Public Relations
Class of 2024 Major Requirements: Public Relations
First Year:
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
Grammar Competency (note 2)*Students must pass a grammar competency exam in order to graduate. Scroll down to notes section for more detail. | ||
COM 107 | Communications and Society | 3 |
COM 117 | Multimedia Storytelling | 3 |
First or Second Year:
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
PRL 206 | Public Relations Principles and Practice (last name)*A-K fall; L-Z spring; sophomore standing (prereq)*COM 107 | 3 |
Second Year:
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
PRL 214 | Writing for Public Relations: Media and MessagingEffective Fall 2021 course title changes in effect: PRL 206 – was “Public Relations Principles and Concepts” is now “Public Relations Principles and Practice. No petition required. PRL 214 – was “Writing for News and Public Relations in a Digital Age” is now “Writing for Public Relations: Media and Messaging”. No petition required. (last name)*A-K spring; L-Z fall (prereq)*COM 107 & PRL 206A-K in fall; L-Z in spring. | 3 |
VIS 207 | Introduction to Graphic Design (last name)*A-K fall; L-Z spring | 3 |
PRL 315 | Public Relations Research (prereq)*PRL 206 | 3 |
Third Year:
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
COM 346 or COM 348 |
Race, Gender and the Media (prereq)*COM 107 or Beauty and Diversity in Fashion Media (note 8)*Students may fulfill the Diversity Requirement by taking COM 346: Race, Gender and the Media OR COM 348: Beauty and Diversity in Fashion Media. COM 350: Topics in Media, Diversity and Inclusion may also fulfill the diversity requirement, no petition required. |
3 |
PRL 345 | Ethics of Advocacy | 3 |
PRL 376 |
Content Optimization for PR Writing (prereq)*PRL 214 |
3 |
Third or Fourth Year:
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
Global Experience (note 3)*The Global Experience may be fulfilled by studying abroad or taking an approved class from the list in the Newhouse Guidebook. If a student selects a Newhouse class and has already taken their 42 Newhouse credits, those credit hours will be added to the 122 hours required to graduate. | ||
Newhouse electives (note 5)*Public Relations students are encouraged to use their Newhouse elective credits during their junior and senior years to develop professional skills in the following areas/specializations: digital analytics; advanced social media; investor relations; agency management; internal/employee communication; crisis communication; sports communication; or entertainment. PRL 530, COM 427, ICC 300 or COM 500 will offer these specialized courses on a rotating basis for 1-3 credits. Similar elective courses are offered during the LA and NYC semesters. | 6 |
Fourth Year:
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
COM 507 | Communications Law for Advertising and Public Relations (last name)*A-K fall; L-Z spring | 3 |
PRL 424 |
Public Relations Management and Leadership (prereq)*(PRL 215 or PRL 376) & PRL 315 (last name)*A-K spring; L-Z fallEffective Fall 2021: PRL 424 “Public Relations Management and Leadership” substitutes for PRL 497 “Public Relations Management”. No petition required. |
3 |
CAPSTONE REQUIREMENT | ||
PRL 425 |
Public Relations Cases & Campaigns (note 6)*As part of their capstone requirement, all public relations students must build a professional web-based portfolio of their best work, demonstrating their skills in writing, multimedia storytelling, research, social media, design and campaigns. This portfolio should include samples from relevant courses, internships, volunteer experiences, Hill Communications, etc. Each semester, students should review their portfolio with their faculty advisor. Effective Fall 2021: PRL 425 “Public Relations Cases & Campaigns” substitutes for PRL 325 “Public Relations Campaign Planning and Execution”. No petition required. (prereq)*PRL 376 & VIS 207 As part of their capstone requirement, all public relations students must build a professional web-based portfolio of their best work, demonstrating their skills in writing, multimedia storytelling, research, social media, design and campaigns. This portfolio should include samples from relevant courses, internships, volunteer experiences, Hill Communications, etc. Each semester, students should review their portfolio with their faculty advisor. |
3 |
Total credits: 42
Notes
- Students may devote no more than 42 of the 122 total credits to Newhouse School courses. Any courses taken above the 42-credit hour limit will be added to the total hours required for graduation.
- 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, a 0-credit remedial grammar course which will be 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.
