The combined major in business and public relations focuses on the intersection of communications and business at a time when it is more important than ever for companies to convey important information to their key stakeholders including employees, investors, regulators, and the political community, as well as to the general public. Communications have always been a vital component of effective business strategies. But in an ever-expanding, always-on information environment driven by social media and a dizzying array of commentators and influencers, businesses must be able to use a range of traditional and nontraditional communications to control their corporate stories and protect their reputations. The combined major is designed to integrate modern PR practices with a thorough analysis of the challenges facing businesses today to enable students to go on to support companies as they seek to communicate confidently and effectively.
Complete all courses listed below unless otherwise indicated. Also complete any corequisite labs, recitations, clinicals, or tools courses where specified and complete any additional courses needed beyond specific college and major requirements to satisfy graduation credit requirements.
Universitywide Requirements
All undergraduate students are required to complete the Universitywide Requirements.
NUpath Requirements
All undergraduate students are required to complete the NUpath Requirements.
Foundational Courses
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| BUSN 1102 | Personal Skill Development for Business | 1 |
| or JRNL 1000 | Journalism at Northeastern |
| BUSN 1103 | Professional Development for Business Co-op | 1 |
| or EEAM 2000 | Professional Development for Co-op |
Business Requirement
Business Elective
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| 12 |
| Profit Analysis for Managers and Advisors | |
| Financial Management | |
| Innovation! | |
| International Business and Global Social Responsibility | |
| Introduction to Information Systems and Digital Technologies | |
| Introduction to Marketing | |
| Organizational Behavior | |
| Behavioral Aspects of Digital Transformation |
| Supply Chain and Operations Management | |
Concentrations
One of the following business concentrations is required and a second concentration is optional:
Public Relations Requirement
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| COMM 1113 | Business and Professional Speaking | 4 |
| JRNL 2200 | Writing for Public Relations | 4 |
| PREL 1425 | Public Relations Principles | 4 |
| PREL 3625 | Public Relations Practice | 4 |
Public Relations Electives
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| 8 |
| Persuasion and Rhetoric | |
| Principles of Organizational Communication | |
| Communication in a Digital Age | |
| How to Be Reasonably Funny | |
| Global and Intercultural Communication | |
| Social Media Analytics | |
| Understanding Today’s News | |
| Influencing the Influencers | |
| 12 |
| Advocacy Writing | |
| Crisis Communication and Image Management | |
| Digital Storytelling and Social Media | |
| Critical Thinking About Public Relations Strategies | |
| Design for Public Relations | |
Capstone Requirement
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| STRT 4501 | Strategy in Action | 4 |
| or COMM 4608 | Strategic Communication Capstone |
Integrative Requirement
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| JRNL 5400 | Media and Advocacy in Theory and Practice | 4 |
| or JRNL 5480 | Research for Media Strategy |
Experiential Requirement
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| 0-8 |
| Experiential Professional Practicum | |
| Co-op Work Experience | |
| Co-op Work Experience--Half Time | |
| Co-op Work Experience Abroad--Half Time | |
| Co-op Work Experience Abroad | |
| Internship Experience | |
| Internship Experience Abroad | |
Business GPA Requirement
Minimum 2.000 GPA required in business courses
Program Requirement
128 total semester hours required
