Curriculum & Courses

Corporate communications is a subset of public relations that focuses on helping organizations develop compelling narratives that deepen stakeholder awareness and loyalty. Through corporate communications activities, internal and external audiences learn about what makes products and services unique through creative storytelling, reputation management, and relationship building. Designed to provide aspiring and seasoned communications professionals with skills to succeed in this field, this course will cover key areas of a practitioner’s day-to-day workflow. This includes practice in coordinating activities across departments, crafting persuasive communications that get key publics to act, and perpetuating positive sentiment. Further, through case studies, communication planning, projects, and presentations, students will demonstrate their acumen with crafting an organization's voice and image, and supporting recommendations with data and insights.

Students must successfully complete Ethics MPPR 500/5000 and PR Writing MPPR 508/5001 before registering for this course.

This course will teach students to provide a clear understanding of effective Digital Communications Strategies in today's business environment. Students will increase their understanding of how digital communications relate to more traditional marketing and PR tactics, and how to combine them for the best integrated approach. We will review today's digital tools, trends, and tactics; weighing the difference between cool/hip and realistic/effective mediums. Students will leave the course with an increased knowledge and hands-on familiarity of the practical applications of digital communications, and how these lead to success.

Students must successfully complete Ethics MPPR 500/5000, PR Writing MPPR 508/5001, Research for PR MPPR 502/5002, and Elements of Comm Planning MPPR 505/5003 before registering for this course.

Mastering communications planning is a building block for success in MPS PR/CC and in your career. Students learn the Georgetown way of step-by-step communications planning. The course focuses on each of the elements in-depth and provides opportunities for practice and ultimately mastery. Each element of the model builds on the next starting with the research to create a situational analysis to learning the difference between a goal and objective and strategies and tactics. Students learn how to identify key publics and to create targeted messaging. Evaluation and creating a budget and timeline are also examined. At the end of the course, students understand the planning model and know how to apply it a range of communications challenges. Students are prepared for their capstone experience and other coursework.

Students must successfully complete Research MPPR 502/5002 and PR Writing MPPR 508/5001 before registering for this course.

Students may take this 1-credit course alongside an independently-acquired internship to reflect on how their experience relates to program knowledge and skills. Deliverables include regular reflection posts in which students discuss how program curriculum and methodologies inform their approach to internship responsibilities. Students are expected to complete a minimum of 50 hours of work (total) for the internship organization. NOTE: Enrollment requires program permission. This 1-credit course does not satisfy an elective requirement alone; however, students may complete additional internships in future semesters alongside courses Internship II 7952 and Internship III 7953 to cumulatively fulfill an elective requirement.

Subject to department approval - please contact the PRCC (MPPR) department via email.

Students may take this 1-credit course alongside an independently-acquired internship to reflect on how their experience relates to program knowledge and skills. Deliverables include regular writing assignments in which students discuss how program curriculum and methodologies inform their approach to internship responsibilities. Students are expected to complete a minimum of 50 hours of work (total) for the internship organization. NOTE: Enrollment requires program permission. Students may take this class only after taking Internship I 7951. This 1-credit course does not satisfy an elective requirement alone; however, students may complete (3) internships along with all (3) internship classes (Internship I 7951, Internship II 7952, and Internship III 7953) to cumulatively fulfill an elective requirement.

Subject to department approval - please contact the PRCC (MPPR) department via email.

Students may take this 1-credit course alongside an independently-acquired internship to reflect on how their experience relates to program knowledge and skills. Deliverables include regular writing assignments in which students discuss how program curriculum and methodologies inform their approach to internship responsibilities. Students are expected to complete a minimum of 50 hours of work (total) for the internship organization. NOTE: Enrollment requires program permission. Students may take this class only after taking Internship I 7951 and Internship II 7952. This 1-credit course does not satisfy an elective requirement alone; however, students may complete (3) internships along with all (3) internship classes (Internship I 7951, Internship II 7952, and Internship III 7953) to cumulatively fulfill an elective requirement.

Requites departmental approval. Please contact the PRCC program via email for more information.