- The Global Experience may be fulfilled by studying abroad or taking an approved class from the list in the Newhouse Guidebook. If a student selects a Newhouse class and has already taken their 42 Newhouse credits, those credit hours will be added to the 122 hours required to graduate.
- Public Relations students are limited to three internship credits in communications out of the 122 required for graduation. Sophomores and up may receive credit for internship experiences with departmental approval. Singly-enrolled Newhouse students are not permitted to enroll in non-communications experience credit.
- Public Relations students are encouraged to use their Newhouse elective credits during their junior and senior years to develop professional skills in the following areas/specializations: digital analytics; advanced social media; investor relations; agency management; internal/employee communication; crisis communication; sports communication; or entertainment. PRL 530, COM 427, ICC 300 or COM 500 will offer these specialized courses on a rotating basis for 1-3 credits. Similar elective courses are offered during the LA and NYC semesters.
- As part of their capstone requirement, all public relations students must build a professional web-based portfolio of their best work, demonstrating their skills in writing, multimedia storytelling, research, social media, design and campaigns. This portfolio should include samples from relevant courses, internships, volunteer experiences, Hill Communications, etc. Each semester, students should review their portfolio with their faculty advisor.
- Effective Fall 2021 course title changes in effect: PRL 206 – was “Public Relations Principles and Concepts” is now “Public Relations Principles and Practice. No petition required. PRL 214 – was “Writing for News and Public Relations in a Digital Age” is now “Writing for Public Relations: Media and Messaging”. No petition required.
- Students may fulfill the Diversity Requirement by taking COM 346: Race, Gender and the Media OR COM 348: Beauty and Diversity in Fashion Media. COM 350: Topics in Media, Diversity and Inclusion may also fulfill the diversity requirement, no petition required.
Class of 2025 Major Requirements: Public Relations
First Year:
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
Grammar Competency (note 2)*Students must pass a grammar competency exam in order to graduate. Scroll down to notes section for more detail. | ||
COM 107 | Communications and Society | 3 |
COM 117 | Multimedia Storytelling | 3 |
First or Second Year:
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
PRL 206 | Public Relations Principles and Practice (prereq)*COM 107 | 3 |
Second Year:
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
PRL 214 | Writing for Public Relations: Media and MessagingEffective Fall 2021 course title changes in effect: PRL 206 – was “Public Relations Principles and Concepts” is now “Public Relations Principles and Practice. No petition required. PRL 214 – was “Writing for News and Public Relations in a Digital Age” is now “Writing for Public Relations: Media and Messaging”. No petition required. (prereq)*COM 107 & PRL 206A-K in fall; L-Z in spring. | 3 |
PRL 315 | Public Relations Research (prereq)*PRL 206 | 3 |
VIS 207 | Introduction to Graphic Design (last name)*A-K fall; L-Z spring | 3 |
Third Year:
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
COM 346 or COM 348 |
Race, Gender and the Media (prereq)*COM 107 or Beauty and Diversity in Fashion Media (note 8)*Students may fulfill the Diversity Requirement by taking COM 346: Race, Gender and the Media OR COM 348: Beauty and Diversity in Fashion Media. COM 350: Topics in Media, Diversity and Inclusion may also fulfill the diversity requirement, no petition required. |
3 |
PRL 319 | Social Media & Society for Public Relations A-K fall; L-Z spring | 1.5 |
PRL 320 | Digital & Social Media Innovation for Public Relations | 1.5 |
PRL 345 | Ethics of Advocacy | 3 |
PRL 376 |
Content Optimization for PR Writing (prereq)*PRL 214 |
3 |
Third or Fourth Year:
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
Global Experience (note 3)*The Global Experience may be fulfilled by studying abroad or taking an approved class from the list in the Newhouse Guidebook. If a student selects a Newhouse class and has already taken their 42 Newhouse credits, those credit hours will be added to the 122 hours required to graduate. | ||
