Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations, offered by the Department of Advertising and Public Relations, consists of 17 Public Relations (PR) courses (minimum of 48 credit hours). In this major, students build a foundation for becoming an effective PR professional. Students learn the theories of communication that influence how PR is practiced and develop the knowledge and skills they need for communicating effectively, both written and verbal. They also learn strategic, analytical, and critical thinking skills, enabling our students to keep up with the pace of change in the industry, from evolving greater PR responsibilities to technology.

Public Relations is not merely a job; it is a profession. One that offers a wide range of career options that include agencies, industry, financial services, tech, fashion & beauty, entertainment, nonprofit, government, and more. Our faculty empowers students to take on a wide range of communication challenges no matter what path they choose.

Students learn to build relationships with people of all types, at all levels and across responsibilities. In addition, they learn PR requires responsible, data-based and thoughtful reflection and analysis. Our students also learn the oral and written communication skills needed to build and maintain relationships with people and communities using meaningful and continuous two-way conversations on a variety of platforms and with a variety of tools (including emerging technology—AI, VR, AR, etc.).

They learn ethical decision-making tools, which are greatly needed in today's complex, fast-paced communication environment. They also gain the ability to build mutual trust and respect, so they can communicate with diverse audiences based on where they are, as well as their unique wants and needs.

Finally, we equip our students with leadership and teamwork skills needed to generate a vision and lead with, through, and for others into bringing about positive change for individuals, communities, organizations, and society.

When students graduate with the Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations degree, they possess both the theoretical foundation and the practical application needed to succeed in the organizations they work in and the communities they serve.

Campus Location: Main

Program Code: CO-PR-BA

Contact Information

Kathy Mueller, Department Chair
215-204-4262
kmueller@temple.edu

Steve Ryan, Assistant Professor of Instruction and Program Director, Public Relations
215-204-8506
skryan@temple.edu

Lisa D. M. Smith, Office Manager
215-204-4268
lisa.smith0005@temple.edu

Advertising and Public Relations Department Office
Annenberg Hall, Room 300

Learn more about the Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations.

These requirements are for students who matriculated in academic year 2026-2027. Students who matriculated prior to fall 2026 should refer to the Archives to view the requirements for their Bulletin year.

Summary of Requirements

1. University requirements:
   1. New students are required to complete the General Education (GenEd) curriculum.
   2. All students must take a minimum of two writing-intensive courses. The specific writing-intensive courses required for this major are PR 1496 and PR 3096.
2. Lew Klein College of Media and Communication requirements, including KLN 1001 and KLN 1002.
3. Minimum of 48 credits in Public Relations courses and COMC 1111 or COMC 1911.
4. A grade of C or higher must be attained in all required Public Relations courses and COMC 1111 or COMC 1911.
5. An overall GPA of 2.0 must be attained in the major.
6. No more than 12 semester hours of transfer credits may be applied to Public Relations major requirements.
7. No more than 8 credits may be taken in Kinesiology and Dance activities courses.

Public Relations Requirements

Suggested Academic Plan

Please note that this is a suggested academic plan. Depending on your situation, your academic plan may look different.

Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations

Suggested Plan for New Students Starting in the 2026-2027 Academic Year

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This program requires a minimum of 124 credits. If students choose to take PR 3587 Public Relations Field Experience for less than 2 credits, they may need to take one additional elective credit to reach a total of 124 credits.

Accelerated Programs

Students may opt to pursue an accelerated +1 program, enabling them to complete both a bachelor's degree and master's degree in less time than the traditional route.

The following accelerated program is available to students in the Public Relations BA:

Lew Klein College of Media and Communication

• Journalism MJ