Public Relations

Subsequent Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree Requirements
52 semester hours

Subsequent degrees are for students who have completed a bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university. Please contact your SSA before beginning any Subsequent Degree coursework.

Each degree candidate must show transfer credit for, or meet the requirements listed below and any necessary prerequisites. The following degree requirements are from the current Franklin University Academic Bulletin.

Prerequisite Competencies

• COMP 106 - Introduction to Spreadsheets (1)
• COMP 107 - Introduction to Web Authoring (1)
• HUMN 210 - Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking Skills (2)
• MATH 215* - Statistical Concepts (4)
• PF 321** - Learning Strategies (2)
• PSYC 110 - General Psychology (4)
• SOCL 110 - Introduction to Sociology (4)
• SPCH 100 - Speech Communication (4)

*Students also must meet the University algebra competency requirement.
**PF 321 must be taken prior to the first BLF course, or it may be taken concurrently with the
  first 15-week BLF course.

Professional Core (24 hours)

• BSAD 312 - Management Theory and Practices (4)
• COMM 150 - Interpersonal Communication (4)
• COMM 315 - Communication Ethics (4)
• COMM 320 - Business & Professional Communication (4)
• MKTG 300 - Marketing (4)
• PSYC 204 - Principles of Motivation (4)

Major Area (28 hours)

• PBRL 325 - Public Relations (4)
  
• PBRL 350 - Media Research and Writing (4)
  
• PBRL 425 - Crisis and Media Communication (4)
  
• PBRL 445 - Public Relations and Promotional Strategy (4)
  
• PBRL 450 - Rhetoric and Social Influence (4)
  
• PBRL 495 - Public Relations Capstone (4)
• Major Area Electives (4)*
  *Select 4 hours from the following:
  
  • MIS 320 - Technical Communication (4)
    
  • MKTG 350 - Persuasive Strategies: Influencing Business and Consumer Decisions (4)
    
  • MKTG 430 - Relationship Marketing (4)
    
  • ORGC 321 - Organizational Communication (4)
    
  • ORGC 335 - Communication in Groups and Teams (4)
    
  • ORGC 460 - Strategic Communication (4)
    
  • PBRL 410 - Public Relations Internship (1 - 4)
    
  • PBRL 480 - Special Topics In Public Relations (4)
    
  • PBRL 499 - Independent Studies In Public Relations (1 - 4)

Each candidate for a subsequent degree must successfully complete in residence at Franklin University a minimum of 30 credit hours of 200 level courses or above, of which a minimum of 16 credit hours must be in major area courses at the 300 or 400 level. If the student is a previous Franklin bachelor of science degree graduate, the 30 credits must be earned after the first Franklin B.S. degree was awarded. If the required courses for a subsequent degree total less than 30 credit hours, the student may take Free Elective courses to achieve residency.

A minimum GPA of 2.25 is required in the major area, and each major area course must be completed with a grade of "C" or better to count toward degree requirements. Computer Literacy is a General Education prerequisite. Students with computer experience will have the option of completing a free placement exam to waive this prerequisite.

Business Principles (BSAD 110) is a Professional Core prerequisite. Transfer students with the equivalent of four (4) business courses are not required to take Business Principles. Each degree candidate must show transfer credit for, or meet the requirements listed above, and any necessary prerequisites.

The Public Relations program also offers a Bachelor of Science degree, Minor, and Joint Programs of Study: B.S. Public Relations/MS in Marketing and Communication.