Thought leadership and personal branding are two essential, yet often ambiguous ingredients in a career strategy. This course will arm students with the resources to evaluate, improve, and employ personal branding strategies for themselves and for key members of their organizational team. The course will discuss personal branding strategies in both digital and event contexts – including social media platforms, presentations, and networking opportunities. Note: Students must have completed core/foundation courses MPPR 500 Ethics and MPPR 508 PR Writing to register for this course.

Students must successfully complete PR Ethics MPPR 500 / 5000 and PR Writing MPPR 508 / 5001 before registering for this course.

Thought leadership and personal branding are two essential, yet often ambiguous ingredients in a career strategy. This course will arm students with the resources to evaluate, improve, and employ personal branding strategies for themselves and for key members of their organizational team. The course will discuss personal branding strategies in both digital and event contexts – including social media platforms, presentations, and networking opportunities. Note: Students must have completed core/foundation courses MPPR 500 Ethics and MPPR 508 PR Writing to register for this course.

The most important part of any successful communications career is the ability to present your business ideas clearly. Frankly, it doesn’t matter how smart or well prepared you are unless you’re able to communicate effectively with others. We know that presentations are not exclusively one person, standing alone at a podium. They are often impromptu, in groups, to various audiences and even in written form. Therefore, this course will explore all types of persuasive presentations and help you grow your skillset for many opportunities. Through lectures, class exercises, workshops and (of course) presentations of various lengths, this course will give you the tools to craft effective communications. The overall goal is for you to feel comfortable presenting yourself and your ideas with the right supporting materials.

Capstone is the final academic opportunity to assess and apply your strategic communications skills and knowledge. The course focuses on the comprehensive skills you have built throughout your time in MPS PR/CC by evaluating your writing, strategic thinking, creativity, and ethical framework in a real-time context. During your final challenge, you will apply your strategic communications skills to an existing communications challenge identified by a company/organization of your choosing. Working individually, you will respond to a communication problem or opportunity for your client. At the close of the semester, you will be expected to write and present a well-researched, insightful, creative plan that illuminates how your strategic considerations will lead to positive outcomes for your client. Your plan will tell the story of the original research, implementation plan, timelines and budget necessary to meet the client’s communication goal. Although the primary focus for the semester is on creating a comprehensive plan, there will be in-class assignments to review and diagnose your mastery of specific concepts in strategic communications planning and responsible communication. The capstone experience is intended to ensure you have the strategic skills and confidence necessary to be a leader in responsible communication, and provide a unique networking and career-enhancing opportunity. In addition to the minimum, cumulative grade point average of 3.0 required for graduation from the MPS PR/CC program, you must receive a minimum grade of a B in the capstone course to graduate. Students with a 3.0 cumulative GPA, who receive a final grade of a B- or below may receive one opportunity to retake the course, if approved by the associate dean.

Students must earn a "B" or better in this course to meet degree requirements.

Capstone is the final academic opportunity to assess and apply your strategic communications skills and knowledge. The course focuses on the comprehensive skills you have built throughout your time in MPS PR/CC by evaluating your writing, strategic thinking, creativity, and ethical framework in a real-time context. During your final challenge, you will apply your strategic communications skills to an existing communications challenge identified by a company/organization of your choosing. Working individually, you will respond to a communication problem or opportunity for your client. At the close of the semester, you will be expected to write and present a well-researched, insightful, creative plan that illuminates how your strategic considerations will lead to positive outcomes for your client. Your plan will tell the story of the original research, implementation plan, timelines and budget necessary to meet the client’s communication goal. Although the primary focus for the semester is on creating a comprehensive plan, there will be in-class assignments to review and diagnose your mastery of specific concepts in strategic communications planning and responsible communication. The capstone experience is intended to ensure you have the strategic skills and confidence necessary to be a leader in responsible communication, and provide a unique networking and career-enhancing opportunity. In addition to the minimum, cumulative grade point average of 3.0 required for graduation from the MPS PR/CC program, you must receive a minimum grade of a B in the capstone course to graduate. Students with a 3.0 cumulative GPA, who receive a final grade of a B- or below may receive one opportunity to retake the course, if approved by the associate dean.

