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Eastern Illinois University
Archived catalog. This is a historical catalog kept for reference. View the current catalog.

Communication Studies: Public Relations Option

(BA)

The field of public relations demands a variety of skills in all forms of communication, analysis, critical thinking and technology from its professional practitioners. Professionals must be responsive in a complex and diverse organizational environment to multiple and often competing demands. The public relations option prepares students to function effectively in this dynamic environment. Program emphasis is in preparing students for corporate, agency, nonprofit and other public relations positions.

Total Semester Hours: 45 

Department Core

Total Semester Hours: 12
SPC 2010
Introduction to Communication Theories.  (3 credits)
SPC 2020
Communication Research.  (3 credits)
SPC 2030
Applied Communication.  (3 credits)
SPC 2040
Argumentation and Critical Thinking.  (3 credits)

Option Core

Total Semester Hours: 21
SPC 2520
Introduction to Mass Communication.  (3 credits)
SPC 2650
Introduction to Organizational Communication.  (3 credits)
SPC 3100
Persuasion.  (3 credits)
SPC 3500
Electronic Media Relations.  (3 credits)
SPC 3960
Advocacy and Message and Design.  (3 credits)
SPC 4919
Public Relations Techniques.  (3 credits)
SPC 4920
Case Studies in Public Relations Problems.  (3 credits)

Electives

Total Semester Hours: 12

Selected in consultation with an advisor.

Suggested Four-Year Plan of Study

First Year, First Semester - Total Hours: 15-16

  • Humanities/Fine Arts. Credits: 3
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences. Credits: 3
  • FLG or Elective. Credits: 3-4
ENG 1001G
Composition and Language.  (3 credits)
SPC 1310G
Introduction to Speech Communication.  (3 credits)

or Mathematics

First Year, Second Semester - Total Hours: 15-16

  • Humanities/Fine Arts. Credits: 3
  • Science. Credits: 3
  • FLG or Elective. Credits: 3-4
ENG 1002G
Composition and Literature.  (3 credits)
SPC 1310G
Introduction to Speech Communication.  (3 credits)

or Mathematics

Second Year, First Semester - Total Hours: 16

  • Social and Behavioral Sciences. Credits: 3
  • Science with Lab. Credits: 4
SPC 2010
Introduction to Communication Theories.  (3 credits)

or SPC 2030

SPC 2020
Communication Research.  (3 credits)

or SPC 2040

SPC 2030
Applied Communication.  (3 credits)

or SPC 2010

SPC 2040
Argumentation and Critical Thinking.  (3 credits)

or SPC 2020

SPC 2520
Introduction to Mass Communication.  (3 credits)

or

SPC 2650
Introduction to Organizational Communication.  (3 credits)

Second Year, Second Semester - Total Hours: 15

  • Humanities/Fine Arts. Credits: 3
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences. Credits: 3
SPC 2010
Introduction to Communication Theories.  (3 credits)

or SPC 2030

SPC 2020
Communication Research.  (3 credits)

or SPC 2040

SPC 2030
Applied Communication.  (3 credits)

or SPC 2010

SPC 2040
Argumentation and Critical Thinking.  (3 credits)

or SPC 2020

SPC 2520
Introduction to Mass Communication.  (3 credits)

or

SPC 2650
Introduction to Organizational Communication.  (3 credits)

Third Year, First Semester - Total Hours: 15

  • SPC Elective. Credits: 3
  • Elective. Credits: 3
  • Elective. Credits: 3
  • Elective. Credits: 3
SPC 3100
Persuasion.  (3 credits)

Third Year, Second Semester - Total Hours: 15

  • SPC Elective. Credits: 3
  • Elective. Credits: 3
  • Elective. Credits: 3
SPC 3500
Electronic Media Relations.  (3 credits)
SPC 3960
Advocacy and Message and Design.  (3 credits)

Fourth Year, First Semester - Total Hours: 15

  • Elective or Senior Seminar. Credits: 3
  • SPC Elective. Credits: 3
  • Elective. Credits: 3
  • Elective. Credits: 3
SPC 4919
Public Relations Techniques.  (3 credits)

Fourth Year, Second Semester - Total Hours: 15

  • Elective or Senior Seminar. Credits: 3
  • SPC Elective. Credits: 3
  • Elective. Credits: 3
  • Elective. Credits: 3
SPC 4920
Case Studies in Public Relations Problems.  (3 credits)

Information sourced from the 2004-2005 EIU Undergraduate Catalog.