The online Public Relations minor prepares students for a variety of careers in the dynamic field of public relations. Typical job areas include media relations, event planning, corporate communications, crises management, publicity and promotion, public affairs and government relations. A professional PR practitioner uses a variety of communication strategies, tactics and media to create a favorable image for his or her client. Building and maintaining positive relationships with external audiences is the core of public relations.
A minor in public relations can benefit students in a variety of academic disciplines, including business administration, marketing, communications, liberal arts, medicine, engineering, education and social work. Whatever the field, any professional needs to know how to communicate effectively and persuasively to target audiences.
The Public Relations minor* requires the following five courses:
PR 215 Introduction to Public Relations
Can be taken on campus or online. Introduces the principles of public relations.
Examines the definition and historical development, opportunities and challenges
and techniques and management of public relations.
JPR 301 Writing for Public Relations
Must be taken online. Provides an introduction to and experience in writing
for a wide range of public relations purposes. Students improve writing skills
as they become prepared to effectively communicate with various audiences
in multiple formats.
Prerequisites: JRL 101 and PR 215
PR 401 Applied Public Relations
Must be taken online. Covers in-depth case studies of public relations programs.
Primary emphasis is placed on successful campaigns; however, unsuccessful
efforts are also examined for causes of failure.
Prerequisites: JRL 101 and PR 215
PR 410 IMC for Public Relations
Must be taken online. Describes the essential role of public relations in
integrated marketing communication. Examines successful IMC campaigns and
“the campaign mindset” as it applies to employee relations, government affairs,
reputation management, corporate social responsibility and more.
Prerequisites: JRL 101 and PR 215
To earn a minor in Public Relations, a student must earn a C or better and earn a minimum overall GPA of 2.0 or better in the courses required for the minor. Students completing the entire minor online can expect to complete it in one year.
Students who double-minor in advertising and public relations may only take JRL 101 once and must replace the second offering with one of the Reed College of Media's online 200-level or higher open-enrollment courses. Students who double-minor in sport communication and public relations must also take either ADV 215 (Principles of Advertising) or ADV 201 (Advertising and Society), as well as one of the Reed College of Media's online 200-level or higher open-enrollment courses in place of PR 410.
Students who triple-minor in advertising, public relations, and sport communication must complete all listed courses. However, JRL 101 and PR 215 can be taken only once; each must be replaced with one of the Reed College of Media's online 200-level or higher open- enrollment courses.
All online courses are taught completely via eCampus. Students need to plan on logging into eCampus daily during the week but can do so at the time of their own choosing. Students should budget the same amount of time for an online class as they do for classroom classes.
For additional information contact MediaCollegeOnline@mail.wvu.edu. To register for online courses, contact WVU Online at (800) 253-2762 or email WVUOnlineInquiry@mail.wvu.edu.
The public relations minor is not available to any student enrolled in the Reed College of Media.