Undergraduate
Certificate Programs
Public Relations
As traditional media change, more and more organizations are assuming responsibility for their own communications—and are telling their own stories through news releases, e-newsletters and social media messages. As a result, public relations is a strong and growing profession.
The Certificate offers professional training in journalism and mass communication with a focus on public relations. In addition to developing skills of writing, reporting and editing; visual communication; and new communications technology, students gain research techniques, analytical thinking, technical know-how, teamwork and versatility. These are exactly the skills that today’s employers are looking for.
Public relations students at IUPUI take courses with expert faculty, do internships and collaborate with community members on projects outside the classroom—such as communications plans and PR campaigns. Through these opportunities, students gain experience that will set them apart in the job market. Graduates might choose to work in positions in public relations firms, corporations, government agencies, nonprofits, associations, and health and life sciences organizations. The Certificate curriculum prepares students to be effective, ethical communicators regardless of the career path they pursue.
- Admission to the Certificate program in Public Relations requires the following:
- Minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0.
- Completion of 15 credit hours
- The Certificate program in Public Relations requires satisfactory completion of the following:
- Completion of a total of 25 credit hours, with a minimum grade of C in each course.
- Contact both the Journalism and Public Relations Academic Advisor and the School of Liberal Arts Student Affairs office, located in CA 401, to complete the necessary paperwork to officially declare the certificate.
- Core Requirements (16 credits)
- JOUR J110 Foundations of Journalism and Mass Communications
- JOUR J200 Reporting, Writing, and Editing I [P: ENG W131]
- JOUR J210 Visual Communication
- JOUR J300 Communications Law [P: Sophomore standing]
- JOUR J410 Media as Social Institutions (capstone) [P: JOUR J300 & Junior standing or above]
- JOUR J492Media Internship [P: By permission] (1 credit)
- Area Core Requirements (9 credits)
- JOUR J219 Introduction to Public Relations
- JOUR J340 Public Relations Tactics and Techniques [P: JOUR J219]
- JOUR J390 Public Relations Writing [P: JOUR J200 & JOUR J219]
For more information please contact the Journalism and Public Relations Academic Advisor, 317-274-3976, located in Cavanaugh Hall (CA) 401.
Federal Student Aid Consumer Disclosure: https://apps.usss.iu.edu/disclosures/?plan=IN01.09.0900