Public Relations, Social Media, and Journalism - BS, BA

About This Degree

The Public Relations, Social Media, and Journalism major prepares students for careers in a wide range of communication fields.

Students become skilled communicators across traditional and digital media. Students develop expertise in writing, storytelling, content creation, media production, strategic communication, social media management, and audience engagement while gaining hands-on experience through real-world projects and internships.

JCOM students routinely win state, regional, and national awards in video and print journalism, multimedia and new technologies, and public relations. The faculty members are more than just teachers and researchers; they are veteran mass media professionals and nationally recognized scholars with experience as newspaper journalists, magazine writers, photographers, editors, TV producers, public relations specialists, and Web designers.

What You Will Learn

Students will develop the knowledge and skills needed to communicate effectively across a variety of media platforms.

They learn to gather and evaluate information, write for diverse audiences, create multimedia content, produce digital and broadcast media, develop strategic communication campaigns, manage social media, analyze audiences, and apply ethical and professional communication practices.

Through hands-on learning experiences, students build critical thinking, storytelling, collaboration, and problem-solving skills while preparing for careers in journalism, public relations, media production, social media, and science communication.

Emphases:

Integrated Public Relations and Social Media:

Whether you see yourself working for a corporation, nonprofit organization, government agency, sports team, entertainment company, or marketing agency, this emphasis provides the tools needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving communication landscape. If you're creative, strategic, and passionate about connecting people through effective communication, the Integrated Public Relations and Social Media emphasis is an excellent path to a dynamic and rewarding career.

Journalistic Writing:

Do you love telling stories, uncovering the facts, and keeping people informed? Whether you dream of covering breaking news, writing long-form features, producing digital content, or shaping public conversations, this emphasis will help you build the skills and portfolio needed to launch your career. Students become skilled storytellers across a variety of media platforms and learn how to research, interview, write, and report on issues that matter while developing strong communication and critical thinking skills.

This emphasis is available online.

Media/News Production:

Bring stories to life through video, audio, digital media, and emerging technologies. The Media/News Production emphasis prepares students to create engaging content for today's fast-paced media environment. Whether you're interested in broadcast news, video production, podcasting, social media, or multimedia storytelling, you'll gain the technical and creative skills needed to succeed. Graduates of the program enjoy an outstanding job placement rate, with nearly all students finding employment after graduation.

Science Communication:

The Science Communication emphasis prepares students to translate complex scientific ideas into clear, engaging stories that inform and inspire diverse audiences. In a world increasingly shaped by science, technology, health, and environmental issues, skilled communicators play a vital role in connecting experts with the public. Students develop skills in interviewing researchers, explaining technical concepts, creating audience-focused messages, and producing content that makes science accessible and relevant.