Communication: Public Relations and Journalism
Bachelor of Arts
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Program Intro
This is an applied communication concentration that provides students with marketable skills in business communication. Courses include interviewing, writing for media, managing social media, journalism and public relations. In their junior and senior years, students can choose project and experiential learning courses in one or both fields.
Department of Communication and Creative Arts
Journalism and Public Relations are the oldest communication professions and are the basis for almost all communication careers. Journalistic ethics, methods of research and writing are essential skills, and public relations has the broadest application of those skills and commands the highest salaries and greatest career potential for business communicators.
Curriculum Overview
Introductory courses explore communication in business and society. Professional communication skills are developed in interviewing and writing for media courses. Upper level students can repeat the journalism practicum by taking on different roles at the student newspaper, or work with community organizations in the problems in public relations and advanced public relations courses.
You can currently complete this program at PNW’s Hammond campus.
Your journey begins with foundational courses in speech and news writing, as well as reporting, photography and PR.
Sample Courses
- COM 11400 – Fundamentals of Speech Communication
- COM 20400 – Critical Perspectives on Communication
- COM 25000 – Mass Communication and Society
Explore broadcasting and media theories, hone your reporting techniques and learn to use social media in professional PR contexts.
Sample Courses
- COM 25300 – Intro to Public Relations
- COM 30900 – Visual Communication
- COM 34800 – Public Relations and Social Media
Investigate advanced communications topics like persuasion, interviewing techniques and ethics. You may also complete an internship this year.
Sample Courses
- COM 31800 – Principles of Persuasion
- COM 32500 – Interviewing: Principles and Practice
- COM 37000 – Writing for the Media
Your fourth year is a deep dive into practical applications of PR and journalistic principles. Work with actual clients to solve their problems while building your own portfolio. Round out your experience with ethics, writing for magazines and a practicum course.
Sample Courses
- COM 35300 – Problems in Public Relations
- COM 45200 – Practicum in Journalism
- COM 46000 – Advanced Public Relations
Highlights
This program features a unique opportunity to audit real clients’ communication strategies. You’ll gain hands-on experience that employers seek and graduate with a working portfolio that sets you apart in the marketplace.
Previous clients include BP, Nipsco, City of Portage, Indiana South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority, Griffith Police Department and many more.
Outcomes
Our experiential courses give you the tools to be successful in any future career. Upon completing the program, you’ll have the tools and confidence to complete a professional portfolio filled with your own work. It’s an indispensable tool as you network with fellow professionals and go after your dream job.
Scholarships
- The Stephen Hough Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a Communication major with a concentration in public relations.
- Edwin F. and Elsie L. Buck Scholarship
- John R. Troyer Communication Scholarship
For more information, contact Academic Advisor Rhonda Nemri.
Beyond the Classroom
Opportunities abound to get involved with clubs, organizations and activities both on and off campus, including:
- PR Club
- PR Alumni Advisory Board
- Lambda Pi Eta
Career Paths
This program prepares you for a range of careers, including:
- Public relations specialist
- Crisis communication specialist
- Social media coordinator
- News reporter-editor
Employers
Our alumni are employed at advertising/marketing firms, corporations and organizations like:
- Boy Scouts of America
- Lamar Advertising
- Service Employees International Union
I have had the opportunity to actually build a portfolio that I’m able to take to employers. I have been able to network with alumni and professors who have really helped me along the way. I feel that I am leaving with such great experience. I’m ready to go out into the real world and get a job.
Meet the Faculty
Associate Professor of Communication
Thomas J. Roach teaches rhetorical theory and all courses in the PR concentration including journalism, interviewing and photography. He currently serves as department chair and leads a study abroad program in Paris.
Take the Next Step
See how a PNW degree opens doors, from corporate boardrooms to non-profit leadership.
