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Northwest Missouri State University


Public Relations

Public relations impacts most areas of our lives. Professionals in this area provide many invaluable functions, including communicating effectively, writing well, presenting oral material in a straightforward, interesting fashion, and preparing campaigns and programs. This cross-disciplinary program provides graduates with the background in communication, business, and mass communications. The graduate can work productively with co-workers, the media, the public and can effectively manage the communication between an organization and its publics. This degree program prepares students to work in three broad settings: non-profit organizations, for-profit corporations, and advertising or public relations agencies.

Career Opportunities

Required Courses

Core Requirements
Course Number Course Name Hours
Com 29-210 Communication Theory 3
Com 29-225 Intercultural Communication 3
Com 29-230 Public Speaking 3
Com 29-232 Small Group Communication 3
Com 29-332 Propaganda and Persuasion 3
Com 29-335 Interpersonal Communication 3
Com 29-310 Communication Research Methods 3
Total Course Hours Reqiuired 21

B.A. Degree; no minor required
Course Number Course Name Hours

Core Requirements 21
Com 29-260 Public Relations Techniques 3
Com 29-360 Principles of Public Relations 3
Com 29-460 Public Relations Problems 3
Com 29-469 Internship in Public Relations 3
Com 29-499 Senior Seminar 1
MC 20-130 Writing for Media Professionals 3
MC 20-243 Media Design I 3
Mkt 55-330 Principles of Marketing 3

Area of Emphasis Courses 6

Approved Practicum Courses 2

Approved Electives 6

B.S. Degree; no minor required
Course Number Course Name Hours

Core Requirements 18
Com 29-260 Public Relations Techniques 3
Com 29-360 Principles of Public Relations 3
Com 29-460 Public Relations Problems 3
Com 29-469 Internship in Public Relations 3
Com 29-499 Senior Seminar 1
MC 20-130 Writing for Media Professionals 3
MC 20-243 Media Design I 3
Mkt 55-330 Principles of Marketing 3

Area of Emphasis Courses 6

Approved Practicum Courses 2

Approved Electives 12

Internships

All public relations majors are required to complete a three-hour internship. Northwest is somewhat unique in this respect as many university programs in public relations do not require students to complete professional internships. Northwest students are highly competitive in the job market upon graduation because an internship can be critical to meeting people and making protentially important contacts who can help a student find that first job after graduation. Of critical importance, the internship requirement assures students that when they graduate from Northwest they will have a portfolio of materials to present to a potential employer. This is very important in seeking a job in public relations. Some interesting internships that Northwest public relations majors have done are: