Communication is about
creating mutual understanding between institutions and groups of people. There is no
faster growing sector of the communication field
than public relations and promotions. The student
who learns the skills and theory of public relations communication
and does so from a solid ethical perspective will
be highly valued by any business or organization.
The skills we have
built this concentration around are identified by the the Public
Relations Society of America
(PRSA)as those that allow you to to:
(1) anticipate, analyze and interpret
public opinion about issues, (2) counsel management about crucial decisions,
(3) research and evaluate programs of action for the organization, (4) plan
and implement organizational efforts to influence or change policy, (5)
manage the resources for public relations efforts,
and (6) develop skills in writing, visual and oral communication to better
serve the public and the organization.
Our
public relations concentration is an exciting
interdisciplinary effort that combines
the theory and practice of business and various aspects of the communication
arena, all with the objective of training talented, conscientious, and
skillful organizational communication experts.
Because public
relations practitioners deal daily with the media, students learn to
understand the world of print journalism by being a part of it. They can apply to serve in many areas of the Huntingtonian,the campus newspaper, including editorial staff, layout, design,
advertising, sports, and news reporting.
Public relations
students can also gain experience with
Huntington
University’s
quarterly magazine,and
many opt to participate in off-campus summer internships. Read about HU
student Jaime Blosser and the event planning she did in Fort Wayne during a
summer internship by clicking on this
Journal Gazette
story. All students gain
hands-on experience in writing press releases and other image-related work
through practicums in the college's own public relations office.
One
incoming HU student each year is awarded a $1,000.00 per year grant. Click
here for the application form and deadline.
Courses in the Public Relations
track
In addition to taking college general
education courses, public relations majors take 15 hours of core
communication courses and 30 hours of public relations courses for a total
of 45 credit hours in the major.
Communication Foundation Courses (15 credit hours)
These required courses for all communication majors--including public
relations majors--address the central issues within the communication
discipline from a Christian perspective as well as lay an applied
foundation of media writing skills.
CO
111 Introduction to Communication (3)
CO 241
Introduction to News Writing (3)
CO 211 Communication and Society (3)
CO246 Interpersonal
Communication (3)
CO481MassCommunication (3)
Public Relations
Courses (30 credit hours)
In addition to
completing the 15 hours of core courses above, public relations students
complete 30 hours from below for a major in communication with a
concentration in public relations.
