Javascript is currently not supported, or is disabled by this browser. Please enable Javascript for full functionality.

Skip to Main Content
Lancaster Campus    
2019-2020 USC Lancaster Bulletin 
    
 
  Nov 26, 2024
 
2019-2020 USC Lancaster Bulletin

Public Relations, BAJMC


Return to Programs A-Z Return to: Programs A-Z


Learning Outcomes

Students graduating from the Public Relations, B.A.J.M.C. program will be able to…

  • demonstrate the ability to conduct research, gather information, write clearly and correctly and present relevant news or persuasive information at a professional level.  Curriculum: JOUR 291, JOUR 311, JOUR 326, JOUR 362, JOUR 361, JOUR 434, JOUR 502, JOUR 503, JOUR 577, JOUR 540, JOUR 546 
  • demonstrate the ability to think critically, creatively and independently  evaluate their own work and the work of others for accuracy, fairness, clarity, style and correctness. 
  • demonstrate an understanding the history of journalism and mass communications, the diversity of groups in a global society in relationship to communications and the role of journalism and mass communications in society. 
  • demonstrate an understanding of the ethical concepts, legal implications, considerations and practices that guide the mass media professions. 
  • demonstrate the ability to apply tools and technologies appropriate for the production, editing and presentation of visual, aural, textual or other media content. 
  • apply basic numerical and statistical concepts and methods appropriate for the communications professions. 

Major Map

A major map is a layout of required courses in a given program of study, including critical courses and suggested course sequences to ensure a clear path to graduation.

Major maps are only a suggested or recommended sequence of courses required in a program of study. Please contact your academic advisor for assistance in the application of specific coursework to a program of study and course selection and planning for upcoming semesters.

Public Relations, BAJMC
 

Degree Requirements (120 hours)

See School of Journalism and Mass Communications  for entrance requirements, progression requirements, and other regulations.

Program of Study

  1. Carolina Core (31-44 hours)
  2. College Requirements (18-21 hours)
  3. Program Requirements (12-23 hours)
  4. Major Requirements (48 hours)

1. Carolina Core (31-44 hours)


Effective, Engaged, and Persuasive Communication: Written — CMW (6 hours)

must be passed with a grade of C or higher

Analytical Reasoning and Problem Solving — ARP (6-7 hours)

Scientific Literacy — SCI (7 hours)

Two approved Carolina Core Scientific Literacy courses from the natural sciences, including one laboratory course

Global Citizenship and Multicultural Understanding: Foreign Language — GFL (0-6 hours)

Demonstration of proficiency in one foreign language (except Latin or Ancient Greek) equivalent to the minimal passing grade on the exit examination in 122. Students can demonstrate this proficiency by successfully completing Phase II of the Proficiency Test or by successfully completing the 122 course, including the exit exam administered as part of that course.

​Global Citizenship and Multicultural Understanding: Historical Thinking — GHS (3 hours) 

One US History course selected from the following:

Global Citizenship and Multicultural Understanding: Social Sciences — GSS (3 hours) 

Aesthetic and Interpretive Understanding —  AIU (3 hours)

Effective, Engaged, and Persuasive Communication: Spoken Component* — CMS (0-3 hours)

Select one from the following:

  • SPCH 140 - Public Communication  
  • SPCH 145 - Online Public Communication  
  • SPCH 230 - Business and Professional Speaking  
  • SPCH 260 - Argumentation and Debate  

Information Literacy* —  INF (0-3 hours)

Values, Ethics, and Social Responsibility* — VSR (0-3 hours)

*Carolina Core Stand Alone or Overlay Eligible Requirements — Overlay-approved courses offer students the option of meeting two Carolina Core components in a single course. A maximum of two overlays is allowed. The total Carolina Core credit hours must add up to a minimum of 31 hours. Some programs may have a higher number of minimum Carolina Core hours due to specified requirements.

