Communication Studies | Bachelor of Arts: Communication (Public Relations and Advertising)
Public Relations and Advertising are both about persuasion. This emphasis teaches students how to become better persuaders and change agents for our society.
According to the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), “public relations is a strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics.” Some of the disciplines and functions within PR include:
Program Summary
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Education | 34 | |
| Bachelor of Arts Language Requirement | 10 | |
| Required Courses | ||
| Cognate | 3 | |
| Core | 9 | |
| Public Relations & Advertising Requirements | 33 | |
| Open Electives 1 | 31 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
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Open electives are the credit hours required to reach a minimum of 120 total hours and 45 upper-level hours. The number listed assumes all courses are completed at FHSU as listed. This number may vary if students transfer courses, or have individual substitutions allowed. Students should speak with their advisor if either situation applies to determine if the number will vary, and to ensure they enroll in a minimum of 45 upper-level hours.
Students entering within 1 year of high school graduation will take UNIV 101 Freshman Seminar and may apply that hour in the open elective category.
Program Requirements
Strategic Communication
(Public Relations and Advertising.)
General Education
All undergraduate degrees require completion of the Kansas Systemwide General Education.
Courses identified with GE on this page may satisfy a general education requirement in addition to the identified degree requirement. Students who apply a degree requirement to satisfy a general education requirement will typically add an equal number of hours to the university elective category. This flexibility may allow you to complete a minor or certificate within the 120 hour degree. Transfer students and students majoring in programs with approved exceptions are especially encouraged to select these courses in completing General Education requirements to maximize the likelihood of completing the degree with 120 credit hours.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Education | 34-35 | |
BA Language Requirement
All FHSU students pursuing a BA degree are required to take two consecutive non-English language classes. Students taking beginning Spanish or French classes may be able to apply the first class to the Arts and Humanities area of the general education requirement.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts Language Requirement | 10 | |
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Cognate | ||
| SOC 376/IDS 350 | Diversity in the United States GE | 3 |
| Public Relations/Advertising Core | ||
| COMM 208 | Communication and the Information Society | 3 |
| COMM 350 | Communication Research Methods | 3 |
| COMM 490 | Issues & Applications in Communication (Capstone) | 3 |
| Public Relations and Advertising Major Requirements | ||
| COMM 128 | Media and Society 1 | 3 |
| COMM 318 | Introduction to Organizational Communication (offered every semester and in the summer) | 3 |
| COMM 345 | Visual and Creative Design 2 | 3 |
| INF 346 | Beginning Video Production 3 | 3 |
| COMM 348 | Intro to Public Relations and Advertising 4 | 3 |
| COMM 349 | Strategic Writing and Ethics 5 | 3 |
| COMM 414 | Business and Professional Speaking | 3 |
| COMM 606 | Conflict Management Through Communication | 3 |
| COMM 642 | Crisis Communication and Strategies | 3 |
| COMM 657 | Media Planning and Management 6 | 3 |
| COMM 658 | Strategic Campaign Design and Analysis 7 | 3 |
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Freshmen; is a prerequisite for INF 346 Beginning Video Production.
- 2
Is a prerequisite for COMM 657 Media Planning and Management and COMM 658 Strategic Campaign Design and Analysis.
- 3
Is a prerequisite for COMM 658 Strategic Campaign Design and Analysis.
- 4
Is a prerequisite for COMM 349 Strategic Writing and Ethics.
- 5
Prerequisite: COMM 348 Intro to Public Relations and Advertising.
- 6
Prerequisites: COMM 345 Visual and Creative Design and COMM 348 Intro to Public Relations and Advertising.
- 7
Prerequisites: INF 346 Beginning Video Production and COMM 345 Visual and Creative Design and COMM 349 Strategic Writing and Ethics.
Degree Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts Degree Language Requirement | ||
| Two consecutive semesters of a non-English Language | ||
| All bachelor degrees require: | ||
| GPA of 2.0 on FHSU courses & 2.0 on all coursework (Higher program requirements prevail over the 2.0 when set) | ||
| A minimum of 30 hours earned from FHSU with a grade of D, C, B, or A | ||
| Successful completion of an upper division Writing and Information Literacy course (Most majors contain a course designated) | ||
| A minimum of 45 hours of recognized upper division credit | ||
| A minimum of 120 hours of recognized college credit | ||
Academic Degree Maps are term-by-term sample course plans that specify milestones, courses, and special requirements that are necessary for facilitating on-time completion. Degree Maps are examples and are not prescriptive. Individualized choices such as concentration options, transfer credits, optional minors, advisory programs (certificates), etc. can alter the recommended coursework. Course offerings are subject to change. Students should consult with their academic advisors for additional guidance on course planning.
To determine courses to take in the directed choices (often listed as Program Elective Course) and directed elective course blocks see the overview tab for courses. To locate approved courses in General Education areas (Undergraduate Programs) see the general education section of the catalog.
The undergraduate course maps typically advise the most efficient route for students to complete the general education requirements. Courses that are required in the major may be listed as fulfilling relevant general education requirements. This will result in more open elective course hours in some maps than is listed on the degree overview page.