Public Relations and Advertising at USI
Whether it’s tracking the latest trends on social media or creating a campaign to launch a brands newest product, the Public Relations and Advertising (PRA) major at USI prepares students to enter a fast-paced work environment full of opportunities. Students majoring in PRA may choose to emphasize in Public Relations or Advertising.
The PRA program educates students in public relations, advertising, communications, creative thinking, and critical skills such as:
- Brand Development
- Social Media
- Internal and External Communications
- Special Events and Promotions
- Media Relations
- Environmental Design
- Crisis Planning
- Reputation Management
Graduates of this program work for agencies, corporations, firms, non-profit organizations, and many more. Alumni obtained jobs corresponding to PRA relating but not limited to: Public Relations Mangers, Media Consultants, Communication Managers, Copywriters, Account Executives, Social Media Consultants, Digital Content Producers, Internal Communications Coordinators, Project Specialists, Promotions and Events Management.
Public Relations and Advertising Major - Advertising Emphasis
40 hours; C or better required in all major courses; 2.25 major GPA required
Students may choose either an emphasis in Public Relations or Advertising, depending upon individual interests. By carefully selecting appropriate electives offered in the program, students will develop skills in both areas.
The Advertising emphasis prepares students for a growing field in communications. Students acquire the essential skills of writing, design, advertising, graphics, research, market analysis, media planning, promotions, integrated marketing campaigns, and communication theory. In addition to required courses, students may choose from a variety of directed communications electives to enhance career objectives.
RTV 255 - Media Production Credits: 3
COMM 122 - Understanding Media Credits: 3
COMM 221 - Social Media Communication Credits: 3
COMM 494 - Mass Communication Law and Ethics Credits: 3
COMM 495 - Mass Communication Research Credits: 3
COMM 497 - Career Planning and Professional Development Credits: 1
PRL 101 - Introduction to Public Relations Credits: 3
ADV 101 - Introduction to Advertising Credits: 3
ADV 335 - Advertising Strategy Credits: 3
ADV 342 - Advertising Design Credits: 3
or
PRL 364 - Publications Design Credits: 3
ADV 343 - Media Planning Credits: 3
ADV 347 - Advertising Copywriting Credits: 3
ADV 444 - Strategic Campaigns Credits: 3
PRL 362 - Writing for Public Relations Credits: 3
ADV 346 - Special Events and Promotion Credits: 3
ADV 400 - Independent Study in Advertising Credits: 3
ADV 440 - Advanced Advertising Campaigns Credits: 3
ADV 441 - Seminar in Integrated Marketing Communications Credits: 3
or
PRL 461 - Seminar in Integrated Marketing Communications Credits: 3
PRL 466 - Seminar in Public Opinion Credits: 3
PRL 467 - Crisis Communications Credits: 3
ADV 489 - Internship in Advertising Credits: 1-3
ADV 499 - Special Topics Credits: 3
Public Relations and Advertising Major, Public Relations Emphasis
40 hours; C or better required in all major courses; 2.25 major GPA required
The Public Relations emphasis provides students with a background that includes the essential skills of strategic writing and design to enter the rapidly growing public relations field. Students are prepared to advance their careers through courses in research, strategy development, and integrated marketing. In addition to required courses, students may choose from a variety of directed communications electives to enhance their career objectives.
RTV 255 - Media Production Credits: 3
COMM 122 - Understanding Media Credits: 3
COMM 221 - Social Media Communication Credits: 3
COMM 494 - Mass Communication Law and Ethics Credits: 3
COMM 495 - Mass Communication Research Credits: 3
COMM 497 - Career Planning and Professional Development Credits: 1
ADV 101 - Introduction to Advertising Credits: 3
PRL 101 - Introduction to Public Relations Credits: 3
PRL 362 - Writing for Public Relations Credits: 3
PRL 365 - Public Relations Administration Credits: 3
PRL 368 - Strategic Writing Credits: 3
PRL 467 - Crisis Communications Credits: 3
PRL 468 - Public Relations Campaigns Credits: 3
ADV 342 - Advertising Design Credits: 3
or
PRL 364 - Publications Design Credits: 3
ADV 346 - Special Events and Promotion Credits: 3
PRL 400 - Independent Study in Public Relations Credits: 1-3
PRL 461 - Seminar in Integrated Marketing Communications Credits: 3
or
ADV 441 - Seminar in Integrated Marketing Communications Credits: 3
PRL 466 - Seminar in Public Opinion Credits: 3
PRL 489 - Internship in Public Relations Credits: 1-3
PRL 499 - Special Topics Credits: 3
Public Relations and Advertising Minor
18 hours; C or better required in all courses; 2.25 minor GPA required
Students select either 9 credit hours of electives from the offerings for the Public Relations emphasis OR 9 credit hours of electives from the offerings for the Advertising emphasis.
ADV 101 - Introduction to Advertising Credits: 3
PRL 101 - Introduction to Public Relations Credits: 3
COMM 221 - Social Media Communication Credits: 3
ADV 335 - Advertising Strategy Credits: 3
ADV 342 - Advertising Design Credits: 3
ADV 346 - Special Events and Promotion Credits: 3
ADV 347 - Advertising Copywriting Credits: 3
ADV 441 - Seminar in Integrated Marketing Communications Credits: 3
PRL 362 - Writing for Public Relations Credits: 3
PRL 364 - Publications Design Credits: 3
PRL 461 - Seminar in Integrated Marketing Communications Credits: 3
PRL 467 - Crisis Communications Credits: 3
ADV 346 - Special Events and Promotion Credits: 3