Integrated Strategic Communications Classes and Scheduling

Public relations as a professional field: history, theory, principles, and practices.

Students gain competencies with technologies used in the contemporary workplace.

Individual planning and preparation for a public relations career that aligns with each student’s interests and values. Creation of a working portfolio to house their work throughout their degree program.

Students develop a comprehensive campaign plan for a client to explore appropriate campaign strategies.

Communication tools, processes, and practices in business and professional settings.

Media relations and social media methods, strategies and practices through discussion and project-driven experience.

Media-related legal issues facing media and public relations practitioners.

Writing for communications professionals, including public relations outputs; writing for media; writing for the web; creating proposals and pitches; reporting research; and visual organization.

Students apply their knowledge and skill to produce and present public relations projects, plans and proposals based on research of an industry aligned with their career goals to be included in their senior portfolio.

Foundational writing course with a focus on grammar, formats, AP basics, and writing for business.

Examines the process of interviewing in multiple communication contexts including print and broadcast journalism and public information sessions.

Students use web tools and freely available software to gain concrete skills and understandings of technologies that are transforming the media.

Theories and techniques to manage conflict and work collaboratively.

Theories and principles used in ethical decision-making for public relations and corporate communications, including digital ethics, transparency, and codes of ethics.

A client-based approach to research and data-driven decision making to prepare students for public relations research demands.

Evolution and practice of public relations in different countries with an emphasis on diversity and multiculturalism.

Analysis and discussion of public relations issues through case study research.

Principles, philosophy, and techniques for building community relationships that benefit organizations and individuals.

Crisis management theories, methods, and processes. Students apply crisis management knowledge and skills to develop a Crisis Management Plan.

Project management methods, processes, and software. Students apply project management knowledge and skills to develop a Project Management Plan.

Supervised fieldwork. Students have the option of enrolling for either 7- or 15-week internships. For more information on internships, see University-Wide Courses in Chapter 11 and read the Communication and Media Department Internship Guidelines available on the department webpage. Recommended senior standing and a minimum cumulative public relations program GPA of 2.75.