Contact
Anthony D’Angelo, Chair
315-443-3858
dangeloa@syr.edu
Faculty
Jay Clewis, Anthony D’Angelo, Joshua Foust, Kuande Hall, Soo Yeon Hong, Brad Horn, Hua Jiang, Dennis F. Kinsey, Moon Lee, Joon Soo Lim, Regina Luttrell, Steven Pike, Arien Rozelle, Erica Schneider
Program Description
Public Relations is the management of communication between an organization and its publics. The public relations program provides students with instruction in the principles, processes, skills, and management of public relations programs designed to attain or maintain inter-organizational or social accord. Students learn the basic skills of writing, graphic design, and oral presentation, as well as the managerial functions of planning, research, campaign development, and evaluation. The program prepares students with a solid ethical foundation, an understanding of diversity and multiculturalism, and an understanding of the use of social media for strategic engagement with an organization’s publics. Emphasis on digital communication, social media analytics, and multimedia storytelling is woven throughout the curriculum. This is a 42-credit major. Students majoring in Public Relations must take the following requirements, and they are encouraged to take internships and other specialized courses as electives.
Student Learning Outcomes
In addition to the comprehensive Newhouse School learning outcomes listed in the School’s Educational Mission students in the Public Relations major are expected to achieve the following additional learning outcome:
- Apply an understanding of management principles related to public relations.
Major Requirements
Public Relations majors must complete 42 credits within the Newhouse School and fulfill the following requirements:
Course List | Code | Title | Credits |
| COM 107 | Communications and Society | 3 |
| COM 117 | Multimedia Storytelling | 3 |
| 3 |
| Race, Gender, and the Media | |
| Beauty and Diversity in Fashion Media | |
| Topics in Media, Diversity and Inclusion | |
| Communications Law for Advertising and Public Relations | |
| Public Relations Principles & Practice | |
| Writing for Public Relations: Media and Messaging | |
| Public Relations Research | |
| Social Media & Society for Public Relations | |
| Digital & Social Media Innovation for Public Relations | |
| The Ethics of Advocacy | |
| Content Optimization for Public Relations Writing | |
| Public Relations Management and Leadership | |
| Introduction to Graphic Design | |
| 3 |
| |
| PRL 425 | Public Relations Cases & Campaigns | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 |
Additional Requirements
Grammar Competency Requirement
Students must complete a grammar competency as part of their degree requirements. There will be two ways students can satisfy this competency:
- First, by passing a grammar competency exam during their first semester on campus. The exam will be given twice - once before the end of the first week of classes and a second time prior to registration the next semester. A passing grade on the exam will fulfill the competency requirement.
- Secondly, by passing COM 101 Practical Grammar for Public Communications, a 0-credit grammar course that is mandatory for students who fail the grammar competency exam. This course can be repeated until a passing grade is earned and the competency is met.
Students must meet the grammar competency to receive a degree.
Global Experience Requirement
The Global Experience requirement may be fulfilled by studying abroad or taking an approved class. A list of courses that fulfill this requirement can be found in the Newhouse Guidebook. If a student chooses to take a Newhouse class to fulfill this requirement, the additional Newhouse hours will be added to the 122 credits needed for graduation if the student has reached the Newhouse credit maximum.
Total: 42 Newhouse credits required.
Total required program credits: 122
Undergraduate University Requirements
The following requirements and experiences apply to all Syracuse University Undergraduate matriculated degree programs.