Students must earn a "B" or better in this course to meet degree requirements.

The best ideas are only as good as the research behind them. This statement is top-of-mind for every PR practitioner, and is the key to success for every communications plan. Through this course, students will get in-depth training in executing secondary and primary research and will learn how to obtain actionable insights that can be used to support/guide/inform decision-making within the organization. Beginning with the foundations of audience targeting, as well as hypothesis and research question development, students will learn how to set the stage for meaningful inquiry. Then, students will learn about the different types of primary research and work to uncover key insights that help develop client recommendations. The course will conclude through simulations of real-world research activities, like mock focus groups, Qualtrics surveys, and interviews, as well exploring case studies from today's headlines. By the end of the semester, students will not only be prepared to conduct communications research, but create data-driven solutions that solve today's most pressing communication problems.

Successful communication skills have become a critical management tool to thrive and survive in today's increasingly complex and fast-moving business climate. This hands-on, practical course teaches students to analyze, develop, and effectively communicate via all forms of business writing, presenting, visual storytelling, leadership, client management, and negotiating. This course covers the challenges of communicating across global organizations as well as the role that listening and emotional intelligence play in creating effective communication strategies.

Cross-listed from the MPS Design Mgmt Comms program. No prerequisite restrictions for PRCC students.

Cause Consulting is a signature course in the PRCC program. It offers a cohort of students an applied learning experience by working collaboratively in small consulting teams to refine and implement communications plans for social impact clients, such as nonprofits or socially responsible businesses. It's also an opportunity to explore students’ leadership potential to create positive social impact throughout their careers, as they go through a semester-long journey to become consultants. Students who complete the course are recognized with the designation of Cause Consultants, which allows them to participate in exclusive opportunities through the Center for Social Impact Communication (CSIC).

Students must successfully complete Ethics MPPR 5000 and PR Writing MPPR 5001 before taking this class.

Corporate communications is a subset of public relations that focuses on helping organizations develop compelling narratives that deepen stakeholder awareness and loyalty. Through corporate communications activities, internal and external audiences learn about what makes products and services unique through creative storytelling, reputation management, and relationship building. Designed to provide aspiring and seasoned communications professionals with skills to succeed in this field, this course will cover key areas of a practitioner’s day-to-day workflow. This includes practice in coordinating activities across departments, crafting persuasive communications that get key publics to act, and perpetuating positive sentiment. Further, through case studies, communication planning, projects, and presentations, students will demonstrate their acumen with crafting an organization's voice and image, and supporting recommendations with data and insights.

Students must successfully complete Ethics MPPR 500/5000 and PR Writing MPPR 508/5001 before registering for this course.

In this course, we face these issues head-on, building an understanding of what is possible with generative AI, and how people can best leverage them in artistic domains. This course provides an overview of generative AI, defining its role and capabilities in creating novel content. The course focuses on the practical applications of generative AI in various creative domains. Students will explore how AI is used to generate visual art, create music, design products, and even write creative literature. The course will showcase a range of case studies and examples where generative AI has been successfully implemented, offering insights into its transformative potential. Students will also engage with the creative process behind generative AI. This involves understanding the human-AI collaboration in creative work, and exploring how artists and designers can guide AI to enhance creativity rather than replace it. Discussions will include the ethical considerations and implications of AI-generated content, particularly regarding originality, copyright, and authorship. We will also examine issues of bias and the future of work as generative AI reshapes the global market for creative content. Students will be introduced to careers in the intersection of AI and creative fields, hearing from guest speakers on different strategies for participating in and benefiting from the generative AI transformation. They will learn the fundamentals of how these models are trained and how they produce creative outputs. Then, they will build on this knowledge to see firsthand where AI shines, where it reaches its current limitations, and how they can use AI to reach their own creative goals. Upon completion of the course, students will have AI-assisted artifacts of their own design, as well as frameworks and processes that they can apply to new technologies still to come.

Cross-listed course from the MPS Integrated Marketing Comms program. No prerequisite restrictions for PRCC students.