2. College Requirements (18-21 hours)


Foreign Language (0-3 hours)

  • only if needed to meet 122-level proficiency

History (3 hours)

One non-US History from the following:

Literature (3 hours)

One English course selected from the following:

Social Science (3 hours)

Social or Behavioral Science (3 hours)

  • A 300-level or higher course from HIST or POLI or three hours of Social or Behavioral Sciences at the 300 level or higher from: AFAM- African-American Studies; ANTH- Anthropology; COLA- College of Liberal Arts; GEOG-Geography (except GEOG 545 and GEOG 546); LASP-Latin American Studies; POLI- Political Science; PSYC- Psychology; SOCY- Sociology; SOST- Southern Studies; WGST- Women and Gender Studies.

Additional SJMC Requirements (6 hours)

3. Program Requirements (12-23 hours)


Minor or Cognate (12-18 hours)

Students must complete either a minor or a cognate from courses outside the SJMC.

a minimum grade of C is required in all cognate or minor courses

Minor (18 hours)

A student in the School of Journalism and Mass Communications may choose to complete a minor consisting of 18 credit hours of prescribed courses. The minor is intended to develop a coherent basic preparation in a second area of study. Courses applied toward general education requirements cannot be counted toward the minor. No course may satisfy both major and minor requirements. All minor courses must be passed with a grade of C or better. A minor form must be completed and approved by the school after the student has completed 30 hours of course work.

Cognate (12 hours)

A student in the School of Journalism and Mass Communications may choose to complete a cognate. A cognate requires a minimum of 12 hours of courses in other departments related to the student’s major and/or career goals. Cognate courses may be taken in one or more departments depending on the interest and requirements of the student, but must have approval of the student’s adviser. Journalism courses may not be used in the cognate. At least 6 of the 12 hours must be at the 300-level or higher. No 100 level courses may be used in the cognate.

Electives (0-11 hours)

The Carolina Core, additional SJMC General Eduation Requirements, Minor/Cognate and Electives outside of the SJMC must include at least 72 semester hours in academic subjects. Students with fewer than 72 hours in general education courses must take enough electives to fulfill the 72-hour minimum.

No elective courses of a remedial, developmental nature may apply as credit toward the 72-hour minimum.

4. Major Requirements (48 hours)


a minimum grade of C is required in all major courses

Major Courses (27 hours)

  • JOUR 101 - Media and Society  
  • JOUR 201 - Principles of Public Relations  
  • JOUR 203 - Principles of Visual Communications  
  • JOUR 291 - Writing for Mass Communications  
  • JOUR 303 - Law and Ethics of Mass Communications  
  • JOUR 332 - Mass Communications Research  
  • JOUR 436 - Public Relations Writing  
  • JOUR 531 - Public Relations Campaigns  
  • JOUR 533 - Public Relations Management  

Major Electives (21 hours)

Three Public Relations Directed Electives (9 hours)
  • Two writing courses (6 hours)
    • JOUR 362 - Editing  
    • JOUR 416 - Creative: Strategy to Execution  
    • JOUR 437 - Advanced Public Relations Writing  
    • JOUR 534 - Publication Writing and Design  
    • JOUR 540 - Magazine Article Writing  
  • One supervised work experience course (3 hours)
    • JOUR 518 - Brand Communications Practicum/Competitions  
    • JOUR 537 - The Carolina Agency  
    • JOUR 538 - The Bateman Team  
    • JOUR 597 - Internship in Mass Communications   
One JOUR concept/lecture course (3 hours)
  • JOUR 205 - History and Philosophy of the Mass Media  
  • JOUR 306 - Theories of Mass Communications  
  • JOUR 311 - Minorities, Women, and the Mass Media  
  • JOUR 501 - Freedom, Responsibility, and Ethics of the Mass Media  
  • JOUR 506 - Mass Media Criticism  
  • JOUR 539 - Ethics in Public Relations and Public Policy  
  • JOUR 541 - International Mass Communications  
  • JOUR 542 - Public Opinion and Persuasion  
  • JOUR 562 - Communicating Science, Health and the Environment  
  • JOUR 571 - Faith, Values, and the Mass Media  
  • JOUR 499 - Special Topics  
  • JOUR 599 - Advanced Special Topics  
Additional Journalism Electives (9 hours)

Return to Programs A-Z Return to: Programs A-Z