Newhouse electives (note 5)*Public Relations students are encouraged to use their Newhouse elective credits during their junior and senior years to develop professional skills in the following areas/specializations: digital analytics; advanced social media; investor relations; agency management; internal/employee communication; crisis communication; sports communication; or entertainment. PRL 530, COM 427, ICC 300 or COM 500 will offer these specialized courses on a rotating basis for 1-3 credits. Similar elective courses are offered during the LA and NYC semesters. | 3 |
Fourth Year:
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
COM 507 | Communications Law for Advertising and Public Relations (last name)*A-K fall; L-Z spring | 3 |
PRL 424 |
Public Relations Management and Leadership (prereq)*(PRL 215 or PRL 376) & PRL 315 A-K spring; L-Z fallEffective Fall 2021: PRL 424 “Public Relations Management and Leadership” substitutes for PRL 497 “Public Relations Management”. No petition required. |
3 |
CAPSTONE REQUIREMENT | ||
PRL 425 |
Public Relations Cases & Campaigns (note 6)*As part of their capstone requirement, all public relations students must build a professional web-based portfolio of their best work, demonstrating their skills in writing, multimedia storytelling, research, social media, design and campaigns. This portfolio should include samples from relevant courses, internships, volunteer experiences, Hill Communications, etc. Each semester, students should review their portfolio with their faculty advisor. Effective Fall 2021: PRL 425 “Public Relations Cases & Campaigns” substitutes for PRL 325 “Public Relations Campaign Planning and Execution”. No petition required. (prereq)*PRL 376 & VIS 207 As part of their capstone requirement, all public relations students must build a professional web-based portfolio of their best work, demonstrating their skills in writing, multimedia storytelling, research, social media, design and campaigns. This portfolio should include samples from relevant courses, internships, volunteer experiences, Hill Communications, etc. Each semester, students should review their portfolio with their faculty advisor. |
3 |
Total credits: 42
Notes
- Students may devote no more than 42 of the 122 total credits to Newhouse School courses. Any courses taken above the 42-credit hour limit will be added to the total hours required for graduation.
- 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, a 0-credit remedial grammar course which will be 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.
- The Global Experience may be fulfilled by studying abroad or taking an approved class from the list in the Newhouse Guidebook. If a student selects a Newhouse class and has already taken their 42 Newhouse credits, those credit hours will be added to the 122 hours required to graduate.
- Public Relations students are limited to three internship credits in communications out of the 122 required for graduation. Sophomores and up may receive credit for internship experiences with departmental approval. Singly-enrolled Newhouse students are not permitted to enroll in non-communications experience credit.
- Public Relations students are encouraged to use their Newhouse elective credits during their junior and senior years to develop professional skills in the following areas/specializations: digital analytics; advanced social media; investor relations; agency management; internal/employee communication; crisis communication; sports communication; or entertainment. PRL 530, COM 427, ICC 300 or COM 500 will offer these specialized courses on a rotating basis for 1-3 credits. Similar elective courses are offered during the LA and NYC semesters.
- As part of their capstone requirement, all public relations students must build a professional web-based portfolio of their best work, demonstrating their skills in writing, multimedia storytelling, research, social media, design and campaigns. This portfolio should include samples from relevant courses, internships, volunteer experiences, Hill Communications, etc. Each semester, students should review their portfolio with their faculty advisor.
- Effective Fall 2021 course title changes in effect: PRL 206 – was “Public Relations Principles and Concepts” is now “Public Relations Principles and Practice. No petition required. PRL 214 – was “Writing for News and Public Relations in a Digital Age” is now “Writing for Public Relations: Media and Messaging”. No petition required.
- Students may fulfill the Diversity Requirement by taking COM 346: Race, Gender and the Media OR COM 348: Beauty and Diversity in Fashion Media. COM 350: Topics in Media, Diversity and Inclusion may also fulfill the diversity requirement, no petition required.