“It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.” Warren Buffett In today’s world of increased access to information, social media, and global news, responding to a crisis or threat to an organization’s reputation has become more critical and immediate than ever before. Effective crisis communications can prevent or minimize the damage to an organization’s reputation as a result of a crisis. The stakes are high and a strong crisis communicator needs to be prepared, nimble, and responsive. This course is focused on the practical understanding and techniques of crisis communications learned and utilized over years of front-line experience. This class will equip students with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to prepare for and respond to incidents, issues, and crises that can threaten an organization’s valuable reputation. Comments: This change is specific to the online section -101 of Crisis Communications.

Students must successfully complete PR Ethics MPPR 5000 and PR Writing MPPR 5001 before taking this course.

This course will teach students to provide a clear understanding of effective Digital Communications Strategies in today's business environment. Students will increase their understanding of how digital communications relate to more traditional marketing and PR tactics, and how to combine them for the best integrated approach. We will review today's digital tools, trends, and tactics; weighing the difference between cool/hip and realistic/effective mediums. Students will leave the course with an increased knowledge and hands-on familiarity of the practical applications of digital communications, and how these lead to success.

Students must successfully complete Ethics MPPR 5000, PR Writing MPPR 5001, Research 5002, and Elements of Comm Planning MPPR 5003 before taking this course.

Mastering communications planning is a building block for success in MPS PR/CC and in your career. Students learn the Georgetown way of step-by-step communications planning. The course focuses on each of the elements in-depth and provides opportunities for practice and ultimately mastery. Each element of the model builds on the next starting with the research to create a situational analysis to learning the difference between a goal and objective and strategies and tactics. Students learn how to identify key publics and to create targeted messaging. Evaluation and creating a budget and timeline are also examined. At the end of the course, students understand the planning model and know how to apply it a range of communications challenges. Students are prepared for their capstone experience and other coursework.

Foundation course requirement for the PRCC program. Students must successfully complete Ethics MPPR 500/5000 and PR Writing MPPR 508/5001 before registering for this course.

Mastering communications planning is a building block for success in MPS PR/CC and in your career. Students learn the Georgetown way of step-by-step communications planning. The course focuses on each of the elements in-depth and provides opportunities for practice and ultimately mastery. Each element of the model builds on the next starting with the research to create a situational analysis to learning the difference between a goal and objective and strategies and tactics. Students learn how to identify key publics and to create targeted messaging. Evaluation and creating a budget and timeline are also examined. At the end of the course, students understand the planning model and know how to apply it a range of communications challenges. Students are prepared for their capstone experience and other coursework.

Foundation course requirement for the PRCC program. Students must successfully complete Ethics MPPR 500/5000 and PR Writing MPPR 508/5001 before registering for this course.

Government relations is a specialized branch of public relations that assists organizations in communicating with directorate publics. It includes learning how to influence the actions, policies, and decisions of individuals. By building a relationship between organizations and governmental bodies, progress is made toward lobbying efforts, advocacy initiatives, and regulatory issues that impact hearts, minds, and bottom lines. Through this course, students will train to become leaders in government communications and gain acumen in how to help organizations push their agendas forward. From learning laws and techniques for advocacy, to changing and/or maintaining policy, to using advanced-level persuasion techniques, to influencing actions or decisions of officials, this course will cover the necessary ground to prepare students for a successful career at a state, national, or global scale.

Students must successfully complete Ethics MPPR 5000, PR Writing MPPR 5001, Research MPPR 5002, and Elements MPPR 5003 before taking this course.

Cross-listed from the MPS Integrated Marketing Comms program. No prerequisite restrictions for PRCC students.

Effective media and influencer relations are key to relationship building in today's communications landscape. By intimately understanding the news cycle - and the stakeholders within it - a practitioner has the opportunity to educate the public and elevate their client's mission and message. In this course, students will become familiar with multimedia sources and evaluate their impact on public opinion. Further, students will acquire a sophisticated understanding of how information becomes news and break through the clutter to get their clients noticed. Additionally, students will develop techniques that yield success in writing and pitching, including research on beats/segments, headline/subject line writing, newsjacking, social media engagement, and best practices for follow up. Learning Outcomes Across Both Courses: · Analyze the current media landscape for headlines, sentiments, and opportunities to engage. · Demonstrate how to maximize positive coverage or change public opinion. · Apply principles of relationship building to engage with journalists, producers, and influencers. · Develop pitches for multimedia outlets that have the potential to create news. · Create a media relations portfolio of writing samples for resume building and career opportunities.

