PREL 2338. INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC RELATIONS. 3 Hours. (TCCN = COMM 2330)

Introduces the foundations of modern public relations, including key concepts, communication models, and persuasive writing skills. Emphasizes research, ethics, media literacy, and storytelling in strategic communication across sectors.

PREL 3313. CRISIS COMMUNICATION. 3 Hours.

Examines effective and strategic communication practices throughout the stages of a crisis event. Special emphasis is placed on pre-crisis communication, crisis communication planning, media relations, spokesperson training, and ethical crisis responses. The course combines both hands-on and theoretical learning techniques. Prerequisite: 30 hours earned.

PREL 3320. STRATEGIC SOCIAL MEDIA COMMUNICATION. 3 Hours.

Developing strategy and content for social media, engaging in audience analysis, understanding the unique attributes of various platforms, and communicating ethically and effectively across those platforms. Credit will not be given for both PCOM 3320 and PREL 3320.

PREL 3330. PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS FOR PUBLIC RELATIONS AND ADVERTISING. 3 Hours.

Develops advanced skills to design and deliver high-impact professional presentations for internal and external stakeholders in public relations and advertising to influence organizational outcomes and stakeholder decisions. Emphasizes professional settings such as client pitches, campaign results reports, creative strategy presentations, and team meetings. Prerequisite: 60 or more hours earned and a grade of C or higher (2.0/4.0 scale) in either ADVT 2337, PCOM 2301, or PREL 2338; or permission of the department.

PREL 3339. PUBLIC RELATIONS TECHNIQUES. 3 Hours.

Develops competency in the technical aspects of public relations. Addresses the professional standards and creative aspects of public relations writing and introduces industry tools for conducting media outreach. Prerequisites: A grade of C or higher (2.0/4.0 scale) in the following courses: PREL 2338, COMM 2311, and either MATH 1308 or MATH 1309, and 60 or more hours earned.

PREL 3340. STRATEGIC PUBLIC RELATIONS PRACTICE. 3 Hours.

Explores public relations through team-based projects focused on strategic planning, content creation, and campaign management. Emphasizes collaboration, leadership, ethics, and professional communication through hands-on learning. Prerequisites: PREL 3339 with a grade of C or higher (2.0/4.0 scale).

PREL 4316. PUBLIC RELATIONS CAMPAIGNS. 3 Hours.

The capstone course provides public relations majors with an immersive, hands-on experience in an agency-style environment designed to mirror professional practice. Working as part of a team, students work with a real-world client to research, develop, implement, and evaluate a public relations campaign. Prerequisites: COMM 3315, COMM 3303, and ECON 2305. A grade of C (2.0/4.0) or better in the following courses: PREL 3330, PREL 3320, PREL 3340, and PREL 4320.

PREL 4320. PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGEMENT CASE STUDIES. 3 Hours.

Examines the best practices in public relations campaign planning. Develops competency in communication ethics and thought leadership, equipping students to serve as trusted advisors. Prerequisites: COMM 3315 and a grade of C (2.0/4.0) or better in PREL 3339.

PREL 4391. CONFERENCE COURSE. 3 Hours.

Topic assigned on an individual basis, covering individual research or study in the designated areas. May be repeated when topic changes. Prerequisite: 60 or more hours earned and permission of the department.

PREL 4393. SPECIAL TOPICS. 3 Hours.

Special studies in public relations. Topic varies from semester to semester. May be repeated when topic changes for a maximum of six credit hours. Prerequisite: 60 or more hours earned, and permission of the department.

PREL 4395. PROFESSIONAL INTERNSHIP. 3 Hours.

Individual research in public relations while working with business and industry. Individual conference to be arranged. Prerequisite: 60 or more hours earned and permission of the department.