Class of 2026 Major Requirements: Public Relations
First Year:
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
Grammar Competency (note 2)*Students must pass a grammar competency exam in order to graduate. Scroll down to notes section for more detail. | ||
COM 107 | Communications and Society | 3 |
COM 117 | Multimedia Storytelling | 3 |
First or Second Year:
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
PRL 206 | Public Relations Principles and Practice A-K fall; L-Z spring; sophomore sta(prereq)*COM 107 | 3 |
Second Year:
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
PRL 214 | Writing for Public Relations: Media and MessagingEffective Fall 2021 course title changes in effect: PRL 206 – was “Public Relations Principles and Concepts” is now “Public Relations Principles and Practice. No petition required. PRL 214 – was “Writing for News and Public Relations in a Digital Age” is now “Writing for Public Relations: Media and Messaging”. No petition required. (prereq)*COM 107 & PRL 206A-K in fall; L-Z in spring. | 3 |
PRL 315 | Public Relations Research (prereq)*PRL 206 | 3 |
VIS 207 | Introduction to Graphic Design (last name)*A-K fall; L-Z spring | 3 |
Third Year:
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
PRL 319 | Social Media & Society for Public Relations A-K fall; L-Z spring | 1.5 |
PRL 320 | Digital & Social Media Innovation for Public Relations | 1.5 |
PRL 345 | Ethics of Advocacy | 3 |
PRL 376 |
Content Optimization for PR Writing (prereq)*PRL 214 |
3 |
DIVERSITY REQUIREMENT: CHOOSE 1 COURSE BELOW | ||
COM 346
COM 348 COM 350 |
Race, Gender and the Media (prereq)*COM 107
Beauty and Diversity in Fashion Media Topics in Media, Diversity and Inclusion (prereq)*COM 107 |
3 |
Third or Fourth Year:
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
Global Experience (note 3)*The Global Experience may be fulfilled by studying abroad or taking an approved class from the list in the Newhouse Guidebook. If a student selects a Newhouse class and has already taken their 42 Newhouse credits, those credit hours will be added to the 122 hours required to graduate. | ||
Public Relations students are encouraged to use their Newhouse elective credits during their junior and senior years to develop professional skills in the following areas/specializations: digital analytics; advanced social media; investor relations; agency management; internal/employee communication; crisis communication; sports communication; or entertainment. PRL 530, COM 427, ICC 300 or COM 500 will offer these specialized courses on a rotating basis for 1-3 credits. Similar elective courses are offered during the LA and NYC semesters. | Newhouse Elective (note 5)*Public Relations students are encouraged to use their Newhouse elective credits during their junior and senior years to develop professional skills in the following areas/specializations: digital analytics; advanced social media; investor relations; agency management; internal/employee communication; crisis communication; sports communication; or entertainment. PRL 530, COM 427, ICC 300 or COM 500 will offer these specialized courses on a rotating basis for 1-3 credits. Similar elective courses are offered during the LA and NYC semesters. | 3 |
Fourth Year:
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
COM 507 | Communications Law for Advertising and Public Relations (last name)*A-K fall; L-Z spring | 3 |
PRL 424 |
Public Relations Management and Leadership (prereq)*(PRL 215 or PRL 376) & PRL 315 A-K spring; L-Z fallEffective Fall 2021: PRL 424 “Public Relations Management and Leadership” substitutes for PRL 497 “Public Relations Management”. No petition required. |
3 |
CAPSTONE REQUIREMENT | ||
PRL 425 |
Public Relations Cases & Campaigns (note 6)*As part of their capstone requirement, all public relations students must build a professional web-based portfolio of their best work, demonstrating their skills in writing, multimedia storytelling, research, social media, design and campaigns. This portfolio should include samples from relevant courses, internships, volunteer experiences, Hill Communications, etc. Each semester, students should review their portfolio with their faculty advisor. Effective Fall 2021: PRL 425 “Public Relations Cases & Campaigns” substitutes for PRL 325 “Public Relations Campaign Planning and Execution”. No petition required. (prereq)*PRL 376 & VIS 207 As part of their capstone requirement, all public relations students must build a professional web-based portfolio of their best work, demonstrating their skills in writing, multimedia storytelling, research, social media, design and campaigns. This portfolio should include samples from relevant courses, internships, volunteer experiences, Hill Communications, etc. Each semester, students should review their portfolio with their faculty advisor. |
3 |
Total credits: 42
Notes
- Students may devote no more than 42 of the 122 total credits to Newhouse School courses. Any courses taken above the 42-credit hour limit will be added to the total hours required for graduation.
- 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, a 0-credit remedial grammar course which will be 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.
- The Global Experience may be fulfilled by studying abroad or taking an approved class from the list in the Newhouse Guidebook. If a student selects a Newhouse class and has already taken their 42 Newhouse credits, those credit hours will be added to the 122 hours required to graduate.
