College of Arts and Humanities
Public Relations
Bachelor of Arts | Major
Public Relations, BA
Our Public Relations degree prepares you to develop effective communication strategies for organizations and individuals in various sectors.
Through a combination of theoretical and practical coursework, you will understand media relations, crisis communication, digital media, and event planning. Our program emphasizes critical thinking and ethical decision-making, providing you with the skills needed to navigate complex communication challenges.
Questions? Contact Us.
Department of Communication
Lind Hall 109
We Build Community
What You'll Study
Academic Catalog | Communication Department Website
Student Media
At CWU, you have the chance to get hands-on experience by working in student media organizations on campus. Within this program, explore your skills through the Central Communication Agency.
Communication Foundation Core
- COM 201 - Introduction to Mass Communication
- COM 207 - Introduction to Human Communication
Courses
- COM 208 - Introduction to Public Relations Writing
- COM 270 - Introduction to Public Relations
- COM 345 - Business and Professional Speaking
- COM 370 - Advanced Public Relations Writing
- COM 470 - Public Relations Strategies
- COM 475 - Public Relations Management
- COM 489 - Portfolio Assessment
- COM 490 - Cooperative Education
- MKT 360 - Principles of Marketing
Media
- COM 303 - Online and Social Media Strategies
- COM 442 - CentralNewsWatch
- COM 446 - PULSE magazine
- COM 444 - The Observer
- COM 481 - Central Communication Agency
- COM 483 - Advanced Central Communication Agency
- COM 371 - Event Planning and Management
- COM 472 - Global Public Relations
- COM 473 - Crisis Communication Management
- COM 487 - Advanced Public Relations Seminar
Dpartment-Approved Electives
- COM 300 - Media Research
- COM 302 - Intercultural Communication
- COM 305 - Advertising Copywriting
- COM 312 - Introduction to Non-Profit Leadership
- COM 321 - Visual Storytelling
- COM 333 - Communication Ethics
- COM 347 - Media Copyediting
- COM 348 - Publication Design
- COM 350 - Persuasion and Culture
- COM 362 - Conflict and Communication
- COM 365 - Organizational Communication
- COM 369 - Mass Media and Society
- COM 371 - Event Planning and Management
- COM 375 - Interviewing Principles and Techniques
- COM 380 - Non-Verbal Communication
- COM 388 - Advertising Planning
- COM 401 - Communication Theory
- COM 402 - Gender Communication
- COM 403 - Family Communication
- COM 427 - Grant Writing
- COM 460 - Communication Law
- COM 465 - Communication and Organizational Leadership
- COM 472 - Global Public Relations
- COM 473 - Crisis Communication Management
- COM 481 - Central Communication Agency
- COM 483 - Advanced Central Communication Agency
- COM 487 - Advanced Public Relations Seminar
For more information on credits and specific courses, check out the CWU Catalog.
Alumni
Our alumni have gone on to have successful careers at KING 5 News, Entertainment Tonight, WSDOT, the Daily Record, and Cut.com
Writing Skills
Enhance your writing skills and craft clear, persuasive, and impactful messages tailored to diverse audiences and media platforms.
The Core of PR
Learn how to effectively navigate and manage communication during high-stakes situations, ensuring clear, strategic, and impactful messaging.
Theory and Practice
With coursework that provides a solid theoretical foundation, our program offers opportunities for hands-on, real-life experiences in public relations agencies.
Apply
Discover how to apply to your program of choice at Central.
Financial Aid
Our Financial Aid staff are here to help you navigate financial aid.
Student Life
Pursue your interests in a supportive community. Learn more.
Visit
The best way to discover what makes CWU so special is to experience it yourself.
Experience
Gain important skills through the student-run public relations firm—the Central Communication Agency.
Diversity
Our faculty represents cultural diversity, positively influencing your classes with different perspectives and backgrounds.
Class Sizes
Find connection in our program with small class sizes that foster a supportive community and allow faculty to get to know you personally.
Why Study Communication at Central?
- No matter what career path you choose, effective communication skills are fundamental to success.
- Understand how to use communication to inspire and motivate those around you.
- Acquire the ability to craft and communicate a vision that others will be eager to follow.
- Gain the ability to effectively communicate your needs in both professional and personal settings.
Career Pathways
Program Manager
Communication Consultant
Marketing and Communications Manager
Writer
Promotions
Marketing & Communication Specialist
Social media/Public Relation specialist
Social Media Planner/Manager