Integrated Strategic Communications Degree Plan

The below Integrated Strategic Communications Online curriculum shows the courses required for the program. In addition, certain University Foundations courses are required to earn a bachelor’s degree from Boise State. These foundation courses may be met through transfer coursework, or will be incorporated into your program of study at Boise State.

If you are not planning to transfer credits, the Online Degree Pathway or an associate degree from Boise State Online can help you get started.

University Foundations Courses

These University Foundations courses may be met through transfer coursework, or they may be incorporated into your program of study at Boise State. They are required, in addition to the Online Integrated Strategic Communications Degree curriculum noted above, in order to earn your bachelor’s degree.

Courses Required for a Bachelor’s Degree

Course Descriptions

PRO 300 Introduction to Public Relations

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

PREREQ: Upper-division standing.

PRO 301 Technology for Professionals

Students gain competencies with technologies used in the contemporary workplace.

PREREQ: Upper-division standing.

PRO 302 Preparing for the Profession

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. (Pass/Fail.)

PREREQ: Upper-division standing. COREQ: PRO 300.

PRO 303 Public Relations Campaign Strategies

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

PREREQ: Upper-division standing. COREQ: PRO 300.

PRO 304 Professional Writing Basics

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

PREREQ: Upper-division standing.

PRO 310 Interviewing

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

PREREQ: Upper-division standing.

PRO 311 Multimedia Storytelling

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

PREREQ: Upper-division standing.

PRO 312 Conflict and Collaboration

Theories and techniques to manage conflict and work collaboratively.

PREREQ: Upper-division standing.

PRO 313 Public Relations Ethics

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

PREREQ: Upper-division standing.

PRO 320 Business and Professional Communication

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

PREREQ: Upper-division standing.

PRO 321 Applied Research for Professionals

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

PREREQ: Upper-division standing.

PRO 322 Media and Social Media Strategies for Professionals

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

PREREQ: Upper-division standing.

PRO 323 Media Law

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

PREREQ: Upper-division standing.

PRO 330 Global Public Relations

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

PREREQ: Upper-division standing.

PRO 331 Public Relations Case Studies

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

PREREQ: Upper-division standing.

PRO 332 Writing for Professionals

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

PREREQ: Upper-division standing.

PRO 333 Community Relations

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

PREREQ: Upper-division standing.

PRO 400 Crisis Management

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

PREREQ: Upper-division standing.

PRO 401 Project Management

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

PREREQ: Upper-division standing.

PRO 493 Internship

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.

PREREQ: Senior standing, minimum cumulative integrated strategic communications program GPA of 2.75, and permission from the instructor.

PRO 499 Capstone

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.

PREREQ: Senior standing.

For the most recent version of these course descriptions, please view the undergraduate catalog.

The sample schedule below is a general guide of when courses can be completed. You will work closely with your academic advisor to arrange your degree plan after you are admitted to the program and complete new student orientation.