- Public Relations students are limited to three internship credits in communications out of the 122 required for graduation. Sophomores and up may receive credit for internship experiences with departmental approval. Singly-enrolled Newhouse students are not permitted to enroll in non-communications experience credit.
- Public Relations students are encouraged to use their Newhouse elective credits during their junior and senior years to develop professional skills in the following areas/specializations: digital analytics; advanced social media; investor relations; agency management; internal/employee communication; crisis communication; sports communication; or entertainment. PRL 530, COM 427, ICC 300 or COM 500 will offer these specialized courses on a rotating basis for 1-3 credits. Similar elective courses are offered during the LA and NYC semesters.
- As part of their capstone requirement, all public relations students must build a professional web-based portfolio of their best work, demonstrating their skills in writing, multimedia storytelling, research, social media, design and campaigns. This portfolio should include samples from relevant courses, internships, volunteer experiences, Hill Communications, etc. Each semester, students should review their portfolio with their faculty advisor.
Class of 2027 Major Requirements: Public Relations
First Year:
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
Grammar Competency (note 2)*Students must pass a grammar competency exam in order to graduate. Scroll down to notes section for more detail. | ||
COM 107 | Communications and Society | 3 |
COM 117 | Multimedia Storytelling | 3 |
First or Second Year:
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
PRL 206 | Public Relations Principles and Practice A-K fall; L-Z spring; sophomore sta(prereq)*COM 107 | 3 |
Second Year:
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
PRL 214 | Writing for Public Relations: Media and MessagingEffective Fall 2021 course title changes in effect: PRL 206 – was “Public Relations Principles and Concepts” is now “Public Relations Principles and Practice. No petition required. PRL 214 – was “Writing for News and Public Relations in a Digital Age” is now “Writing for Public Relations: Media and Messaging”. No petition required. A-K spring; L-Z fall(prereq)*COM 107 & PRL 206A-K in fall; L-Z in spring. | 3 |
PRL 315 | Public Relations Research (prereq)*PRL 206 | 3 |
VIS 207 | Introduction to Graphic Design (last name)*A-K fall; L-Z spring | 3 |
Third Year:
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
PRL 319 | Social Media & Society for Public Relations A-K fall; L-Z spring | 1.5 |
PRL 320 | Digital & Social Media Innovation for Public Relations | 1.5 |
PRL 345 | Ethics of Advocacy | 3 |
PRL 376 |
Content Optimization for PR Writing (prereq)*PRL 214 |
3 |
DIVERSITY REQUIREMENT: CHOOSE 1 COURSE BELOW | ||
COM 346
COM 348 COM 350 |
Race, Gender and the Media (prereq)*COM 107
Beauty and Diversity in Fashion Media Topics in Media, Diversity and Inclusion (prereq) *COM 107 |
3 |
Third or Fourth Year:
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
Global Experience (note 3)*The Global Experience may be fulfilled by studying abroad or taking an approved class from the list in the Newhouse Guidebook. If a student selects a Newhouse class and has already taken their 42 Newhouse credits, those credit hours will be added to the 122 hours required to graduate. | ||
Public Relations students are encouraged to use their Newhouse elective credits during their junior and senior years to develop professional skills in the following areas/specializations: digital analytics; advanced social media; investor relations; agency management; internal/employee communication; crisis communication; sports communication; or entertainment. PRL 530, COM 427, ICC 300 or COM 500 will offer these specialized courses on a rotating basis for 1-3 credits. Similar elective courses are offered during the LA and NYC semesters. | Newhouse Elective (note 5)*Public Relations students are encouraged to use their Newhouse elective credits during their junior and senior years to develop professional skills in the following areas/specializations: digital analytics; advanced social media; investor relations; agency management; internal/employee communication; crisis communication; sports communication; or entertainment. PRL 530, COM 427, ICC 300 or COM 500 will offer these specialized courses on a rotating basis for 1-3 credits. Similar elective courses are offered during the LA and NYC semesters. | 3 |
Fourth Year:
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
COM 507 | Communications Law for Advertising and Public Relations (last name)*A-K fall; L-Z spring | 3 |
PRL 424 |
Public Relations Management and Leadership (prereq)*PRL 315 & PRL 376 A-K spring; L-Z fallEffective Fall 2021: PRL 424 “Public Relations Management and Leadership” substitutes for PRL 497 “Public Relations Management”. No petition required. |
3 |
