Public Relations

Public relations students learn and develop skills that will be needed in their careers especially writing, desktop publishing. Through research students learn to analyze audiences and apply newly acquired skills in developing messages for their audiences. They will tap into their analytical skills and be challenged to think quickly on their feet.

Majors can expand their knowledge of the various communication tools by taking a second communication concentration of broadcasting, journalism or broadcast sales.

As an option PR majors can take a second major in a specific field they have an interest in joining, as natural resource management, criminal justice, a foreign language, hospitality and tourism or one of the sciences.

Faculty bring years of academic and professional experience to the classroom. Classes engage students in "real world" challenges using the community as a laboratory.

Catamount Communications, the student-run public relations firm, enables students to practice their professional judgment and skills with various community groups and local non-profit agencies.

Students can begin their professional networking by joining the Public Relations Student Society of America, which is associated with the leading professional organization.

Requirements for the B.S. Degree in Communication/Public Relations

Liberal Studies - University Required 42 hours

Communication Core (19 hours)

Required Practical Course:

COMM 240 - Writing for Communication Credits: 3

Required Theory Course:

COMM 350 - Communication Theory and Criticism Credits: 3

Required Professional Courses:

COMM 296 - Introduction to Professional Development Credits: 3

COMM 483 - Internship in Communications Credits: 3, R9

COMM 496 - Seminar in Professional Development Credits: 1

Select two (2) of the following communication courses:

COMM 301 - Interpersonal Communication Credits: 3

COMM 312 - Small Group & Team Communication Credits: 3

COMM 345 - Public and Mediated Speaking Credits: 3

COMM 415 - Intercultural Communication Credits: 3

Public Relations (21 hours)

COMM 204 - Desktop Publishing Credits: 3, R6

COMM 260 - Introduction to Public Relations Credits: 3

COMM 303 - Public Relations Writing Credits: 3

COMM 365 - Public Relations Case Studies Credits: 3

COMM 460 - Public Relations Campaigns Credits: 3

Select one (1) communication course from the following:

COMM 307 - Advertising Writing Credits: 3

COMM 346 - Communications Ethics and Responsibilities Credits: 3

COMM 400 - Crisis Communications Credits: 3

COMM 414 - Gender Communication Credits: 3

COMM 493 - Selected Topics in Communication Credits: 3, R9 (with approval of advisor)

COMM 494 - Communication Projects Credits: 1-3, R6 (with approval of advisor)

CS 130 - Introduction to Computing Credits: 3

Select three (3) hours of communication department electives.

To complete the program: A total of 40 hours is required, including a minor, second communication concentration, second major, or other approved program and student selected general electives. At least 30 hours taken at WCU must be at the junior-senior level to meet one of the general university degree requirements.

Total hours required for the degree: 120

Note: The above information is not an official listing of the coursework required for the B.S. degree in Communications/Public Relations. For an official listing of the required courses you should consult the official Western Carolina University catalog of courses.