The Media School
Concentration in Public Relations (Bachelor of Arts in Journalism)
Students on Summer 2019, Fall 2019, or Spring 2020 requirements JORC09
Requirements
The major requires at least 36 credit hours (plus a second concentration of at least 24 credit hours), including the requirements listed below.
- Media School Core. Each of the following:
- Introduction to Media. One (1) course:
- MSCH-C 101 Media
MSCH-C 101 Media
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Examines the role media play in our lives-at work, at school, among family members, friends, and lovers-and analyzes pressing issues in media and society today, such as privacy, globalization, and convergence.
- Spring 2025CASE SHcourseFall 2024CASE SHcourse
- Managing Media. One (1) course:
- MSCH-C 208 Principles of Public Relations
MSCH-C 208 Principles of Public Relations
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Introduction to public relations. Examines theory and practice of public relations, how public relations operates in organizations, and its impact on stakeholders and society. Topics include approaches to persuasion, media relations, crisis communication, reputation management, and ethics.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of JOUR-J 321, MSCH-C 208, or MSCH-R 321.
- Thinking Media. One (1) course:
- MSCH-C 210 Introduction to Games
- MSCH-C 211 Screening Gender and Sexuality
- MSCH-C 212 Screening Race and Ethnicity
- MSCH-C 213 Introduction to Media Psychology
- MSCH-C 214 Race, Prejudice, and the Media
- MSCH-C 215 History of Videogames
- MSCH-C 216 Social Scientific Perspectives of Gender and Media
- MSCH-C 217 Image Cultures
- MSCH-C 218 Sports, Media and Society
- MSCH-C 219 Media in the Global Context
MSCH-C 210 Introduction to Games
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Introduces the idea of games systems by breaking down games into their different components to build a deep game literacy. Students will learn how to learn a new game quickly; teach complex games to others; recognize and excel at the many different games played in everyday life. Where most courses have readings, this course has "gamings," required games for students to play and learn.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of MSCH-C 210 or TEL-T 366.
MSCH-C 211 Screening Gender and Sexuality
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Critically examines how gender and sexuality are mediated through screen and audio-visual media (including film, video, television, radio, internet) and their cultural contexts. Using humanities approaches, topics might focus on popular media production; various genres, movements, and media cycles; specific cultural and historical contexts; impacts of technological change. Screenings may be required.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of CMCL-C 203 or MSCH-C 211.
- Spring 2025CASE SHcourseFall 2024CASE SHcourse
MSCH-C 212 Screening Race and Ethnicity
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Critically examines how race and/or ethnicity are mediated through screen and audio-visual media (including film, video, television, radio, internet) and their cultural contexts. Using humanities approaches, topics might focus on representations and debates within mainstream, art, or alternative media. May address histories of race, racism, and racial justice. Screenings may be required.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of CMCL-C 201 or MSCH-C 212.
- Spring 2025CASE DUScourseFall 2024CASE DUScourse
- Spring 2025CASE SHcourseFall 2024CASE SHcourse
MSCH-C 213 Introduction to Media Psychology
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Examines the construction of social meaning associated with mediated messages as well as the range of uses of and consequences of exposure to mediated messages in individual groups, organizations, and society.
- Spring 2025CASE SHcourseFall 2024CASE SHcourse
MSCH-C 214 Race, Prejudice, and the Media
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- This course addresses the psychology of racial prejudice and stereotyping and uses this social-scientific framework to examine the impact of media portrayals. We will focus on how race influences our media consumption decisions and how exposure to certain media messages (in entertainment, news, music, video games) could change racial stereotypes.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of MSCH-C 214 or TEL-T 191.
- Spring 2025CASE SHcourseFall 2024CASE SHcourse
MSCH-C 215 History of Videogames
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Covers the origin and development of the videogame. Topics include the location and platforms for gaming (arcades, home game consoles, personal computers); social and cultural impacts (stereotypes, gender roles, media effects, violence, regulation and intellectual property); new gaming trends (mobile and social gaming, free-to-play, and cloud gaming).
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of MSCH-C 215 or TEL-T 160.
- Spring 2025CASE SHcourseFall 2024CASE SHcourse
MSCH-C 216 Social Scientific Perspectives of Gender and Media
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Examines the representation of women in the media and analyzes women's creative work as media producers from a social scientific perspective. The course will include lecture and discussion of areas of critical debate: visual representation across media platforms, women's employment in media industries; women as an audience/consumer group.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of MSCH-C 216 or TEL-T 192.