Students must successfully complete Ethics MPPR 500/5000 and PR Writing MPPR 508/5001 before registering for this course.

Effective media and influencer relations are key to relationship building in today's communications landscape. By intimately understanding the news cycle - and the stakeholders within it - a practitioner has the opportunity to educate the public and elevate their client's mission and message. In this course, students will become familiar with multimedia sources and evaluate their impact on public opinion. Further, students will acquire a sophisticated understanding of how information becomes news and break through the clutter to get their clients noticed. Additionally, students will develop techniques that yield success in writing and pitching, including research on beats/segments, headline/subject line writing, newsjacking, social media engagement, and best practices for follow up. Learning Outcomes Across Both Courses: · Analyze the current media landscape for headlines, sentiments, and opportunities to engage. · Demonstrate how to maximize positive coverage or change public opinion. · Apply principles of relationship building to engage with journalists, producers, and influencers. · Develop pitches for multimedia outlets that have the potential to create news. · Create a media relations portfolio of writing samples for resume building and career opportunities.

Students must successfully complete PR Ethics MPPR 5000 and PR Writing MPPR 5001 before taking this course.

Students may take this 1-credit course alongside an independently-acquired internship to reflect on how their experience relates to program knowledge and skills. Deliverables include regular reflection posts in which students discuss how program curriculum and methodologies inform their approach to internship responsibilities. Students are expected to complete a minimum of 50 hours of work (total) for the internship organization. NOTE: Enrollment requires program permission. This 1-credit course does not satisfy an elective requirement alone; however, students may complete additional internships in future semesters alongside courses Internship II 7952 and Internship III 7953 to cumulatively fulfill an elective requirement.

Please reach out to your Program Director for approval for this course. You will be manually added to it after filling out the appropriate paperwork. This course does not meet weekly.

Students may take this 1-credit course alongside an independently-acquired internship to reflect on how their experience relates to program knowledge and skills. Deliverables include regular writing assignments in which students discuss how program curriculum and methodologies inform their approach to internship responsibilities. Students are expected to complete a minimum of 50 hours of work (total) for the internship organization. NOTE: Enrollment requires program permission. Students may take this class only after taking Internship I 7951. This 1-credit course does not satisfy an elective requirement alone; however, students may complete (3) internships along with all (3) internship classes (Internship I 7951, Internship II 7952, and Internship III 7953) to cumulatively fulfill an elective requirement.

Please reach out to your Program Director for approval to be manually added to this course. You will be manually added to it after filling out the appropriate paperwork. This course does not meet weekly.

Students may take this 1-credit course alongside an independently-acquired internship to reflect on how their experience relates to program knowledge and skills. Deliverables include regular writing assignments in which students discuss how program curriculum and methodologies inform their approach to internship responsibilities. Students are expected to complete a minimum of 50 hours of work (total) for the internship organization. NOTE: Enrollment requires program permission. Students may take this class only after taking Internship I 7951 and Internship II 7952. This 1-credit course does not satisfy an elective requirement alone; however, students may complete (3) internships along with all (3) internship classes (Internship I 7951, Internship II 7952, and Internship III 7953) to cumulatively fulfill an elective requirement.

Subject to department approval - please contact the PRCC (MPPR) department via email.

Thought leadership and personal branding are two essential, yet often ambiguous ingredients in a career strategy. This course will arm students with the resources to evaluate, improve, and employ personal branding strategies for themselves and for key members of their organizational team. The course will discuss personal branding strategies in both digital and event contexts – including social media platforms, presentations, and networking opportunities. Note: Students must have completed core/foundation courses MPPR 500 Ethics and MPPR 508 PR Writing to register for this course.