CAPSTONE REQUIREMENT | ||
PRL 425 |
Public Relations Cases & Campaigns (note 6)*As part of their capstone requirement, all public relations students must build a professional web-based portfolio of their best work, demonstrating their skills in writing, multimedia storytelling, research, social media, design and campaigns. This portfolio should include samples from relevant courses, internships, volunteer experiences, Hill Communications, etc. Each semester, students should review their portfolio with their faculty advisor. Effective Fall 2021: PRL 425 “Public Relations Cases & Campaigns” substitutes for PRL 325 “Public Relations Campaign Planning and Execution”. No petition required. (prereq)*PRL 376 & VIS 207 As part of their capstone requirement, all public relations students must build a professional web-based portfolio of their best work, demonstrating their skills in writing, multimedia storytelling, research, social media, design and campaigns. This portfolio should include samples from relevant courses, internships, volunteer experiences, Hill Communications, etc. Each semester, students should review their portfolio with their faculty advisor. |
3 |
Total credits: 42
Notes
- Students may devote no more than 42 of the 122 total credits to Newhouse School courses. Any courses taken above the 42-credit hour limit will be added to the total hours required for graduation.
- 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, a 0-credit remedial grammar course which will be 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.
- The Global Experience may be fulfilled by studying abroad or taking an approved class from the list in the Newhouse Guidebook. If a student selects a Newhouse class and has already taken their 42 Newhouse credits, those credit hours will be added to the 122 hours required to graduate.
- Public Relations students are limited to three internship credits in communications out of the 122 required for graduation. Sophomores and up may receive credit for internship experiences with departmental approval. Singly-enrolled Newhouse students are not permitted to enroll in non-communications experience credit.
- Public Relations students are encouraged to use their Newhouse elective credits during their junior and senior years to develop professional skills in the following areas/specializations: digital analytics; advanced social media; investor relations; agency management; internal/employee communication; crisis communication; sports communication; or entertainment. PRL 530, COM 427, ICC 300 or COM 500 will offer these specialized courses on a rotating basis for 1-3 credits. Similar elective courses are offered during the LA and NYC semesters.
- As part of their capstone requirement, all public relations students must build a professional web-based portfolio of their best work, demonstrating their skills in writing, multimedia storytelling, research, social media, design and campaigns. This portfolio should include samples from relevant courses, internships, volunteer experiences, Hill Communications, etc. Each semester, students should review their portfolio with their faculty advisor.
Class of 2028 Major Requirements: Public Relations
First Year:
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
Grammar Competency (note 2)*Students must pass a grammar competency exam in order to graduate. Scroll down to notes section for more detail. | ||
COM 107 | Communications and Society | 3 |
COM 117 | Multimedia Storytelling | 3 |
First or Second Year:
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
PRL 206 | Public Relations Principles and Practice A-K fall; L-Z spring; sophomore sta(prereq)*COM 107 | 3 |
Second Year:
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
PRL 214 | Writing for Public Relations: Media and MessagingEffective Fall 2021 course title changes in effect: PRL 206 – was “Public Relations Principles and Concepts” is now “Public Relations Principles and Practice. No petition required. PRL 214 – was “Writing for News and Public Relations in a Digital Age” is now “Writing for Public Relations: Media and Messaging”. No petition required. A-K spring; L-Z fall(prereq)*COM 107 & PRL 206A-K in fall; L-Z in spring. | 3 |
PRL 315 | Public Relations Research (prereq)*PRL 206 | 3 |
VIS 207 | Introduction to Graphic Design (last name)*A-K fall; L-Z spring | 3 |
Third Year:
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
PRL 319 | Social Media & Society for Public Relations *FALL ONLY*A-K fall; L-Z spring | 1.5 |
PRL 320 | Digital & Social Media Innovation for Public Relations *SPRING ONLY* | 1.5 |
PRL 345 | Ethics of Advocacy | 3 |
PRL 376 |
Content Optimization for PR Writing (prereq)*PRL 214 |
3 |
DIVERSITY REQUIREMENT: CHOOSE 1 COURSE BELOW | ||
COM 346
COM 348 COM 350 |
Race, Gender and the Media (prereq)*COM 107
Beauty and Diversity in Fashion Media Topics in Media, Diversity and Inclusion (prereq) *COM 107 |
3 |
Third or Fourth Year:
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
