The Public Relations degree is designed to prepare students to serve as public communicators in a variety of settings including (but not limited to) corporate, non-profit, government, healthcare, and education.  The program curriculum is devised to provide students with significant communication training and internship opportunities.  Students will learn essential writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills.  Additionally, students will be exposed to a variety of theoretical approaches to the practice of public relations.  The curriculum is modeled on the Public Relations Society of America’s Undergraduate Education recommendations.

Certain courses in these programs have prerequisites; students should check the course descriptions for required prerequisites.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Utilize communication to embrace difference.
• Explain the importance of persuasive communication in civic life.
• Create messages appropriate to diverse audiences.

Required Courses

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
General Education Requirements		31
Students should consult with their advisors to determine if specific courses are necessary in order to satisfy the General Education requirements within this major.
Public Relations Core Requirements
COMX 210	Communication in Small Groups *	3
COMX 300	Exploring Comm Studies	3
COMX 320	Prin of Organizational Comm	3
COMX 330	Principles of Media Studies	3
COMX 341	Public Advocacy	3
COMX 351	Principles of Public Relations	3
COMX 400	Communication Theory	3
COMX 401	Communication Law and Ethics	3
COMX 431	New Media Skills	3
COMX 452	Issues in Public Relations	3
COMX 456	Case Studies in Public Rltns	3
COMX 460	Research Methods	3
COMX 481	Campaign Planning	3
COMX 499	Capstone	3
JRNL 270	Reporting the News	3
Subtotal		45
Electives		44
Total Minimum Credits		120

*

May satisfy General Education requirements.

Note: Substitutions between options can be made with advisor or consent. Students must earn a grade of “C” or above in courses used to satisfy major or minor requirements in the Communication Department. The Department of Communication offers a BA in Communication Arts online. Check the university website for details at https://www.msubillings.edu

Certain courses in this program have prerequisites; students should check the course descriptions for required prerequisites.

Suggested Plan of Study

This sample schedule is a suggested plan for students to follow in completing the Bachelor of Science Degree Major in Public Relations.  Due to course schedule changes and staff assignments, students may not be able to follow the plan exactly.  This suggested plan is not a substitute for careful advising by Departmental faculty.  Students should consult with their advisors to plan classes before registering each term.

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
First Year
Fall
WRIT 101	College Writing I	3
General Education		9
COMX 115	Intro to Interpersonal Comm	3
Total		15
Spring
STAT 141	Intro to Statistical Concepts	3
COMX 111	Intro to Public Speaking	3
General Education		9
Total		15
Second Year
Fall
COMX 300	Exploring Comm Studies	3
JRNL 270	Reporting the News	3
General Education w/Lab		7
COMX 320	Prin of Organizational Comm	3
Total		16
Spring
General Education		12
COMX 330	Principles of Media Studies	3
Total		15
Third Year
Fall
COMX 351	Principles of Public Relations	3
COMX 400	Communication Theory	3
General Education		3
PR Emphasis		3
Elective		3
Total		15
Spring
COMX 460	Research Methods	3
COMX 431	New Media Skills	3
COMX 481	Campaign Planning	3
PR Emphasis		3
Elective		3
Total		15
Fourth Year
Fall
COMX 401	Communication Law and Ethics	3
COMX 456	Case Studies in Public Rltns	3
COMX 435	Media Criticism	3
Electives		6
Total		15
Spring
COMX 499	Capstone	3
Electives		11
Total		14