Capstone is the final academic opportunity to assess and apply your strategic communications skills and knowledge. The course focuses on the comprehensive skills you have built throughout your time in MPS PR/CC by evaluating your writing, strategic thinking, creativity, and ethical framework in a real-time context. During your final challenge, you will apply your strategic communications skills to an existing communications challenge identified by a company/organization of your choosing. Working individually, you will respond to a communication problem or opportunity for your client. At the close of the semester, you will be expected to write and present a well-researched, insightful, creative plan that illuminates how your strategic considerations will lead to positive outcomes for your client. Your plan will tell the story of the original research, implementation plan, timelines and budget necessary to meet the client’s communication goal. Although the primary focus for the semester is on creating a comprehensive plan, there will be in-class assignments to review and diagnose your mastery of specific concepts in strategic communications planning and responsible communication. The capstone experience is intended to ensure you have the strategic skills and confidence necessary to be a leader in responsible communication, and provide a unique networking and career-enhancing opportunity. In addition to the minimum, cumulative grade point average of 3.0 required for graduation from the MPS PR/CC program, you must receive a minimum grade of a B in the capstone course to graduate. Students with a 3.0 cumulative GPA, who receive a final grade of a B- or below may receive one opportunity to retake the course, if approved by the associate dean.

Core requirement for MPS degree. Minimum grade of "B" required. Cannot be taken with any other required course. Must be taken in the student's final semester as they finish all coursework.

Capstone is the final academic opportunity to assess and apply your strategic communications skills and knowledge. The course focuses on the comprehensive skills you have built throughout your time in MPS PR/CC by evaluating your writing, strategic thinking, creativity, and ethical framework in a real-time context. During your final challenge, you will apply your strategic communications skills to an existing communications challenge identified by a company/organization of your choosing. Working individually, you will respond to a communication problem or opportunity for your client. At the close of the semester, you will be expected to write and present a well-researched, insightful, creative plan that illuminates how your strategic considerations will lead to positive outcomes for your client. Your plan will tell the story of the original research, implementation plan, timelines and budget necessary to meet the client’s communication goal. Although the primary focus for the semester is on creating a comprehensive plan, there will be in-class assignments to review and diagnose your mastery of specific concepts in strategic communications planning and responsible communication. The capstone experience is intended to ensure you have the strategic skills and confidence necessary to be a leader in responsible communication, and provide a unique networking and career-enhancing opportunity. In addition to the minimum, cumulative grade point average of 3.0 required for graduation from the MPS PR/CC program, you must receive a minimum grade of a B in the capstone course to graduate. Students with a 3.0 cumulative GPA, who receive a final grade of a B- or below may receive one opportunity to retake the course, if approved by the associate dean.

Core requirement for MPS degree. Minimum grade of "B" is needed to pass. Cannot be taken with any other required course. Must be taken in the student's final semester as they finish all coursework.

Public Relations Ethics: Theory, Integrity, and Care for the Whole Person. In keeping with Georgetown University’s Jesuit values and commitment to justice and the common good, Public Relations Ethics is a core course in the Master’s in Public Relations and Corporate Communications. The MPS program aims to educate and care for the whole person and believes that this process starts with the study of ethics. Valued public relations professionals are key advisors to their clients, serving as essential partners in creating strategic approaches to long-term success. The ability to anticipate challenges, deliberate between competing concerns, and present a persuasive case for recommended actions will marks a true leader. Public Relations Ethics explores what it means to practice public relations in a way that serves the public and clients, enhances the profession, and demonstrates personal integrity. This course is required for all MPS students and must be completed by the second semester in the program. Note: Core requirement for the MPS degree. Students must receive a grade of a "B" or better to pass the course.

Students must earn a "B" or better in this course to meet degree requirements.

Public Relations Ethics: Theory, Integrity, and Care for the Whole Person. In keeping with Georgetown University’s Jesuit values and commitment to justice and the common good, Public Relations Ethics is a core course in the Master’s in Public Relations and Corporate Communications. The MPS program aims to educate and care for the whole person and believes that this process starts with the study of ethics. Valued public relations professionals are key advisors to their clients, serving as essential partners in creating strategic approaches to long-term success. The ability to anticipate challenges, deliberate between competing concerns, and present a persuasive case for recommended actions will marks a true leader. Public Relations Ethics explores what it means to practice public relations in a way that serves the public and clients, enhances the profession, and demonstrates personal integrity. This course is required for all MPS students and must be completed by the second semester in the program. Note: Core requirement for the MPS degree. Students must receive a grade of a "B" or better to pass the course.