Global Experience (note 3)*The Global Experience may be fulfilled by studying abroad or taking an approved class from the list in the Newhouse Guidebook. If a student selects a Newhouse class and has already taken their 42 Newhouse credits, those credit hours will be added to the 122 hours required to graduate. | ||
Public Relations students are encouraged to use their Newhouse elective credits during their junior and senior years to develop professional skills in the following areas/specializations: digital analytics; advanced social media; investor relations; agency management; internal/employee communication; crisis communication; sports communication; or entertainment. PRL 530, COM 427, ICC 300 or COM 500 will offer these specialized courses on a rotating basis for 1-3 credits. Similar elective courses are offered during the LA and NYC semesters. | Newhouse Elective (note 5)*Public Relations students are encouraged to use their Newhouse elective credits during their junior and senior years to develop professional skills in the following areas/specializations: digital analytics; advanced social media; investor relations; agency management; internal/employee communication; crisis communication; sports communication; or entertainment. PRL 530, COM 427, ICC 300 or COM 500 will offer these specialized courses on a rotating basis for 1-3 credits. Similar elective courses are offered during the LA and NYC semesters. | 3 |
Fourth Year:
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
COM 507 | Communications Law for Advertising and Public Relations (last name)*A-K fall; L-Z spring | 3 |
PRL 424 |
Public Relations Management and Leadership (prereq)*PRL 315 & PRL 376 A-K spring; L-Z fallEffective Fall 2021: PRL 424 “Public Relations Management and Leadership” substitutes for PRL 497 “Public Relations Management”. No petition required. |
3 |
CAPSTONE REQUIREMENT | ||
PRL 425 |
Public Relations Cases & Campaigns (note 6)*As part of their capstone requirement, all public relations students must build a professional web-based portfolio of their best work, demonstrating their skills in writing, multimedia storytelling, research, social media, design and campaigns. This portfolio should include samples from relevant courses, internships, volunteer experiences, Hill Communications, etc. Each semester, students should review their portfolio with their faculty advisor. Effective Fall 2021: PRL 425 “Public Relations Cases & Campaigns” substitutes for PRL 325 “Public Relations Campaign Planning and Execution”. No petition required. (prereq)*PRL 376 & VIS 207 As part of their capstone requirement, all public relations students must build a professional web-based portfolio of their best work, demonstrating their skills in writing, multimedia storytelling, research, social media, design and campaigns. This portfolio should include samples from relevant courses, internships, volunteer experiences, Hill Communications, etc. Each semester, students should review their portfolio with their faculty advisor. |
3 |
Total credits: 42
Notes
- Students may devote no more than 42 of the 122 total credits to Newhouse School courses. Any courses taken above the 42-credit hour limit will be added to the total hours required for graduation.
- 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, a 0-credit remedial grammar course which will be 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.
- The Global Experience may be fulfilled by studying abroad or taking an approved class from the list in the Newhouse Guidebook. If a student selects a Newhouse class and has already taken their 42 Newhouse credits, those credit hours will be added to the 122 hours required to graduate.
- Public Relations students are limited to three internship credits in communications out of the 122 required for graduation. Sophomores and up may receive credit for internship experiences with departmental approval. Singly-enrolled Newhouse students are not permitted to enroll in non-communications experience credit.
- Public Relations students are encouraged to use their Newhouse elective credits during their junior and senior years to develop professional skills in the following areas/specializations: digital analytics; advanced social media; investor relations; agency management; internal/employee communication; crisis communication; sports communication; or entertainment. PRL 530, COM 427, ICC 300 or COM 500 will offer these specialized courses on a rotating basis for 1-3 credits. Similar elective courses are offered during the LA and NYC semesters.
- As part of their capstone requirement, all public relations students must build a professional web-based portfolio of their best work, demonstrating their skills in writing, multimedia storytelling, research, social media, design and campaigns. This portfolio should include samples from relevant courses, internships, volunteer experiences, Hill Communications, etc. Each semester, students should review their portfolio with their faculty advisor.