- Spring 2025CASE DUScourseFall 2024CASE DUScourse
- Spring 2025CASE SHcourseFall 2024CASE SHcourse
MSCH-C 217 Image Cultures
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Offers an interdisciplinary and historical context for understanding contemporary western 'image culture' by addressing the notion of the 'image' in a wide range of its theoretical, critical, and practical contexts, uses, and history. Examines the claim that our culture is more imagistic than others historically, asking how the roles of images have changed over time in relation to other modes of signification.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of MSCH-C 217 or CMCL-C 208.
- Spring 2025CASE AHcourseFall 2024CASE AHcourse
MSCH-C 218 Sports, Media and Society
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Examination of the social and financial relationships between sports organizations, media and society. Study of the social implications of sports media content in light of economic connections between sports media and college and professional sports teams, including how television contracts influence media coverage and how organization-based media influence audience perceptions.
MSCH-C 219 Media in the Global Context
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Surveys media industries, products, and publics outside the United States context (e.g., Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America). Analyzes regional media in relation to local/global historical, economic, and social processes. Screenings may be required.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of MSCH-C 219 or CMCL-C 202.
- Spring 2025CASE GCCcourseFall 2024CASE GCCcourse
- Spring 2025CASE SHcourseFall 2024CASE SHcourse
- Making Media. One (1) course:
- MSCH-C 225 Reporting, Writing, and Editing I
MSCH-C 225 Reporting, Writing, and Editing I
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- Completion of the English Composition requirement
- Description
- Working seminar stressing the creation of journalistic stories for diverse audiences. Provides instruction and practice in developing story ideas, gathering information, combining visual and verbal messages, and writing and editing news.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of MSCH-C 225 or MSCH-H 225.
- Spring 2025CASE SHcourseFall 2024CASE SHcourse
- Introduction to Media. One (1) course:
- Public Relations Concentration.
- Required Courses. Three (3) courses:
- MSCH-C 226 Visual Communication
- MSCH-J 300 Communications Law
- MSCH-J 410 The Media as Ethical and Social Institutions
MSCH-C 226 Visual Communication
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Theories of visual communication including human perception, psychology of color, and principles of design. Application of those theories to photography, video, and computer graphic design in news communication.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of JOUR-J 210 or MSCH-C 226.
- Spring 2025CASE AHcourseFall 2024CASE AHcourse
MSCH-J 300 Communications Law
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-C 101 or consent of instructor
- Description
- Explores history and philosophy of laws pertaining to free press and free speech. Covers censorship, libel, contempt, obscenity, right of privacy, copyright, government regulations, and laws affecting the Internet and social media. Stresses responsibilities and freedoms in a democratic communications systems.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of MSCH-H 300 or MSCH-J 300.
- Spring 2025CASE SHcourseFall 2024CASE SHcourse
MSCH-J 410 The Media as Ethical and Social Institutions
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- C- or higher in MSCH-C 251 and MSCH-J 300 and junior or senior standing; or consent of instructor
- Description
- Examines functions and influences of news and public relations professionals in a networked society with primary focus on the United States. Analyzes professional and ethical values of journalists and public relations practicioners working in a digital, participatory media environment. Critical analysis of the relationship of media institutions and society, and the effects of political, economic, and cultural factors on media professionalism.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of JOUR-J 410 or MSCH-J 410.
- Spring 2025CASE AHcourseFall 2024CASE AHcourse
- Elective. One (1) course:
- Any MSCH-A 300–399
- Any MSCH-A 400–499
- Any MSCH-J 300–399 except MSCH-J 300
- Any MSCH-J 400–499 except MSCH-J 410
- Any MSCH-R 300–399 except MSCH-R 348; MSCH-R 349
- Any MSCH-R 400–499 except MSCH-R 429; MSCH-R 480
- One of:
- MSCH-R 429 Public Relations Campaigns
- MSCH-R 480 Bateman Competition
MSCH-R 429 Public Relations Campaigns
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-R 348 and MSCH-R 349
- Description
- Covers development and execution of a public relations campaign for a non-profit organization as well as public relations theory and in-depth care study analysis. Provides training and practice in developing and pitching a proposal to meet a client\'s business objectives. Includes media relations and crisis communications training.
MSCH-R 480 Bateman Competition
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-C 208 and consent of instructor
- Description
- The Bateman Competition is the premiere national competition for public relations students, sponsored by the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). Requires development, implementation, and evaluation of a real campaign for a national client. Work is evaluated by a panel of PR professionals.
