Undergraduate Bulletin
Document Number 3.03.05

Speech and Public Relations

Interim Chair and Professor: Dr. Harvey, 450-3202
Associate Professors: Dr. Bedner
Assistant Professors: Dr. Alston-Miller, Dr. Amy, Dr. Chen, Dr. Corley, Dr. McIntyre
Lecturers: Ms. Colaianni, Ms. Milburn
Instructors: Mr. Baer, Ms. Bray, Ms. Fritzges, Mr. Gardner, Ms. Hilliard, Mr. Lowery, Ms. Lucey, Mr. McCullars, Mr. Russell

[1] Purposes

The Department of Speech and Public Relations offers the basic oral communication general education course supporting the university's emphasis on speaking and thinking skills across the curriculum. The department also offers courses in public relations, speech communication, and offers majors in public relations and speech communication. The department also offers a minor in speech communication.

[2] Baccalaureate Degrees

[2.1] Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science in Public Relations

The degree of Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science with a major in public relations requires the successful completion of 124 hours, including (1) the general education component, (2) special degree requirements, (3) a major as described below, and (4) a minor as arranged through the student's minor advisor.

[2.1.1] Major in Public Relations (39 hours)

Core Courses (18 hours):

PRLS 2305 Introduction to Public Relations
SPCH 2313 Introduction to Communication Research
SPCH 2315 Communication Theory
SPCH 3301 Organizational Communication
SPCH 3312 Persuasion
MCOM 3301 Media Law and Ethics

Application Courses (18 hours):

MCOM 2300 Beginning Reporting
MCOM 3305 Publication Design and Makeup
PRLS 3305 Public Relations Techniques
PRLS 3310 Writing for Public Relations
PRLS 4305 Public Relations Cases and Campaigns
PRLS 4308 Public Relations Management

Electives (3 hours, chosen from the following):

SPCH 3303 Gender Communication
SPCH 3307 Interpersonal Communication
SPCH 3321 Communication Internship
SPCH 4315 Communication and Leadership
SPCH 4316 Special Topics in Communication
SPCH 4380 Directed Study in Communication

[2.2] Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science in Speech Communication

The degree of Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science with a major in speech communication requires the successful completion of 124 hours, including (1) the general education component, (2) special degree requirements, (3) a major as described below, and (4) a minor as arranged through the student's minor advisor.

[2.2.1] Major in Speech Communication (34 hours)

Required Courses (9 hours):

SPCH 2308 Perspectives in Communication
SPCH 2313 Introduction to Communication Research
SPCH3312 Persuasion or
SPCH 3308 Argumentation & Advocacy

Electives (21 hours, chosen from the following):

SPCH 2341 Small Group Communication
SPCH 3301 Organizational Communication
SPCH 3303 Gender Communication
SPCH 3307 Interpersonal Communication
SPCH 3321 Communication Internship
SPCH 3330 Event Planning
SPCH 3370 Intercultural Communication
SPCH 4316 Special Topics in Communication
SPCH 4325 Health Communication
SPCH 4330 Family Communication
SPCH 4334 Political Communication
SPCH 4380 Directed Study in Communication

Required Capstone Courses (4 hours):

SPCH 4336 Advanced Communication Theory
SPCH 4130 Communication Practicum

[2.2.2] Minor in Speech Communication (21 hours)

Required Courses (9 hours)

SPCH 2308 Perspectives in Communication
SPCH 2313 Introduction to Communication Research
SPCH 3312 Persuasion or
SPCH 3308 Argumentation & Advocacy

Electives (12 hours, chosen from the following, with at least 9 hours at the 3000/4000 level):

[3] Courses in Public Relations (PRLS)

Follow this link to PRLS course descriptions: course link

[4] Courses in Speech Communication (SPCH]

Follow this link to SPCH course descriptions: course link