1.00 - 3.00 Credits
Required for the Public Relations emphasis in Media Studies. Open to all students interested in a practicum experience with the university's student-run public relations agency. Provides hands-on experience in most facets of public relations, including strategic planning, corporate identity and branding, media relations, product launches and event planning, community and government relations, and digital media strategy. Students will conduct market research, develop communication strategies and tactics, create press kits, pitch stories to reporters, generate publicity, develop social networking accounts, and evaluate key messaging for client organizations. Students work a minimum number of hours based on the credits for which they register: 6 hours per week for 1 credit, 12 hours per week for 2 credits, or 18 hours per week for 3 credits. Variable credit 1-3. Repeatable up to 12 credits subject to graduation restrictions. This course is designated as an Active Learning Professional Practice (ALPP) course. This course allows students to explore and apply content learned in the course in a professional experience away from the classroom. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Conduct applied market research in order to develop specific communication goals; create relevant messages and strategies; and evaluate the efficacy of those messages. 2. Create messages in compliance with the technical and aesthetic principles of the media being used. 3. Summarize best practices and benchmarks within the public relations industry. 4. Develop practical experiences in order to build portfolios and resumes. 5. Develop relationships with clients by learning how to navigate client meetings, build trust, and demonstrate professionalism. Prerequisites: MDIA 1500 and MDIA 2300 (both Grade C- or higher), and instructor permission. FA, SP