Core requirement for the PRCC degree. This class requires a "B" grade or better.

Despite Internet-driven mass communications' impact on public relations strategies, a core strength of any successful communications professional is a solid understanding of what is newsworthy, coupled with strong writing skills. This course is designed to help students develop professional writing skills expected of PR practitioners, and covers many forms of public relations writing including press releases, statements, public service announcements, media correspondence, media advisories, newsletter articles, fact sheets, and talking points. Good writing takes practice, hard work, discipline, focus and persistence. Through in-class assignments and homework, students will learn to organize and plan their writing both with and without deadline pressure. Successful students will be able to continue in their PR career or pursue a job in public relations with the assurance that they have had professional exposure to a breadth of writing that will serve them well in their professional lives.

Foundation requirement of degree.

Despite Internet-driven mass communications' impact on public relations strategies, a core strength of any successful communications professional is a solid understanding of what is newsworthy, coupled with strong writing skills. This course is designed to help students develop professional writing skills expected of PR practitioners, and covers many forms of public relations writing including press releases, statements, public service announcements, media correspondence, media advisories, newsletter articles, fact sheets, and talking points. Good writing takes practice, hard work, discipline, focus and persistence. Through in-class assignments and homework, students will learn to organize and plan their writing both with and without deadline pressure. Successful students will be able to continue in their PR career or pursue a job in public relations with the assurance that they have had professional exposure to a breadth of writing that will serve them well in their professional lives.

Foundation requirement of degree.

The best ideas are only as good as the research behind them. This statement is top-of-mind for every PR practitioner, and is the key to success for every communications plan. Through this course, students will get in-depth training in executing secondary and primary research and will learn how to obtain actionable insights that can be used to support/guide/inform decision-making within the organization. Beginning with the foundations of audience targeting, as well as hypothesis and research question development, students will learn how to set the stage for meaningful inquiry. Then, students will learn about the different types of primary research and work to uncover key insights that help develop client recommendations. The course will conclude through simulations of real-world research activities, like mock focus groups, Qualtrics surveys, and interviews, as well exploring case studies from today's headlines. By the end of the semester, students will not only be prepared to conduct communications research, but create data-driven solutions that solve today's most pressing communication problems.

Foundation requirement of degree.

The best ideas are only as good as the research behind them. This statement is top-of-mind for every PR practitioner, and is the key to success for every communications plan. Through this course, students will get in-depth training in executing secondary and primary research and will learn how to obtain actionable insights that can be used to support/guide/inform decision-making within the organization. Beginning with the foundations of audience targeting, as well as hypothesis and research question development, students will learn how to set the stage for meaningful inquiry. Then, students will learn about the different types of primary research and work to uncover key insights that help develop client recommendations. The course will conclude through simulations of real-world research activities, like mock focus groups, Qualtrics surveys, and interviews, as well exploring case studies from today's headlines. By the end of the semester, students will not only be prepared to conduct communications research, but create data-driven solutions that solve today's most pressing communication problems.

Social media is the interaction between individuals to create, share, and exchange information. Platforms are ever-changing, always exciting, and forever in need of strategic practitioners to manage the conversation. Through this course, students will develop the skills necessary to communicate and engage with key publics on social media. The course will begin by exploring the differences between legacy and emerging (new and trendy) social media, and how to determine which to use to best achieve client goals and objectives. Students will then apply their new-found platform fluency to practice developing engaging content, write resonating copy, and monitor for impact. In addition, the course will focus on community management practices, social listening techniques, and social media campaign measurement, helping students prepare for real-time strategy and activation. By the end of the experience, students will have hands-on experience developing social media campaigns and be prepared to integrate effectively into communications planning.

Students must successfully complete Ethics MPPR 5000 and PR Writing MPPR 5001 before taking this course.