CERTIFICATE IN PUBLIC RELATIONS/JOURNALISM

The Department of communication will offer this new certificate program beginning Fall 2009.  In a constantly changing media landscape, radio, television, print and electronic journalism are converging to create new ways for people to find information.  At the same time public relations specialists are in increasing demand as organization seek to get their messages out to shareholders and the wider community.  The concrete skills of writing, reporting and research never go out of style.  This certificate is unique in that it is the only program of its kind in New Jersey.

Students can earn graduate credit for these courses or complete four courses and receive a certificate in public relations and journalism.  You will study with journalists from The Star Ledger.  The Associated Press and the New York Times as well as public relations specialists who are working in the field.  You will interact with students who are working toward a master’s degree in Communication Studies that will help them build careers in teaching, management, mediation, political and health communication campaigns and work as an ombudsman in an organization.  If taken for graduate credit, these classes can be transferred in to the Communication Studies program upon acceptance.  Kean University sponsors an award-winning campus newspaper, a radio station, and television studios as well as a faculty member skilled in digital storytelling.

At least one class will be offered each semester.  Courses include:

News Literacy:  Raising awareness of how the press operates and how public relations professionals can connect with the press to get their messages out to the public.

Convergent Journalism:  Explores the shifting patterns that people use to obtain their news.  Television, radio, print and electronic forms of communication will be explored.  Students will develop a practical understanding in each of these modes of information sharing.

Global Journalism:  The information age has linked all nations in new ways.  This class explores issues of diversity, press freedom and world opinion in the creation and consumption of the news.

Crisis Communication:  Public Relations specialists need to address any crisis that might occur in their organizations.  They need to learn to get their message out in a way that will be informative to the puglic while preserving the integrity of the organization.  This class will teach students how to develop a crisis plan in your organization and construct appropriate messages.

Public Relations Management:  An exploration of the key components of operating a public relations department and a review of promotional messages critical to the building of the identity of any organization

Courses that can enhance this certificate include persuasion, organizational communication theory, corporate advertising, interviewing, etc…

Students can register for these classes through the Nathan Weiss Graduate College.

For More Information Contact:

Professor Pat Winters Lauro

Department of Communication

Kean University

1000 Morris Avenue

Union, NJ   07083

908-737-0468

plauro@kean.edu