Public Relations Minor

The Public Relations Minor prepares students for careers in media and public relations in the corporate world or government. In most organizations, public relations professionals serve as a vital link between the organization and its customers, investors, unions, suppliers, and government regulators trying to present the company in a positive light. In many situations like a defective product or an environmental disaster, if public relations fails to do its job, the company could face a serious financial loss.

A Public Relations Minor may also serve to “spark” a student’s interest in professional journalism. Business journalism has a reputation of being poor in Canada because reporters do not have a strong understanding of management principles. A BBA degree combined with TRU’s Bachelor of Journalism or its Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Journalism would serve as an excellent foundation for a career in the field.

Academically, public relations is generally considered part of the marketing profession, so it is expected that this minor will be of particular interest to students in that field. Finance Majors should also consider this program though. Most large publicly-traded corporations have a Director of Investor Relations whose job it is to communicate with the company’s existing shareholders and promote it among potential investors. Also, business news in the media tends to be predominately related to the area of finance.

The School of Journalism is responsible for the Minor in Public Relations and its experienced faculty will instruct all courses.

Minor Requirments

JOUR 3030-6 – Technique: Writing and Editing
JOUR 4550-3 – Media and Public Relations

At least one of:

JOUR 4100-3 – Online Journalism
JOUR 4210-3 – Freelance Writing
JOUR 4240-3 – Beat Reporting: Politics
JOUR 4510-3 – Photojournalism
JOUR 4700-3 – Media Law & Ethics