Program Coordinator/Contact
Joshua Westwick, Director
School of Communication and Journalism
Yeager Hall 211, Box 2235
605-688-4171
Program Information
This major prepares students with essential written and visual communication, critical thinking, strategy, design, and research skills for careers in public relations and marketing communications.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students completing a public relations major will be equipped to:
- Apply the principles and laws of freedom of speech and press, in a global context, and for the country in which the institution that invites ACEJMC is located;
- Demonstrate an understanding of the multicultural history and role of professionals and institutions in shaping communications;
- Demonstrate culturally proficient communication that empowers those traditionally disenfranchised in society, especially as grounded in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and ability, domestically and globally, across communication and media contexts;
- Present images and information effectively and creatively, using appropriate tools and technologies;
- Write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the communications professions, audiences and purposes they serve;
- Demonstrate an understanding of professional ethical principles and work ethically in pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness and diversity;
- Apply critical thinking skills in conducting research and evaluating information by methods appropriate to the communications professions in which they work;
- Effectively and correctly apply basic numerical and statistical concepts;
- Critically evaluate their own work and that of others for accuracy and fairness, clarity, appropriate style and grammatical correctness;
- Apply tools and technologies appropriate for the communications professions in which they work.
Academic Requirements
Public Relations majors must have a GPA of 2.5 in required courses for the major, and must have grades of “C” or better in all major requirements. Students can not pursue a double major in any combination of Advertising, Journalism, or Public Relations. Students may pursue minors within the School of Communication and Journalism.
Accreditation, Certification, and Licensure
The public relations major is accredited by the national accrediting body of journalism and mass communication, the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC).
Equipment and Supplies
Public Relations majors must have a laptop and appropriate software to successfully complete the coursework and be adequately prepared for their professional careers. Apple Macs are the dominant choice in the industry. Necessary software includes Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft Word-compatible word processing software, as well as presentation and spreadsheet software, such as PowerPoint and Excel.
Course Delivery Format
The program offers coursework in classroom, studio, online, and field-based settings.