- Grading
- S/F grading.
- Statistics. One (1) course:
- CJUS-K 300 Techniques of Data Analysis
- ECON-E 370 Statistical Analysis for Business and Economics
- LAMP-L 316 Junior Seminar: Analytical Problem Solving
- PSY-K 300 Statistical Techniques
- PSY-K 310 Statistical Techniques
- SOC-S 371 Statistics in Sociology
- STAT-S 211 Statistics for Journalists
- STAT-S 300 Introduction to Applied Statistical Methods
- STAT-S 303 Applied Statistical Methods for the Life Sciences
CJUS-K 300 Techniques of Data Analysis
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Notes
- R: To be successful in this course, students should have an understanding of basic algebra.
- Description
- CJUS-K 300 covers the properties of single variables, the measurement of association between pairs of variables, and statistical inference. Additional topics, such as the analyses of qualitative and aggregated data, address specific criminal justice concerns.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of ANTH-A 306, CJUS-K 300, ECON-E 370, ECON-S 370, MATH-K 300, MATH-K 310, POLS-Y 395, PSY-K 300, PSY-K 310, SOC-S 371, SPEA-K 300, SPH-Q 381, STAT-K 310, STAT-S 300, STAT-S 301, or STAT-S 303.
- Spring 2025CASE NMcourseFall 2024CASE NMcourse
ECON-E 370 Statistical Analysis for Business and Economics
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- MATH-M 118, MATH-S 118, or MATH-V 118
- Notes
- R: ECON-E 252 or ECON-B 252 and MATH-M 119
- Description
- Lectures emphasize the use of basic probability concepts and statistical theory in the estimation and testing of single parameter and multivariate relationships. In computer labs, using Microsoft Excel, each student calculates descriptive statistics, probabilities, and least squares regression coefficients in situations based on current business and economic events.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of ANTH-A 306, CJUS-K 300, ECON-E 370, ECON-S 370, MATH-K 300, MATH-K 310, POLS-Y 395, PSY-K 300, PSY-K 310, SOC-S 371, SPEA-K 300, SPH-Q 381, STAT-K 310, STAT-S 300, STAT-S 301, or STAT-S 303.
- Spring 2025CASE NMcourseFall 2024CASE NMcourse
LAMP-L 316 Junior Seminar: Analytical Problem Solving
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- Admission to the LAMP honors certificate program
- Description
- A discussion course emphasizing the use of quantitative methods and analytical skills in exploring and solving business-related problems. Topics vary with the instructor and year and include mathematical modeling and operations research, organizational control, and corporate finance.
- Spring 2025CASE NMcourseFall 2024CASE NMcourse
PSY-K 300 Statistical Techniques
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- One of MATH-M 106, MATH-M 118, MATH-M 119, MATH-M 211, MATH-M 212, MATH-S 211, MATH-S 212, MATH-V 118, or, MATH-V 119
- Description
- Introduction to statistics; nature of statistical data; ordering and manipulation of data; measures of central tendency and dispersion; elementary probability. Concepts of statistical inference and decision: estimation and hypothesis testing. Special topics include regression and correlation, analysis of variance, non-parametric methods.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of ANTH-A 306, CJUS-K 300, ECON-E 370, ECON-S 370, MATH-K 300, MATH-K 310, POLS-Y 395, PSY-K 300, PSY-K 310, SOC-S 371, SPEA-K 300, SPH-Q 381, STAT-K 310, STAT-S 300, STAT-S 301, or STAT-S 303.
- Spring 2025CASE NMcourseFall 2024CASE NMcourse
PSY-K 310 Statistical Techniques
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- One of MATH-M 106, MATH-M 118, MATH-M 119, MATH-M 211, MATH-M 212, MATH-S 211, MATH-S 212, MATH-V 118, or, MATH-V 119
- Description
- Introduction to probability and statistics; elementary probability theory, conditional probability, independence, random variables, discrete and continuous probability distributions, measures of central tendency and dispersion. Covers concepts of statistical inference and decision; estimation and hypothesis testing; Bayesian inference; and statistical decision theory. Special topics include regression and correlation, time series, analysis of variance, non-parametric methods.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of ANTH-A 306, CJUS-K 300, ECON-E 370, ECON-S 370, MATH-K 300, MATH-K 310, POLS-Y 395, PSY-K 300, PSY-K 310, SOC-S 371, SPEA-K 300, SPH-Q 381, STAT-K 310, STAT-S 300, STAT-S 301, or STAT-S 303.
