships with people of all types, at all levels and across responsibilities, a career not just a job. Public relations requires responsible, data-based and thoughtful reflection, guidance and action from all levels of organizations, not just senior leaders. It requires the knowledge and skills set of self-awareness, oral and written communication skills, ethical decision-making and action, and the ability to understand how and what to communicate to diverse audiences based on where they are, and their wants and needs. By doing this, PR professionals generate mutual gains using a variety of communication tools (including emerging technology—AI, VR, AR, etc.) to generate a vision and lead with, through, and for others into bringing about positive change for individuals, communities, organizations and society.

This program will give students the knowledge and skills to understand true "public relations," building and maintaining relationships with people and communities in meaningful and continuous two-way conversations on a variety of platforms. The goal of any public relations effort is to build mutual trust and respect, and be able to effectively formulate and advocate for a position on an issue, and influence and empower others. Graduates will be able to use the knowledge gained from this program through an understanding of theory and the practical application in the businesses (for-profit, non-profit, government and non-government organizations) and industries they work in and the communities they serve.

An optional concentration in International Communication is available for this major.

Campus Location: Main

Program Code: CO-PR-BA

Contact Information

Kathy Mueller, Department Chair
215-204-4262
kmueller@temple.edu

Steve Ryan, Assistant Professor of Instruction and Director of Public Relations
215-204-8506
skryan@temple.edu

Lisa D. M. Smith, Office Manager
215-204-4268
lisa.smith0005@temple.edu

Advertising and Public Relations Department Office
Annenberg Hall, Room 300

Learn more about the Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations.

These requirements are for students who matriculated in academic year 2024-2025. Students who matriculated prior to fall 2024 should refer to the Archives to view the requirements for their Bulletin year.

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 and KLN 1002.
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

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

Suggested Plan for New Students Starting in the 2024-2025 Academic Year

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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.

Optional Concentration

The optional International Communication Concentration (ICC) provides a theoretical and practical education in international and intercultural communication and media. This program allows students to develop sought-after competencies in cultural sensitivity and intercultural communication skills by encouraging students to reflect on their own cultural lenses. Students participating in the ICC program will be exposed to multiple international perspectives through internationally- and interculturally-oriented courses offered on Temple's domestic campuses and may be supplemented with study abroad coursework.

This concentration is restricted to Klein students only.

Requirements

To earn the International Communication Concentration transcript notation, a student must successfully complete a total of 18-20 credits of International / Intercultural studies courses, a maximum 9 credits of which may come from courses transferred into Temple, across 3 areas. Each course that fulfills a requirement for the concentration must be passed with a C- or better.

Contact Information

Jack Klotz, MSP Faculty Advisor
Annenberg Hall, Room 115
215-204-5823
jklotz@temple.edu

Accelerated Programs

Students may opt to pursue an accelerated +1 program, enabling them to complete both a bachelor's degree and master's degree in less time than the traditional route.

The following accelerated program is available to students in the Public Relations BA:

Lew Klein College of Media and Communication

• Journalism MJ