Communication, Bachelor of Science (BS) - Concentration in Public Relations
Program Learning Outcomes
Communication - Public Relations, BS
- Produce written communication tactics to communicate with various publics.
- Employ social media, multimedia and graphic design technologies to communicate with publics.
- Demonstrate the ability to develop a research-based strategic communication plan tailored to a specific target public.
Strategic Communication and Media Department, Overall
- Writing competency: Students will demonstrate the ability to write and present messages clearly and effectively.
- Context of the field: Students will understand the history, concepts, and principles of the field and critically apply these elements to current issues within the discipline.
- Career readiness: Students will demonstrate proficiency in message production required for entry-level positions in the field.
- Ethics and legal issues: Students will understand ethical and legal issues facing communicators in the 21st century.
Related Links
Communication - Public Relations, BS Program Page
Curriculum Guide
GPA Requirement
Major GPA: 2.0 or higher
Overall GPA: 2.0 or higher
Summary*
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Rock Studies Requirements | 42 | |
| Other Basic Requirements | 0-3 | |
| Computer Competency | 0-3 | |
| Major/Concentration Requirements | 54 | |
| Electives | 23 | |
* All undergraduate degree programs require a minimum of 120 credits. Some courses meet multiple requirements, but are only counted once toward the 120 credit total required to graduate.
Rock Studies Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| The Rock | ||
| SUBJ 139 | University Seminar 1 | 3 |
| ENGL 102 | Critical Writing | 3 |
| ENGL 104 | Critical Reading | 3 |
| MATH 117 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice | ||
| Ethics and Civil Discourse | ||
| Civil Discourse and Democracy | ||
| Subtotal | 15 | |
| Integrated Inquiry | ||
| Creative and Aesthetic Inquiry | ||
| Select 3 Credits | 3 | |
| Humanities Inquiry | ||
| Select 3 Credits | 3 | |
| Social Science Inquiry | ||
| Select 3 Credits | 3 | |
| Natural Sciences Inquiry | ||
| SCI 101 | Science of Life | 3 |
| Physical Sciences Inquiry | ||
| SCI 102 | Understanding the Physical World | 3 |
| Subtotal | 15 | |
| Thematic Thread | ||
| Select 12 Credits 2 | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 42 | |
| 1 | Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject. |
| 2 | From at least 3 Categories; no more than 6 credits from one department; 6 credits must be 300-level or above. |
Basic Math Requirement
Check with your adviser or a current degree audit report to see if you have been exempted from this course. The credit earned in this course will not be counted toward the 120 credit hour minimum needed to earn a degree.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Complete one of the following: | 0-3 | |
Meet required minimum SAT or ACT math score OR | ||
| Beginning Algebra | ||
| Total Hours | 0-3 | |
Computer Competency
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Demonstrate "computer competency" by one of the following: | 0-3 | |
Pass Computer Competency Exam OR | ||
Select one of the following at SRU or another post-secondary institution: | ||
| Introduction to Computing for Liberal Arts | ||
| Computer Concepts | ||
| Introduction to Computing and Programming | ||
| Technology for Wellness | ||
| Total Hours | 0-3 | |
Major/Concentration Requirements
- 27 major credits must be taken at SRU or PASSHE
- 27 major credits must be taken at the 300 level or above
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements | ||
| COMM 110 | Communication Concepts 1,2 | 3 |
| COMM 263 | Mass Media and Society 1 | 3 |
| COMM 310 | Communication Research Methods 1,2 | 3 |
| COMM 410 | Communication Law 1,2 | 3 |
| COMM 497 | Senior Capstone Seminar 1 | 3 |
| Subtotal | 15 | |
| Public Relations Emphasis | ||
| COMM 231 | Introduction to Public Relations and IMC 1 | 3 |
| COMM 235 | Introduction to Digital Design 1 | 3 |
| COMM 242 | Journalistic Writing 1,2 | 3 |
| COMM 307 | Social Media 1 | 3 |
| COMM 332 | Case Studies in Public Relations and Integrated Communication 1 | 3 |
| COMM 333 | Writing for Public Relations and Integrated Marketing Communication 1,2 | 3 |
| COMM 415 | Persuasion 1 | 3 |
| or COMM 312 | Argumentation | |
| COMM 431 | PR and IMC Campaigns Capstone 1 | 3 |
| Subtotal | 24 | |
| Message Production and Preparation | ||
