Public Relations

Upon completion of this course, students will have the skills and knowledge to develop and implement an effective social media strategy that aligns with organizational goals and objectives. They will be able to create engaging organic posts, manage effective paid advertising campaigns, collaborate with influencers and use data to evaluate and optimize social media strategies. Students will be expected to engage in social media throughout the course, integrating their learning through the use of a social media simulation.

• Hours: 42
• Credits: 3
• Pre-Requisites: MDIA1000 OR MDIA1001
• CoRequisites:
• Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

This course is designed as an introduction to the role of the public relations writer and the documents written by public relations writers on the job. Students learn the basics of public relations writing, with emphasis on the ability to gather information, assemble and check facts and compose documents using proper style and voice. These deliverables include news releases, media kits, web and social media content, and speeches and presentation materials. Documents are evaluated on their clarity, creativity and accuracy.

• Hours: 42
• Credits: 3
• Pre-Requisites: COMM1085
• CoRequisites:
• Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: $41.60

This introductory course provides an overview of the role research plays in the practice of public relations. Students learn the necessity of gathering, processing, transferring, and interpreting information. Lectures and demonstrations deal with research methods and techniques for qualitative and quantitative, primary and secondary, and formal and informal research using library, database, and Internet sources. Assignments provide students with experience in gathering and analyzing research data in support of a PR strategy or campaign.

• Hours: 42
• Credits: 3
• Pre-Requisites:
• CoRequisites:
• Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Multimedia is content that uses a combination of content forms, including text, audio, images, animation, video and interactive content. This course provides an overview of the role audio visual and multimedia tactics play in the practice of public relations. Students learn the purpose and value of multimedia in helping to communicate an organization's message more effectively. Students will gain exposure to and assess the value of technologies available to PR practitioners, as well as emerging technologies expected to influence the future practice of public relations.

• Hours: 42
• Credits: 3
• Pre-Requisites:
• CoRequisites:
• Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

This course will look at the unique relationship between the public relations practitioner and the media. The student will explore the role of the media, how the print/broadcast/online news media process works, and how to develop a strong relationship with this important public relations partner. Students will also increase their news literacy by monitoring, analyzing and discussing news and current affairs.

• Hours: 42
• Credits: 3
• Pre-Requisites: PRLN1020
• CoRequisites:
• Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: $29.70

• Hours: 42
• Credits: 3
• Pre-Requisites:
• CoRequisites:
• Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.