BS - Public Relations 24
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The Public Relations major at Kennesaw State University offers a professionally-focused, marketplace-relevant, and theoretically-rigorous academic program for aspiring public relations communicators throughout Metro Atlanta and Northwest Georgia. Kennesaw State is one of only three universities in the state of Georgia to offer a specific major in the ever-evolving discipline of Public Relations. The major offers students a public relations education that includes public relations principles, case study analysis, public relations writing, crisis communication, graphic design for organizational publications, persuasion methods and strategies, and use of social media and other multi-media communication strategies in public relations. Internships and study tours to New York and Atlanta public relations agencies supplement the traditional classroom and online learning settings.
The major requires 18 credit hours of lower division course work (1000-2000 level) comprising various offerings, both inside and outside of the communication discipline, that serve as important groundwork leading to advanced studies. Lower division offerings include basic courses in communication research, visual communication, public speaking, writing, information systems, and an introductory course relevant to the student’s selected program of study.
Term 1
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Requirement
Hours
ENGL 1101 English Composition IENGL 1101 English Composition I3 Credits
A composition course focusing on skills required for effective writing in a variety of contexts, with emphasis on exposition, analysis, and argumentation, and also including introductory use of a variety of research skills.
3
ECON 1000 Contemporary Economic IssuesECON 1000 Credits
Description not available
2
-
3
-
3
General Education Core Curriculum Technology, Mathematics, and Sciences II (2 of 2)General Education Core Curriculum Technology, Mathematics, and Sciences II (2 of 2)4 Credits
GEOG 1112 or GEOG 1113 with CESD or SCI 1101 or (BIOL 1107 and BIOL 1107L) or (CHEM 1211 and CHEM 1211L) or (CHEM 1151 and CHEM 1151L) or (PHYS 1111 and PHYS 1111L) or (PHYS 2211 and PHYS 2211L) or (BIOL 1108 and BIOL 1108L) or (CHEM 1212 and CHEM 1212L) or (CHEM 1152 and CHEM 1152L) or (PHYS 1112 and PHYS 1112L) or (PHYS 2212 and PHYS 2212L)
4
Total: 15
Term 2
-
Requirement
Hours
ENGL 1102 English Composition IIENGL 1102 English Composition II3 Credits
A composition course that develops writing skills beyond the levels of proficiency required by ENGL 1101, that emphasizes interpretation, and evaluation, and that incorporates a variety of more advanced research methods.
Prerequisites: (
ENGL 1101 with a minimum grade of C or
ENGL 101 with a minimum grade of C)
3
POLS 1101 American GovernmentPOLS 1101 American Government3 Credits
This course examines the institutions and processes of American government and Georgia State government. Global comparisons are made between the governments of the U.S. and other modern nation-states.
3
COMM 1110 Public SpeakingCOMM 1110 Public Speaking3 Credits
The organization of materials and the vocal and physical aspects of delivery in various speaking situations.
3
-
3
General Education Core Curriculum Technology, Mathematics, and Sciences II (2 of 2)General Education Core Curriculum Technology, Mathematics, and Sciences II (2 of 2)3 Credits
GEOG 1112 or GEOG 1113 or SCI 1102 or GEOG 1125 or ANTH 1105 or GEOG 1110 or (BIOL 1107 and BIOL 1107L) or (BIOL 1108 and BIOL 1108L) or (CHEM 1211 and CHEM 1211L) or (CHEM 1212 and CHEM 1212L) or (CHEM 1151 and CHEM 1151L) or (CHEM 1152 and CHEM 1152L) or (PHYS 1111 and PHYS 1111L) or (PHYS 1112 and PHYS 1112L) or (PHYS 2211 and PHYS 2211L) or (PHYS 2212 and PHYS 2212L)
3
Total: 15
Year 1 (Hours: 30)
Term 3
-
Requirement
Hours
COMM 2020 COM Sources & InvestigationsCOMM 2020 COM Sources & Investigations3 Credits
This course introduces the approaches and paradigms used in communication research. Emphasis is placed on locating, reviewing, and evaluating communication research studies found in academic publications; the basic structure and function of a literature review; and communication research ethics. This course provides practical experience using the American Psychological Association formatting style.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1102 with a minimum grade of C
3
COMM 2135 Writing for Public CommCOMM 2135 Writing for Public Comm3 Credits
This course covers application and practice of writing form and style particular to communication industry careers, such as journalism, public relations and human resource areas. Includes weekly writing assignments.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1101 with a minimum grade of C and
ENGL 1102 with a minimum grade of C
3
COMM 2240 COM Law, Ethics and DiversityCOMM 2240 COM Law, Ethics and Diversity3 Credits
This course provides an overview of law, ethics and diversity in mass media. It examines the basics of freedom of expression and press laws in the United States including freedom of information and access to government records. The course analyzes several approaches to ethics in media, journalism and public relations. It also examines diversity in the mass media, journalism and public relations industries.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1102 with a minimum grade of C
3
COMM 2033 Visual CommunicationCOMM 2033 Visual Communication3 Credits
COM 2033 is an introduction to visual communication using perceptual, physiological, psychological, cultural, and semiotic concepts. The course focuses on visual awareness and processing as key elements in effective communication.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1101 with a minimum grade of C and
ENGL 1102 with a minimum grade of C
3
COMM 2230 Intro to Mass CommunicationCOMM 2230 Intro to Mass Communication3 Credits
This course is a survey of the various genres of mass media such as books, magazines, newspapers, radio, television, film, Internet and others. Examines the development, roles, functions, problems and criticisms of specific media from a global context.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1102 with a minimum grade of C
3
Total: 15
Term 4
-
Requirement
Hours
PR 3335 Public Relations PrinciplesPR 3335 Public Relations Principles3 Credits
An introduction to the history, role, and functions of public relations, including public relations theory, ethics, and industry and career issues.