| Select three courses of the following (at least one course must be 300 level or higher) | 9 | |
| Photojournalism 1 | ||
| Interactive Multimedia 1 1 | ||
| Video Production 1 | ||
| Message Preparation 1 | ||
| Interactive Multimedia 2 1 | ||
| Organizational Communication 1 | ||
| Professional Presentation 1 | ||
| Publication Production 1 | ||
| Feature Journalism 1 | ||
| New-Media Journalism 1 | ||
| Required Business Course | ||
| MRKT 230 | Principles of Marketing 1 | 3 |
| Internship | ||
| COMM 450 | Internship 1 | 3 |
| Total Hours | 54 | |
| 1 | Course counts for 50% of Major and Major GPA |
| 2 | A grade of 'C' or higher must be earned in these courses |
| * | Some courses may require pre-requisites. Please see course descriptions to determine if there are any pre-requisites for that specific course. |
Important Curriculum Guide Notes
This Curriculum Guide is provided to help SRU students and prospective students better understand their intended major curriculum. Enrolled SRU students should note that the My Rock Audit may place already-earned and/or in progress courses in different, yet valid, curriculum categories. Enrolled SRU students should use the My Rock Audit Report and materials and information provided by their faculty advisers to ensure accurate progress towards degree completion. The information on this guide is current as of the date listed. Students are responsible for curriculum requirements at the time of enrollment at the University.
PASSHE - Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Institutions
COMMUNICATION - BS (2118)
Concentration in Public Relations (PUBR)
This program is effective as of Fall 2019.
Revision date: 10.28.2021
UCC RISP 03.05.20
Recommended Four-Year Plan
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| SUBJ 139 | University Seminar 1 | 3 |
| ENGL 102 | Critical Writing | 3 |
| COMM 110 | Communication Concepts (SSI) | 3 |
| COMM 263 | Mass Media and Society | 3 |
| Creative and Aesthetic Inquiry | 3 | |
| INDS 101 | FYRST Seminar | 1 |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| COMM 200 | Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice | 3 |
| ENGL 104 | Critical Reading | 3 |
| COMM 231 | Introduction to Public Relations and IMC | 3 |
| MATH 117 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 |
| Humanities Inquiry | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| COMM 235 | Introduction to Digital Design | 3 |
| Message Production & Preparation Elective | 3 | |
| Natural Sciences Inquiry | 3 | |
| Electives | 6 | |
| Declare a Thematic Thread 2 | ||
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| COMM 242 | Journalistic Writing | 3 |
| Message Production & Preparation Elective | 3 | |
| Physical Sciences Inquiry | 3 | |
| Thematic Thread Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| COMM 310 | Communication Research Methods | 3 |
| COMM 332 | Case Studies in Public Relations and Integrated Communication | 3 |
| Required Business Course | 3 | |
| Thematic Thread Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| COMM 307 | Social Media | 3 |
| COMM 333 | Writing for Public Relations and Integrated Marketing Communication | 3 |
| Thematic Thread Elective | 3 | |
| Electives | 6 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| COMM 410 | Communication Law | 3 |
| COMM 312 or COMM 415 |
Argumentation or Persuasion |
3 |
| Thematic Thread Elective | 3 | |
| Electives | 6 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| COMM 497 | Senior Capstone Seminar | 3 |
| COMM 431 | PR and IMC Campaigns Capstone | 3 |
| Electives | 6 | |
| COMM 450 | Internship | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours** | 121 | |
| 1 | Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject. |
| 2 | Work with your Academic Adviser to declare a Thematic Thread by the end of your fall semester in your second year. Click here to declare a thread. |
| * | Students are encouraged to take INDS 101 as a Free Elective. |
Major Code: 2118
Concentration Code: PUBR
Revised: 10-2019
** This document is meant to serve as a guide. Some planners may show more than 120 credits because faculty have created flexibility in choosing courses. However, only 120 credits are required to obtain a degree. Please consult with your academic adviser and refer to your curriculum guide prior to registering for courses. This plan should be reviewed, and verified, by you and your academic adviser at least once each academic year.