Certificates of Graduate Study (COGS)

The School Public Relations Certificate of Graduate Study provides school leaders and others with an interest in education an overview of issues in school public relations programming. It offers a specific focus on the essential components of school public relations practice. This program requires completion of the following courses:

• School Public Relations Overview (MAPR 98503)
• Graduate Writing I (MAPR 01547)
• Media Metrics & Analytics (MAPR 02563)

The Certificate of Graduate Study in Integrated Marketing Communication and New Media provides insight into how company efforts to offer greater accountability from their marketing efforts has intensified, how new media have proliferated and the costs of competition. The result of these variables has created a growing movement toward integrating all messages created by each company to achieve consistency, a process known as Integrated Marketing Communication. This program requires completion of the following courses:

• IMC and New Media Overview (MAPR 01555)
• Online Public Relations (MAPR 06515)
• Media Metrics & Analytics (MAPR 02563)

(Note: Students must apply for admission to a certificate program through the College of Graduate and Continuing Education before taking any courses related to the certificate program.)

Certificates of Undergraduate Study (CUGS)

Crisis Communications 

Required classes

• PR  05329 Crisis Communication Survival Skills (pre_COMP 0111)
• PR  05352 Crisis Communication in Modern Media (pre_COMP 01111)
• DPEM 00410  Public Leadership in Crisis Management in Communications

Choose one from the list

• News Trends in Media Relations(PR06354)
• Social Media Content Creation (PR05366)
• Soaicl Media Management and Metrics (PR06324)
• Crisis Communication Internship AKCG (PR05354)

Public Relations and the News gives students insight into the role of media relations in contemporary communication. Today's public relations and advertising practitioners must know how to manage news media from around the world. The four-course sequence introduces students to the media industry and gives hands on experience with pitching, responding, and building relationships with journalists. 

Required classes

• JRN 02205 Journalism Principles & Practice
• PR  06350 Introduction to Public Relations
• PR  06301 Basic Public Relations Writing  OR JRN 02310 News Reporting 1
• PR 06354  Impact of Public Relations on the News

Advertising and Graphic Design introduces students to the creative process through portfolio development and hands-on experience. The four-course sequence gives students an opportunity to learn the latest digital tools. 

Required classes

• ADV 04370 Essentials of Design
• ADV 05318 Strategic Visual Communication
• ART 09358 Web Design -or- ART 09343 Introduction to Graphic Design I
• ART 09344 Intermediate Graphic Design II: Typography (prerequisite ADV 04370
  Essentials of Design)-or- ARHS 03350 History of Graphic Design

Minor in Special Event Communication (18 s.h.)

Required Classes

• PR06307 Sports and Entertainment Event Planning
• PR06354 News Trends and Media Relations
• PR05352 Fundraising and Friendrasing in Non- Profits
• PR05318 Strategic Visual Communication

Choose two from this list

• ADV04433 Digital Advertising Strategies
• PR06356 Digital Public Relations Strategies
• PR06317 Publication Layout and Design
• PR06425 Advanced Publication Layout and Design

Minor in Social Media Content and Strategies (18 s.h.)

Required classes

• CMS 04317 Social Media Strategies
• PR05366 Social Media Content Creation
• PR06324 Social Media Management and Metrics
• PR06356 Digital Public Relations Strategies

Choose two from this list

• ADV04433 Digital Advertising Strategies
• CMS04315 Digital Media Processes
• RTF03295 Intro to New Media
• SPRT09317 ESports Streaming and Social Platforms
• ART09301 Digital Media and Techniques
• JRN01407 Social Media for Journalists
• PR06306 Social Media & Sports Commnucation

Minor in Strategic Communication (18 s.h.)

Formerly known as Minor in Advertising, this degree option is now available to all majors. Students are encouraged to start with the introductory classes (PR, Advertising, and Research) and leave Integrated Marketing Communication for the end of the minor. The remaining three classes can be taken in any order, at any time.

Check with your academic advisor to ensure you are making the right choices, especially if you plan to double-count any related electives toward two or more programs you are completing.

Courses are offered during fall, spring, and summer sessions, so you can complete your degree(s) on your own timeline. 

• Strategic Communication Overview
• Intro to PR/Advertising Research
• Advertising Copywriting
• Publication Layout and Design
• Basic PR Writing
• Integrated Marketing Communication (capstone)

Advertising in the Workplace (18 s.h.)

Complete your degree through the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (Program Sequence B)!

With fewer classes in the Advertising major, some students may prefer to complete a degree in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences: Liberal Studies program. 

• ADV 04330  Introduction to Advertising
• ADV 04375  Advertising Copywriting
• PR 06310    Introduction to PR and Advertising Research
• ADV 04421  Account Planning
• ADV 04360  Integrated Marketing Communication
• Senior level capstone: ADV 04332 Media Planning

Public Relations in the Workplace (18 s.h.)

Complete your degree through the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (Program Sequence B)!

With fewer classes in the Advertising major, some students may prefer to complete a degree in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences: Liberal Studies program. 

• PR 06350 Introduction to Public Relations
• ADV 04330 Introduction to Advertising
• PR 06310   Introduction to PR and Advertising Research
• PR 06301   Basic Public Relations Writing
• ADV 04360  Integrated Marketing Communication
• Senior level capstone: PR 99362 Public Opinion