Mar 29, 2024  
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Public Relations, B.S.


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Contact Information

Phone: (470) 578-6298

Program Description

The Public Relations major at Kennesaw State University offers a professionally-focused, marketplace-relevant, and theoretically-rigorous academic program for aspiring public relations communicators throughout Metro Atlanta and Northwest Georgia. Kennesaw State is one of only three universities in the state of Georgia to offer a specific major in the ever-evolving discipline of Public Relations.  The major offers students a public relations education that includes public relations principles, case study analysis, public relations writing, crisis communication, graphic design for organizational publications, persuasion methods and strategies, and use of social media and other multi-media communication strategies in public relations. Internships and study tours to New York and Atlanta public relations agencies supplement the traditional classroom and online learning settings.

The major requires 18 credit hours of lower division course work (1000-2000 level) comprising various offerings, both inside and outside of the communication discipline, that serve as important groundwork leading to advanced studies. Lower division offerings include basic courses in communication research, visual communication, public speaking, writing, information systems, and an introductory course relevant to the student’s selected program of study.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Media and Entertainment program is separate from admission to Kennesaw State University. Students must meet the admission requirements to pursue this degree program, outlined below.

  • All communication and media majors must earn a grade of ‘C’ or better in all communication and media courses counted toward their degree and pass the Communication Entrance Exam with a score of 78% of higher. Students who fail to pass the grammar test in three attempts much pursue majors in other departments.
  • Meet the School of Communication & Media (SOCM) Sophomore GPA requirement. This Sophomore GPA requirement consists of combined adjusted 2.75 GPA in the following five courses:
  • Achieve a satisfactory score of 78% or higher the SOCM Entrance Exam. Students may take the test no more than three times. This Entrance Exam requirement will be waived for students in this catalog year.

Graduation Requirements

Each student is expected to meet the Academic Policies Graduation Policies and Procedures  outlined in the Academic Policies section of the Catalog.

Double Owl Pathway

This program offers a Double Owl Pathway. The Double Owl Pathway is an advising pathway for high-potential KSU undergraduate students who want to accelerate the attainment of a Master’s degree at KSU. For pathway options and to learn if you qualify, visit doubleowl.kennesaw.edu

Program of Study

General Education Core Curriculum (Areas A-E) (42 Credit Hours)


General Education Core Curriculum . This program recommends the Statistics Pathway.

Major Requirements (33 Credit Hours)


Related Studies (12 Credit Hours)


Upper division course work (3000-4000 level) outside of the School of Communication & Media (SOCM). These hours do not have to be taken in a single discipline, but should relate to a particular interest or career goal. Students should determine needed prerequisites. Completion of Formal Minor or Certificate Program would also satisfy the Related Studies requirement.

Free Electives (12 Credit Hours)


Any course (1000-4000) in the university curriculum, with a grade of “D” or better.

Program Total (120 Credit Hours)


Embedded Certificates


Upon completion of the degree requirements and selection of specific courses in either sub-fields, Upper-Division Major Electives, or Related Studies students may earn the following certificates. Students, please consult with your academic advisor regarding declaration of a certificate.

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