Public Relations Sequence at the
College of Charleston
Opportunities in Communication

Public relations is the fastest-growing profession within the communication discipline. It ranks second in job satisfaction (behind photography, in a nationwide survey) among all jobs in media and external communications. Hundreds of College of Charleston communication graduates have become successful public relations and corporate communication professionals, in positions ranging from agencies to non-profit organizations, Fortune 500 companies to professional athletic teams, entertainment to education.


The public relations course sequence for undergraduate students is supported by the department's award-winning Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter.Consistent with the Department of Communication's mission statement, students are encouraged to be leaders in the academic and social community, in preparation for leadership roles inherent in the profession of public relations.

Sequence Courses. At a minimum, the Public Relations course sequence at the College of Charleston consists of three courses:

COMM 235 Public Relations Practices
COMM 335 Public Relations Writing
COMM 435 Public Relations Campaigns

Students interested in pursuing opportunities in public relations are strongly encouraged to complete the three courses in the public relations sequence and should complete COMM 235 no later that the second semester of the junior year. COMM 230 is a prerequisite course for COMM 335 and must be completed no later than the second semester of the junior year if a student plans to register for all the courses in the public relations sequence.

 

Recommended Support Courses.  Students completing the public relations sequence should consult with their advisors about the selection of other communication courses that match their specific professional objectives.
 

The following courses are considered essential to successful public relations practice and should be taken by students completing the public relations sequence:

 

COMM 230 Writing for the Mass Media

COMM 495 Field Internship

 

In addition, several other communication courses may be especially helpful for students completing the public relations sequence and should be considered when choosing elective courses (if these courses are not required in the relevant concentration):

 

COMM 214 Mass Media

COMM 324 Speechwriting

COMM 337 Strategic Communication Management

COMM 375 Editing

COMM 378 Persuasion

COMM 436 Crisis Communication

 

Some courses taught in the School of Business and Economics also are appropriate choices for students interested in public relations.

 

 

Public Relations Faculty.  Dr. Vince Benigni, who has 20 years of experience in public relations (primarily in college athletics and public relations pedagogy), has directed the public relations sequence since 1999. Dr. Amanda Ruth is faculty advisor to PRSSA.  She teaches all three public relations courses, as well as courses in business communication and risk communication.  Thomas R. Martin, formerly Senior Vice President and Director of Corporate Relations at ITT Corporation and a longtime national leader in the profession, serves as Executive-in-Residence in the Department of Communication and works regularly with students in the public relations sequence.

Angel Postell, who orchestrates the popular Lowcountry Food and Wine Festival, is the professional advisor for the public relations sequence.  Professionals in public relations are regular guest speakers in Department of Communication courses and at departmental events.

Questions about the public relations sequence should be directed to Dr. Benigni at 843-953-7019 or benigniv@cofc.edu.