Prerequisites: COM 2230 with a minimum grade of C
3
COMM 3435 Communication Research MethodsCOMM 3435 Communication Research Methods3 Credits
This is an advanced course on the nature of academic inquiry in communication, the structure and methodology of professional and academic research, and the resources available for access to published research.
Prerequisites: COM 2135 with a minimum grade of C and
COM 2020 with a minimum grade of C or
COMM 2135 with a minimum grade of C and
COMM 2020 with a minimum grade of C
3
-
3
-
3
-
3
Total: 15
Year 2 (Hours: 30)
Term 5
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Requirement
Hours
PR 3355 Public Relations CasesPR 3355 Public Relations Cases3 Credits
PR 3355 examines basic roles and functions of messaging strategy in promoting organizational goals. A case study approach emphasizes theory and methods for effective communication with diverse organizational publics, including the mass media, employees, consumers, financial stakeholders and special interest groups.
Prerequisites: PR 3335 with a minimum grade of C
3
PR 3375 Public Relations WritingPR 3375 Public Relations Writing3 Credits
PR 3375 offers practice in writing public relations applications, including news releases, public service announcements, and newsletter articles. Students create a portfolio of writing samples.
Prerequisites: PR 3335 with a minimum grade of C
3
-
3
-
3
Major Elective (1 of 5)Major Elective (1 of 5)3 Credits
JOUR 3310 or JOUR 3330 or JOUR 4420 or JOUR 4470 or PR 3380 or PR 3385 or PR 3429 or PR 4210 or PR 4405 or PR 4415 or PR 4495 or PR 4605 or PR 4670 or PR 4425 or COMM 3340 or COMM 3350 or COMM 3398
3
Total: 15
Term 6
-
Requirement
Hours
-
3
-
3
Major Elective (2 of 5)Major Elective (2 of 5)3 Credits
JOUR 3310 or JOUR 3330 or JOUR 4420 or JOUR 4470 or PR 3380 or PR 3385 or PR 3429 or PR 4210 or PR 4405 or PR 4415 or PR 4495 or PR 4605 or PR 4670 or PR 4425 or COMM 3340 or COMM 3350 or COMM 3398
3
Major Elective (3 of 5)Major Elective (3 of 5)3 Credits
COM 3398 or JOUR 3310 or JOUR 3330 or JOUR 4420 or JOUR 4470 or PR 3380 or PR 3385 or PR 3429 or PR 4210 or PR 4405 or PR 4415 or PR 4495 or PR 4605 or PR 4670 or PR 4425 or COMM 3340 or COMM 3350 or COMM 3398
3
-
3
Total: 15
Year 3 (Hours: 30)
Term 7
-
Requirement
Hours
PR 4460 Crisis CommunicationPR 4460 Crisis Communication3 Credits
PR 4460 provides students insights regarding key concepts, theoretical perspectives, essential skills and abilities, and critical thinking and problem solving skills necessary for effective crisis management within organizations. Topics include issues management, risk management, relationship management, crisis planning and preparation, case studies, and developing crisis management plans
Prerequisites: COM 3435 with a minimum grade of C
3
-
3
-
3
-
3
Major Elective (4 of 5)Major Elective (4 of 5)3 Credits
JOUR 3310 or JOUR 3330 or JOUR 4420 or JOUR 4470 or PR 3380 or PR 3385 or PR 3429 or PR 4210 or PR 4405 or PR 4415 or PR 4495 or PR 4605 or PR 4670 or PR 4425 or COMM 3340 or COMM 3350 or COMM 3398
3
Total: 15
Term 8
-
Requirement
Hours
PR 4465 Public Relations CampaignsPR 4465 Public Relations Campaigns3 Credits
The study and application of the campaign planning process from inception to evaluation. The class functions as an agency, and student groups develop a strategic communication campaign plan for a campus or community organization.
Prerequisites: PR 3375 with a minimum grade of C and
COM 3435 with a minimum grade of C
3
-
3
-
3
Major Elective (5 of 5)Major Elective (5 of 5)3 Credits
JOUR 3310 or JOUR 3330 or JOUR 4420 or JOUR 4470 or PR 3380 or PR 3385 or PR 3429 or PR 4210 or PR 4405 or PR 4415 or PR 4495 or PR 4605 or PR 4670 or PR 4425 or COMM 3340 or COMM 3350 or COMM 3398
3
-
3
Total: 15
Year 4 (Hours: 30)
Program Total: 120 Hours
Milestones: All courses indicated as a Milestone with this icon ( ) should be completed in the term suggested to prevent delays in program completion.
Disclaimer: An academic map is a suggested four-year schedule of courses based on degree requirements in the KSU undergraduate catalog. This sample schedule serves as a general guideline to help build a full schedule each term. Some departments allow students to use the three credit first-year seminar course as a free elective for a degree program, which may impact the program's total credit hours. Milestones, courses, and special requirements necessary for timely progress to complete a major are designated to keep you on track to graduate in four years. Missing milestones could delay your program. Enrolled Students should reference DegreeWorks and not this plan.
This map is not a substitute for academic advisement—contact your advisor if you have any questions about scheduling or about your degree requirements. Also
see the current undergraduate catalog (catalog.kennesaw.edu) for a complete list of requirements and electives. Note: Requirements are continually under revision, and
there is no guarantee they will not be changed or revoked; contact the department and/or program area for current information.
You may choose to attend a summer term to reduce your load during fall or spring terms but still stay on track to graduate in four years.