- Spring 2025CASE NMcourseFall 2024CASE NMcourse
SOC-S 371 Statistics in Sociology
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Introduces the logic of statistical inference. Students will learn how to use sample data to reach conclusions about a population of interest by calculating confidence intervals and significance tests. Estimating the effects of multiple independent variables using cross-tabulations and/or regression.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of ANTH-A 306, CJUS-K 300, ECON-E 370, ECON-S 370, MATH-K 300, MATH-K 310, POLS-Y 395, PSY-K 300, PSY-K 310, SOC-S 371, SPEA-K 300, SPH-Q 381, STAT-K 310, STAT-S 300, STAT-S 301, or STAT-S 303.
- Spring 2025CASE NMcourseFall 2024CASE NMcourse
STAT-S 211 Statistics for Journalists
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Notes
- R: Mastery of high school algebra; or MATH-M 014
- Description
- Essential statistical concepts and tools for journalists in the age of data, including probability, graphics, descriptive statistics, prediction, study design, comparison, testing, and estimation. The course has a heavier emphasis on writing and reading media reports than other introductory statistics courses.
- Spring 2025CASE NMcourseFall 2024CASE NMcourse
STAT-S 300 Introduction to Applied Statistical Methods
- Credits
- 4
- Prerequisites
- None
- Notes
- R: Mastery of high school algebra; or MATH-M 014. Lecture and laboratory
- Description
- Introduction to methods for analyzing quantitative data. Graphical and numerical descriptions of data, probability models of data, inference about populations from random samples. Regression and analysis of variance.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of ANTH-A 306, CJUS-K 300, ECON-E 370, ECON-S 370, MATH-K 300, MATH-K 310, POLS-Y 395, PSY-K 300, PSY-K 310, SOC-S 371, SPEA-K 300, SPH-Q 381, STAT-K 310, STAT-S 300, STAT-S 301, or STAT-S 303.
- Spring 2025CASE NMcourseFall 2024CASE NMcourse
STAT-S 303 Applied Statistical Methods for the Life Sciences
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Notes
- R: Mastery of high school algebra; or MATH-M 014
- Description
- Introduction to methods for analyzing data arising in the life sciences, designed for biology, human biology, and pre-medical students. Graphical and numerical descriptions of data, probability models, fundamental principles of estimation and hypothesis testing, inferences about means, correlation, linear regression.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of ANTH-A 306, CJUS-K 300, ECON-E 370, ECON-S 370, MATH-K 300, MATH-K 310, POLS-Y 395, PSY-K 300, PSY-K 310, SOC-S 371, SPEA-K 300, SPH-Q 381, STAT-K 310, STAT-S 300, STAT-S 301, or STAT-S 303.
- Spring 2025CASE NMcourseFall 2024CASE NMcourse
- Additional Requirements.
- At least nine (9) credit hours in the concentration must be at the 300–499 level.
- Except for the GPA requirement, a grade of C- or higher is required for a course to count toward a requirement in the concentration.
- A GPA of at least 2.000 for all courses taken in the concentration—including those where a grade lower than C- is earned—is required.
- Required Courses. Three (3) courses:
- Specialization. Complete the following Journalism Specialization:
- Public Relations and Strategic Communication (see requirements below)
- Second Concentration. One (1) of the following:
- College-approved Certificate or Minor
- Complete a College of Arts and Sciences minor, certificate, or other credential transcripted by the College. If the credential is less than 24 credit hours, electives in MSCH-J or MSCH-R courses must be completed to reach 24 credit hours.
- Students must follow standard policies for declaring these credentials. Completion of the B.A.J. second concentration will not result in automatic transcription of these credentials.
- Credit hours earned from coursework outside the College that are applied to credentials within the B.A.J. second concentration will be included in the 100 College of Arts and Sciences Credit Hours requirement. These credits from outside the College do not count toward the Bachelor of Arts in Journalism major hours limit, however.
- Additional Specializations
- Complete at least one (1) B.A.J. Specialization (see full list below) plus electives to reach 24 credit hours. Students should consult with their Media School academic advisor about this option because there are limits to how many mass communication credit hours may be taken in the major.
- The B.A.J. specializations are included on the transcript.
- Outside Concentration
- Complete one (1) of the options below. All options require the completion of an established minor or certificate.
