Public Relations Major and Minor Requirements

Department: Journalism 
Pulliam School of Journalism Director: J. Krull 
Department Members: J. Cramer 

Major: Public Relations 
Minor: Public Relations 

Public relations is a management function that helps business, government and nonprofit organizations reach desired outcomes by ethically and effectively building and maintaining relationships with target audiences. Deeply rooted in the liberal arts tradition of Aristotle’s Rhetoric teachings, PR has become an engaging, fast-paced, demanding and strategically sophisticated profession that today uses multi-media communications tactics and technologies. 

Hallmarks of the profession include, but are certainly not limited to, a) a commitment to freedom of speech and expression; b) clear, concise and compelling writing; c) an understanding of and appreciation for journalism’s role in a democracy; d) appreciation of and commitment to multicultural awareness; e) mass media literacy; f) critical thinking and problem-solving skills; g) adherence to the codes of ethics of the Public Relations Society of America and the International Association of Business Communicators. 

Students pursue in-depth academic studies of public relations while also gaining real-world, real-time learning experiences. Graduates are well prepared to launch careers in public relations and related fields. The public relations major also serves students who plan to pursue graduate or professional degrees in communications or other areas. The public relations program encourages students to explore possibilities for double majors, and also possibilities for study abroad and study away experiences. 

Franklin College is the alma mater of one of the key historical figures in American public relations – Elmer Davis, who directed the Office of War Information for President Franklin Roosevelt during World War II. 

All major and minor courses must be completed with a grade of C- or better. 

Public Relations Major 

Core Requirements 
PRL 221 Public Relations Practice Areas 
PRL 222 Social Media Strategy and Tactics 
PRL 333 Public Relations Writing 
PRL 334 Learning Engagement with Public Relations Professionals 
PRL 480 Strategic Communications Campaigns 
PRL 495 Senior Seminar in Public Relations History 
PRL 498 Portfolio Development Seminar 
PRL 499 Senior Competency Seminar 

Optional Course 
PRL 303 Sports Information and Public Relations 

Professional Development Requirements 
PRL 120 Ethics and Professional Development 
SNT 489 PRL Senior Year Internship 

Media Skills and Knowledge Requirements 
PRL 150 Introduction to Digital Photography and Audio Reporting 
PRL 155 Video for Digital Journalism 
PRL 180 Publications Design 
PRL 445 Communication Law in a Digital World 

Related Field Requirements: Students are required to choose ONE of the following options 

Related Field Option – Twelve credit hours from one academic field outside of public relations. Cross-listed courses with PRL courses, such as PRL/MMJ Publication Design, cannot count toward a related field. 
Minor Option – A minor in an academic field outside of public relations. Students must meet the requirements of the department offering the minor. Courses cross-listed with PRL, such as PRL/MMJ 180 Publication Design, cannot count toward a minor. 
Double Major Option – A second major at Franklin College. Students must meet all requirements for the second major AND the public relations major. Courses cross-listed with PRL, such as PRL/MMJ 180 Publication Design, cannot count toward a second major. 

Public Relations Minor (except for Multimedia Journalism Majors) 

Core Requirements 
PRL 150 Introduction to Digital Photography and Audio Reporting 
PRL 155 Video for Digital Journalism 
PRL 180 Publication Design 
PRL 221 Public Relations Practice Areas 
PRL 334 Learning Engagement with Public Relations Professionals 
PRL 445 Communication Law in a Digital World 

Public Relations Minor for Multimedia Journalism Majors 

Core Requirements 
PRL 221 Public Relations Practice Areas 
PRL 222 Social Media Strategy and Tactics 
PRL 333 Public Relations Writing 
PRL 334 Learning Engagement with Public Relations Professionals 
BUS 101 Introduction to the Business Mindset 
SOC 230 Introduction to Nonprofits 

Revised 11-23-21