HomePublic Relations Curriculum
Requirements:
Four core courses are required:
COM 3170 - Fundamentals of Public Relations (3 credits)
COM 4170 - (WI) Public Relations Writing (3 credits). This course is the designated
writing intensive course for the major.
COM 4210 - Introduction to Research Methods in Communication and Public Relations (3 credits)
COM 5160 - Public Relations Campaigns (3 credits). Senior level capstone course. To be taken in the last 21hours of study.
Additional requirements are:
COM 1500 - Survey of Mass Communication (3 credits)
COM 2030 - Journalistic Grammar and Style (3 credits)
COM 2100 - News Reporting (4 credits)
COM 2160 - (PL) Contemporary Persuasive Campaigns and Movements (4 credits)
COM 2170 - Persuasive Speaking (3 Credits) or COM 3300 - Business and Professional Speaking (3 credits)
COM 3210 - News Editing (4 credits)
COM 3250 - Introduction to Organizational Communication (3 credits).
COM 3400 - Theories of Communication (4 credits)
COM 5130 - Communication and Social Marketing (3 credits)
COM 5210 - Newsletters and Corporate Publications (4 credits) or COM 5300 - Publishing (4 credits)
Electives:
If a student needs additional credit for their degree, electives may be chosen from the following recommended courses:
COM 2200 - Interpersonal Communication (3 credits)
COM 2280 - Photojournalism (3 credits)
COM 3270 - Group Communication and Human Interaction (3 credits)
COM 4100 - Feature Writing (4 credits)
COM 5460 - Magazine Writing (3 credits)
COM 6190 - Internship (3 credits, 6 max)
Important Reminders
You must complete all courses in the College of Fine, Performing Communication Arts with a C (2.0) or better. This also includes all transfer credits that may be applicable to the major programs. You must also complete the university’s general education and competency requirements as well as the college’s group requirements, which include completion of a foreign language through the third semester.
Advising
Careful planning is required to assure timely completion of the program. You should consult an adviser as soon as you decide to enroll in the Public Relations program. You are expected to follow the published curriculum for your major and to consult regularly with an adviser.
Special Activities
Coursework is only one part of your undergraduate education. Employers pay close attention to the types of activities in which applicants participated as students. There are many valuable activities in which to participate on campus. The Department of Communication sponsors the Wayne State University chapter of the Public Relations Students Society of America (PRSSA) – see below, as well as the nationally acclaimed debate and speech teams. In addition, you are encouraged to participate in such activities as student government and the student newspaper (South End).
PRSSA
The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) is a national pre-professional organization which was established in 1968. In 1983, a few students at Wayne State decided it would be beneficial to communication majors to have an opportunity to join this organization. Through hard work they raised enough support to gain recognition as a national chapter. Since then the WSU chapter has flourished to become a strong part of the east-central district and the nation.
Membership in Wayne State's PRSSA chapter offers many opportunities and benefits. Some of these opportunities include luncheons with the Detroit Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) group, attending workshops and district or national conferences. Members can also participate in national PRSSA competitions and are eligible for scholarships. The Wayne chapter also has its own newsletter which members may involve themselves in writing and producing. However, they may choose to write for PRSSA's district or national newsletter.
Contact faculty sponsor Dr. Shelly Najor for more information at (313) 577-1556. Or check out our bulletin board outside of office # 521 Manoogian for membership forms, meeting dates and other important information!
Administration
Chairperson: Dr. Matthew Seeger
Academic Services Officer: Ms. Victoria Dallas
Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) Adviser: Dr. Shelly Najor
Department of Communication: (313) 577-2943