- Kelley School of Business. In addition to ECON-E 201 Introduction to Microeconomics with a C- or higher, complete either the Minor in Business, Minor in Financial Literacy, Minor in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management, or Minor in Marketing.
- School of Education. Complete courses required for high school teacher certification. Interested students should meet with the Director of the High School Journalism Institute for more information.
- School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering. Students may apply an Informatics minor or the Certificate in Informatics towards the completion of the second concentration. To earn the Certificate in Informatics, students must complete all 27 credit hours. To use an Informatics minor, students must complete additional coursework to meet the 24 credit minimum for the second concentration. Consult with your Media School advisor to identify appropriate courses to meet the credit hour minimum. A minimum grade of C in all courses taken for the certificate is required.
- Jacobs School of Music. Of the 24 Jacobs School of Music credits needed, at least 14 credit hours of MUS-K, M, T, or Z courses (excluding MUS-Z 110) are required. Applied music courses must be in private instruction in one instrument. No ensemble work may apply. Alternatively, students may complete the special minor offered through the Jacobs School of Music along with additional approved credit hours to reach the 24 required. For more information, see the Minor for Music Scoring for Visual Media in the "Opportunities" section of this Bulletin.
- School of Public Health. Students interested in using one of the following four SPH minors to complete a B.A.J. second concentration may do so following the stipulations outlined below; however, the College of Arts and Sciences does not recognize the Minor in Kinesiology for inclusion on a student's transcript.
- Minor in Kinesiology (plus additional SPH courses from the minor list to total 24 credit hours)
- Minor in Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management (plus additional SPH courses from the minor list or the Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management major list to total 24 credit hours)
- Minor in Sports Marketing and Management (plus additional SPH courses from the minor list or the Sport Marketing and Management major list to total 24 credit hours)
- Minor in Event Planning (plus additional SPH courses from the minor list or the Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management major list to total 24 credit hours)
- School of Public and Environmental Affairs. Students can complete any of the SPEA minors or certificates transcripted by the College (plus additional SPEA courses to total 24 credit hours).
- Complete one (1) of the options below. All options require the completion of an established minor or certificate.
- College-approved Certificate or Minor
- Major GPA, Hours, and Minimum Grade Requirements.
- At least 18 credit hours in the major must be completed in courses taken through the Indiana University Bloomington campus or an IU-administered or IU co-sponsored Overseas Study program.
- At least 18 credit hours in the major must be completed at the 300–499 level.
- Except for the GPA requirement, a grade of C- or higher is required for a course to count toward a requirement in the major.
- A GPA of at least 2.000 for all courses taken in the major—including those where a grade lower than C- is earned—is required.
- Exceptions to major requirements may be made with the approval of the department's Director of Undergraduate Studies, subject to final approval by the College of Arts and Sciences.
The Bachelor of Arts in Journalism degree requires at least 120 credit hours, to include the following:
- College of Arts and Sciences Credit Hours. At least 100 credit hours must come from College of Arts and Sciences disciplines.
- Non-Media Coursework. At least 72 credit hours (of the 120) must be in coursework outside the disciplines of journalism, public relations and mass communication.
- Upper Division Courses. At least 42 credit hours (of the 120) must be at the 300–499 level.
- College Residency. Following completion of the 60th credit hour toward degree, at least 36 credit hours of College of Arts and Sciences coursework must be completed through the Indiana University Bloomington campus or an IU-administered or IU co-sponsored Overseas Study program.
- College GPA. A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.000 is required for all courses taken at Indiana University.
- CASE Requirements. The following College of Arts and Sciences Education (CASE) requirements must be completed:
- CASE Foundations
- CASE Breadth of Inquiry
- CASE Culture Studies
- CASE Critical Approaches: 1 course
- CASE Foreign Language: Proficiency in a single foreign language through the second semester of the second year of college-level coursework
- CASE Intensive Writing: 1 course
- CASE Public Oral Communication: 1 course
- Major. Completion of the major as outlined in the Major Requirements section above.
Most students must also successfully complete the Indiana University Bloomington General Education program.
Specializations
- Specialization in Audio Journalism
- Specialization in Broadcast Journalism
- Specialization in Digital Journalism
- Specialization in Graphic Communication
- Specialization in News Writing
- Specialization in Photojournalism
- Specialization in PR and Strategic Communication
- Specialization in Sports Journalism
- Specialization in Video Journalism