Communications - Public Relations (B.A.)

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Student Learning Outcomes for Communications - Public Relations major:

Students will be able to:

Write effective communication materials for a variety of contexts.
Effectively demonstrate competencies in oral communication.
Demonstrate competencies in media production.
Use critical thinking skills in the application of communication theories.
Plan and implement communication productions that address organizational challenges.
Demonstrate leadership abilities through effective program and production management including independent, experiential learning, and collaborative endeavors.
Conduct all work in an ethical manner.

The Communications - Public Relations major requires:

COM 120 - Intro to Communications 4.00 credits.
COM 130 - Visual Communications 4.00 credits.
COM 210 - Presentation Skills 4.00 credits.
COM 211 - Multimedia Journalism 4.00 credits.
COM 230 - Video Production 4.00 credits.
COM 248 - Communication Law and Ethics 4.00 credits.
COM 310 - New Media Production 4.00 credits.
COM 333 - Organizational Communication 4.00 credits.
COM 351 - Public Relations 4.00 credits.
COM 355 - PR Writing 4.00 credits.
COM 495 - Communications Capstone 4.00 credits.

Three electives from the following list of courses:

Electives must be COM 200 and above. No more than one elective may double count as College Core.

COM 224 - CE Script and Screenwriting 4.00 credits.
COM 252 - HUM Multi-Cultural Communications 4.00 credits.
COM 261 - HUM Film Studies 4.00 credits.
COM 282 - Health Communication 4.00 credits.
COM 312 - Introduction to Media Analytics 4.00 credits.
COM 314 - Feature Writing 4.00 credits.
COM 316 - Broadcast News 4.00 credits.
COM 410 - Advanced Production 4.00 credits.
COM 412 - Advanced Public Relations 4.00 credits.
MKT 215 - Principles of Marketing 4.00 credits.

First Year Suggested Courses:

FYS 100 - First-Year Seminar 4.00 credits.
COM 120 - Intro to Communications 4.00 credits.
COM 130 - Visual Communications 4.00 credits.
EN 100 - PLE First Year Writing 4.00 credits.
COM 210 - Presentation Skills 4.00 credits.
COM 211 - Multimedia Journalism 4.00 credits.

Notes:

Students must declare a major of study by the beginning of their sophomore year (second year) and transfer students (internal or from other institutions) must declare a major of study. Declaring the major late could result in students taking additional semesters of study to complete course work in proper sequence. Prerequisite courses must be taken in advance of courses, NOT as co-requisites. Although not required, a minor course of study is recommended by the Program advisors.

Program Opportunities

Program facilities and the Media Center are located in the Steinman Center for Communications and Fine Arts. This Center contains modern equipment in audio and video studios, and graphics and multi-image laboratories. The student-operated media stations, WWEC 88.3 FM and ECTV Channel 40 are housed in the Center.

The curriculum is complemented by a number of programmatic organizations: WWEC-FM radio, the Jay Firm (student public relations agency), ECTV-40, and others. The Etownian, the student-run newspaper, provides excellent journalism experiences for majors. These organizations sponsor speakers, workshops, contests, and field trips to enhance campus life while making the student’s classroom experience more meaningful.

Internships

Out-of-classroom, on-the-job field experiences are encouraged of all majors and minors. An experience linking the academic world and the work world can enable an advanced student to apply – in a practical way – understandings and abilities in a career-related position. Internships may be elected by majors and minors at the sophomore level and above and are available for zero to four credits with on- or off-campus sponsors. Internship experiences are repeatable to a maximum of four credits and may count only as general elective credit. Additionally, the internship option requires an overall 2.70 grade point average and a 3.00 grade point average in the major. The Program’s “Guide to the Preparation of Internships” serves as an outline of procedures and requirements for an internship. Students are permitted to seek their own positions or to apply for one from the many opportunities already listed with regional communications organizations.

GPA Requirement

All students must have a 2.00 grade point average to declare the major or minor and enroll in any courses above the 100 level.