The Public Relations minor benefits students in a variety of academic disciplines, including business, criminal justice, public health, sociology, religion, education and political science.
The 21-credit minor is grounded in the basic theories of persuasive communication and use of digital media tools. This ground enables students to create persuasive messages with a strong emphasis on ethical decision-making.
I chose to minor in public relations in order to expand my academic field, as well as my professional development. All of my Media & Communication classes have continually pushed my peers and myself to focus on public speaking and presentations, which anyone from any major would definitely benefit from.”
Cassandra Kyle ’25 | Psychology and Criminology and Criminal Justice major, Public Relations minor
Minor in This Program
Declaring A Minor
Shenandoah students work with their Academic Advisor to declare a minor. Academic Advisors will continue to work with students to ensure that they fulfill all of the requirements to complete the minor.
Incoming students should not indicate their intended minor on their Shenandoah application. Applications are for intended majors only.
Career and Salary Possibilities
Typical job areas include:
- media relations
- event planning
- corporate communications
- crisis management
- publicity and promotion
- public affairs
- government relations
The Career Services Office provides a comprehensive range of services and resources to assist Shenandoah students in their career search. Services offered include resume and cover letter building, mock interviews, and professional dining etiquette workshops.
Classes
Minor Course Requirements:
- MCOM 101 Understanding to Mass Communication OR
- MCOM 201 Understanding Visual Communication
- MCOM 205 Introduction to Public Relations
- MCOM 335 Media Writing OR
- MCOM 305 Public Relations Writing
- MCOM 310 Mass Media Theory and Research
- MCOM 405 Public Relations Planning and Management
- 300-level elective
- 300 level elective or MCOM internship
- 300-level elective(s) chosen through consult with an MCOM advisor
Total: 21 credits
The 300-level elective(s) will be chosen with an MCOM advisor.
Learning support services are available to all students in every course at Shenandoah. Free peer tutoring with a student who has previously succeeded in the course is available for any course across the university. The Writing Center is available for every stage of the writing process from thesis development to proofreading and bibliography assistance. The Math Enrichment Center is available for math and science assistance. Professors and Academic Advisors across the university also have office hours and open door policies to ensure Shenandoah students succeed academically.