The West Virginia University Perley Isaac Reed School of Journalism launches its new public relations minor program with classes starting in summer 2007.
Open to all WVU students outside the School of Journalism, the PR minor consists of five courses, all of which are offered online during the summer terms. This flexibility allows students to complete the minor in just two summers without having to come to campus.
In addition, the two lower-division courses can also be taken on campus during the fall and spring semesters.
“There’s been a lot of demand for these kinds of flexible programs for years,” said Ralph Hanson, assistant dean of curriculum and extended learning at the School of Journalism. “After we saw the success of our advertising minor, we decided we had the resources to offer the PR minor, too.”
Designed to enhance any degree program, the PR minor provides students a knowledge base in mass communications and the principles of public relations. The minor also allows students to apply skills in PR writing media relations and public speaking. Upper-level courses focus on strategic campaign planning and integrated marketing communications.
“The PR minor offers students in a wide variety of fields expertise that can make them more marketable when entering the job force,” Hanson said.
Course requirements for the PR minor are listed on the School of Journalism Web site at http://journalism.wvu.edu/. To obtain permission to register for these courses, interested students should e-mail sojexlearning@mail.wvu.edu.