Public Relations and Advertising

Public relations and advertising is a 36-credit major offered by the Department of Communication. Undergraduate majors may choose from professional emphases in advertising or public relations.

The Program

Students interested in pursuing an undergraduate degree offered by the Department of Communication must first complete all courses and requirements associated with the pre-communication preparation designation. Once all pre-communication preparation courses and requirements are met, the student completes and submits the pre-communication form, available on the department website, to the department's academic assistant. After verification of accuracy, the student is accepted into the professional program and can continue pursuing a degree in the Department of Communication.

Pre-Communication Preparation

Students must complete 21 credits of selected courses with a grade of B or above to become a public relations and advertising major. The courses are Comm. 110; Engl. 120; Comm. 112; Comm. 114; Comm. 212; Comm. 216; Soc. 110 or PolS. 110 or Psyc. 111 or CJ 201. Pre-communication preparation courses may be retaken only once.

Public Relations and Advertising Major

Students majoring in public relations and advertising may earn a B.S. degree (includes an approved minor) or a B.A. degree (includes a modern language proficiency) upon completion of all pre-communication preparation courses and requirements. Students will select one of two tracks. A public relations track will orient students to the principles and practices of public relations as both a practice and field of study. The second track is advertising. This track will introduce students to the principles and practices of advertising. Students will complete an applied capstone course after completing all other required coursework.

Career Opportunities

Coursework in the public relations and advertising major prepare majors for careers in advertising and public relations that include copy design and editing, client services, event planning, promotion, and evaluation, publicity and media relations, and professional business consulting and training. The courses in each emphasis track emphasize written and oral communication skills and prepare students to communicate in meaningful and effective ways.

Public Relations and Advertising Minor

Many other majors offered at NDSU can be greatly enhanced by a public relations and advertising minor. The 21-credit minor includes a 12 credit core and nine credits of communication professional specialization.

Internship Program

Internships offer practical experience for public relations and advertising majors. Students must propose an internship, gain approval from the departmental internship coordinator, have an on-site evaluation, and report on the internship experience. Internships must be taken for credit, and student may have more than one. Majors intern with hospital administrators, private agencies and firms and governmental officials, among others. Internships often lead to recommendations and jobs.

Scholarships

The Department of Communication awards a number of scholarships to juniors and seniors with financial need who excel in academics and who have demonstrated career potential and commitment. Applications are available in February for awards in April. Visit the department website for information.

Co-Curricular Activities

NDSU has two honoraries for top students majoring in a degree program offered by the Department of Communication. Pi Kappa Delta is a national honor fraternity for students involved in human communication activities. Lambda Pi Eta is a national honorary for communication majors with high grades and achievement.

High School Preparation

A well-rounded high school education with some experiences in high school music, forensics, theatre, journalism, FFA and scouting often serves as good preparation for the major in public relations and advertising. Students with interests in science and art, business and service, and publicity and promotion will find a major in public relations and advertising very compatible.

The Faculty

Faculty members in the Department of Communication are all committed teachers, researchers, scholars and practitioners. The faculty earned doctorates at the Universities of Minnesota, Indiana, Nebraska, Texas and Utah, Purdue University; and Cambridge University (England).

Contact Information

Dr. Paul Nelson, Chair
Department of Communication
North Dakota State University
Minard Hall 321
Fargo, ND 58105

Tel: (701) 231-7705
Fax: (701) 231-7784
Email: Paul.Nelson.1@ndsu.edu
Web: http://www.ndsu.edu/communication/

Office of Admission

North Dakota State University
124 Ceres Hall
Fargo, ND 58105

Tel: (701) 231-8643
Fax: (701) 231-8802
Email: NDSU.Admission@ndsu.edu
Web: http://www.ndsu.edu/prospective/students/

(6/07)