Public Relations (PRCM)

C o l l e g e o f l i b e r a l a r t s

Department of Communication and Journalsim

C o l l e g e o f l i b e r a l a r t s

Department of Communication and Journalism

http://www.auburn.edu/cmjn/public-relations

Program Director:Dr. Brigitta Brunnerbrunnbr@auburn.edu

Department Director:Dr. Margaret Fitch-Hauser

fitchme@auburn.edu

Internship Director:Dr. Ric Smith

smirthrw@auburn.edu

COURSEWORKIn addition to university core curriculum and eight credit hours of foreign languages, all PR majors take the following classes.

Major:• JRNL 1100 - Newspaper Fundamentals• JRNL 2210 - Newswriting• CMJN 2100 - Concepts in Communication &

Journalism (prerequisite for PRCM 3040)• PRCM 3040 - Foundation of Public Relations• PRCM 3050 - Case Studies and Ethics in PR• PRCM 4020 - Style & Design in PR Messages• PRCM 4080 - Writing for Public Relations• PRCM 4090 - PR Campaigns• PRCM 4510 - Survey Research Methods• PRCM 4920 - Internship• Select three additional PR/COMM/RTVF

courses

Supporting Coursework:• ACCT 2990 - Business Law• Select three additional business courses• 20 elective credits

Many PR majors also choose to add a minor to their coursework. Students choose to add business, marketing, foreign language or management to supplement their PR major.

ABOUT PUBLIC RELATIONS:Public relations is a unique major in that it encompasses many important aspects of the business world. Public relations practitioners are instrumental in counseling all types of organizations on how to make strategic decisions, communicate with their many publics, and build strategic relationships. Whether it be an organization providing employees, consumers, investors, and/or the media with crucial information, or a company facing immediate crisis, public relations serves as an active part of organizations’ strategic management. Students majoring in public relations at Auburn University enterthecareerfieldproficientintheskillsnecessary to be successful in the profession because of the breadth of their studies and the many opportunities for hands-on experience.

SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS:Auburn’s public relations majors have received a number of honors. Each year, the PR major who exhibits excellence in leadership and academics is honored with the Hess Outstanding Senior in PR award. In addition, many public relations majors have been honored as winners in the Medallion Awards competition at the Public Relations Council of Alabama annual meeting.

CAREERS:Public relations graduates take jobs in communications,sales,not-for-profitmanagement, promotions, event planning, and PR counseling. Graduates are pursuing successful careers with organizations like General Electric, Civitan International, Hill and Knowlton, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, Chambers of Commerce, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, CNN, Hershey Corporation, NBC, and many others.

CLUBS & SOCIETIES:Public Relations Society of American/Public Relations Council of Alabama (PRSSA/PRCA):The largest society in the Department of Communication and Journalism, PRSSA/PRCA gives PR majors relevant, local and national exposure to campaigns, competitions, speakers and conferences.

The Auburn Plainsman:One of the most awarded student newspapers in the country, The Auburn Plainsman gives students published and respected articles for their portfolios. Many public relations majors choose to volunteer time to the paper and build skills in writing, editing and photographing.

Eagle Eye TV:PR majors can develop skills in broadcast journalism, videography, editing and interviewing by joining Eagle Eye TV, Auburn University’s own television station.

Society of Professional Journalists:National honor society for students who excel academically and are interested in journalism.

Lambda Pi Eta:National Communication Association and honor society offered to Auburn University students.

INTERNSHIPS:Each student in public relations is required to complete an internship for credit. Students, however, are encouraged to complete many internships. Internships are a great way to gain real-life internship experience, and most employers view internship experience as a top requirement for employment.

“Without my internship experience as an Auburn student, I would not be as prepared for the real world and what working in PR is all about. More than just public relations skills, I learned about time management, working with a diverse group of people, making

deadlines and expanding my boundaries. I am very thankful

Auburn PR requires an internship to graduate and am looking forward to how that experience will help

me in my post-graduate life.”-Gabrielle Hoyt (Public Relations, ‘12)