Overview

In the School of Communication Public Relations Master's Program students learn how to promote a client's business, image, or product in the international marketplace. Public Relations focuses on the free placement of messages in the media through media releases, editorial content, and promotion.

Classroom requirements reflect the importance of research, new technology, and the relationship of all media (electronic, print, and related technology) to public relations in both the public and private sectors. Students create and execute PR campaigns as part of their course work. They have the opportunity to work within a professional environment through internships and practicum programs.

Written comprehensive examinations are required for this degree. Students are expected to demonstrate an articulate understanding of the primary concepts and issues of their chosen field of specialization within the larger context of communication.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Students must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours (thesis track) or 36 credit hours (non-thesis track) at the graduate level with the approval of a faculty advisor. Of the 30 credit hours, 15 must be at or above the 600 level. No more than six hours will be allowed for advanced projects and directed research (CPR 599). Six credit hours will be earned for thesis work.

Required Public Relations Core {12 Credits}
COM 601 Theories of Communication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
COM 602 Methods of Communication Research . . . . . . . . 3
or
COM 603 Qualitative Research Methodologies. . . . . . . . . . 3
CPR 620 Public Relations Fundamentals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
CPR 625 Seminar in Public Relations Administration. . . . . 3

Public Relations Sequence {15 Credits}
CPR 512 Public Opinion and Mass Communication. . . . . . 3
CPR 571 Media Relations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
CPR 582 International Advertising and Public Relations. . . 3
CPR 583 Integrated Communications: Perspectives
in Advertising and Public Relations. . . . . 3
CPR 584 Advertising/Public Relations Management. . . . . 3
CPR 629 Public Relations Seminar:
Fundraising in the Not-for-Profit Sector. . . . . . . . 3
CPR 632 Seminar in Public Relations and
Political Campaigns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
CPR 633 Seminar in Public Relations:
Lobbying and Pressure Groups. . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
CPR 634 Seminar in Public Relations: Non-profit Groups
and Governmental Institutions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
CPR 644 Seminar in Public Relations Ethics. . . . . . . . . . . . 3
COM 615 Social Effects of Mass Communication. . . . . . . . 3

Thesis {6 Credits}
COM 710 Master's Thesis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Degree Requirements
Non-Thesis Track {36 Credits}
Public Relations graduate students who elect a program without a thesis and with a practicum must complete a minimum of 36 credit hours at the graduate level with the approval of the faculty advisor. Of the 36 credit hours, 18 must be at or above the 600 level.

Practicum
CPR 690 Public Relations Practicum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
COM 725 Continuous Registration -- Master's Study. . . . . 0
(may be required for full-time study)