Section E: Information About the Curriculum
E-01. Minimum Credits Required by the Institution for the Degree
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California State University, Fullerton requires undergraduates seeking a Bachelor of Arts degree to complete 120 units. Included in this total, the Department of Communications requires students majoring in COMM to complete 39 units. Each of the four subject concentrations requires the same number of units as shown below.
This section of the CEPR Application includes the following summaries:
Details are shown below and in Section E-02. |
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CSUF Graduation Requirements
The CSUF Academic Advising Center has a Web page detailing graduation requirements. The page also provides information about transferable units that CSUF will accept from community colleges and four-year universities.
CSUF General Education
All students who earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from Cal State Fullerton must complete a minimum of 48 semester units of General Education courses from an approved list. The General Education experience focuses on students acquiring knowledge of diverse disciplinary and cultural perspectives. This includes skills in comparing, contrasting, applying and communicating effectively these perspectives in tasks considered appropriate to particular courses. The General Education program at Cal State Fullerton is divided into five major areas, plus one overlay that adds content, but no additional units to designated General Education courses. In other words, one course taken in area B, C, D, or E must also “double count” as a Cultural Diversity course from Area Z.*
A. Core Competencies (9 units)
B. Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning (12 units)
C. Arts and Humanities (12 units)
D. Social Sciences (12 units)
E. Lifelong Learning and Self-Development (3 units)
Z. Cultural Diversity (*3 units)
A. Core Competencies (9 units)
B. Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning (12 units)
C. Arts and Humanities (12 units)
D. Social Sciences (12 units)
E. Lifelong Learning and Self-Development (3 units)
Z. Cultural Diversity (*3 units)
CSUF Upper-Division Coursework Requirements
A minimum of 40 semester units of upper-division coursework is required for any CSUF bachelor’s degree. A minimum of 30 semester units must be earned in courses taken at Cal State Fullerton. Twenty-four of these units must be earned in upper-division courses. At least 12 upper-division semester units in the major must be taken at CSUF.
CSUF Elective Unit Requirement
After fulfilling the General Education requirements and a specific major (and possibly a minor), each CSUF student is free to choose the rest of the courses needed to complete the 120 semester units required for graduation. Communications majors have the option of completing a minor in another subject field, a COMM pre-professional certificate, or 12 units of coursework from the approved collateral courses list. See Section E-02.
Program Advancements Since Last CEPR Certification
The 39 unit total was increased beginning with the 2018-2019 academic year. A three-unit increase (from 36 units in the 2017-2018 academic year) was implemented to add a new core course requirement (COMM 317, Digital Foundations).
The Department has developed five pre-professional certificates to give students additional concept and skill preparation in a specific career focus area. Students from any concentration are able to complete any of the certificates.
Four of the certificates are approved and in the catalog; one is awaiting final approval. The approved certificates are: Digital Communications Media, Photocommunications, Radio-Audio, and Spanish for Hispanic Media. (Spanish for Hispanic Media is offered in partnership with the department of Modern Languages and Literatures). The Sports Media Certificate has been approved by the COMM faculty and is awaiting university approval. Extensive promotion of the certificates is ongoing.
The Department has developed five pre-professional certificates to give students additional concept and skill preparation in a specific career focus area. Students from any concentration are able to complete any of the certificates.
Four of the certificates are approved and in the catalog; one is awaiting final approval. The approved certificates are: Digital Communications Media, Photocommunications, Radio-Audio, and Spanish for Hispanic Media. (Spanish for Hispanic Media is offered in partnership with the department of Modern Languages and Literatures). The Sports Media Certificate has been approved by the COMM faculty and is awaiting university approval. Extensive promotion of the certificates is ongoing.
E-02. Requirements and Electives in the Public Relations Program
The Department of Communications offers a large undergraduate program. A strong set of core courses assures every student has the opportunity to develop broad conceptual and hands-on skills. A variety of elective offerings unmatched by most PR programs makes it possible for COMM/PR majors and minors to prepare for particular career interests. Majors have the ability to complete a minor in a complementary subject area or complete a pre-professional certificate in Digital Media, Photocommunications, Radio-Audio, or Spanish for Hispanic Media. COMM/PR minors can complete a pre-professional certificate in addition to their minor and major in another subject field.
This section of the CEPR Application provides the following information relevant to the curriculum:
This section of the CEPR Application provides the following information relevant to the curriculum:
- The Major in Communications/PR
- The Minor in Communications/PR
- Public Relations Course Numbers and Descriptions
- Other Concentration Checklists
- Consistency Across Multi-Section Courses
- Program Advancements Since Last CEPR Certification
- Summary
The Major in Communications/PR
The COMM major requires 39 units (21 units of core requirements + 18 units in a chosen concentration). Courses taken outside of the areas of journalism and mass communication total 72 units, including the 48 units of General Education requirements. Additional electives of 9 units allow the student to reach the 120 minimum units required. The 9 units may be fulfilled by additional Communications coursework.
Here is a link to the student degree checklist.
Core Courses for all COMM students (12 units required)
COMM 233 – Mass Communication in Modern Society
COMM 317 – Digital Foundations
COMM 407 – Communications Law
COMM 495T – Mass Media Internship
Core Electives (3 units required; select one of the following)
COMM 300 – Visual Communication
COMM 310 – Mass Media Ethics
COMM 315 – Mass Media and Diversity
COMM 333 – Mass Media Effects
COMM 370 – Principles and History of American Mass Communication
COMM 422 – Communications Technologies
COMM 426 – Global Media Systems
COMM 480 – Persuasive Communications
Elective course or courses (6 units). Select from the following list approved for PR students:
COMM 465 – Entertainment Public Relations
COMM 466T – Current Topics in Public Relations
COMM 468 – Corporate and Nonprofit Public Relations
COMM 469 – Crisis Communications
COMM 470 – International Public Relations
COMM 497T – Event Planning and Management
COMM 331 – News Literacy
COMM 346 – Principles of Entertainment and Tourism Communications
COMM 350 – Principles of Advertising
COMM 380 – Interactive Media Design
COMM 434 – Magazine Editing and Production
COMM 437 – Advanced Magazine Writing
COMM 446 – Entertainment & Society
Concentration requirements for the B.A. in Communications, Public Relations Concentration (18 units):
COMM 101 – Writing for Mass Media
COMM 361 – Principles of Public Relations
COMM 362 – Public Relations Writing I
COMM 410 – Principles of Communication Research
COMM 464 – Capstone – Public Relations Management
or COMM 474 – Capstone – ADV/PR/ETC Student Agency (PRactical ADvantage Communications)
Electives - select 6 units from the following:
COMM 301 – Writing for Broadcasting and Film
COMM 334 – Feature Article Writing
COMM 462 – Public Relations Writing II
COMM 471 – Capstone – Daily Titan News
The Department does not require COMM majors to complete a minor. However, students must complete one of the following options:
Here is a link to the student degree checklist.
Core Courses for all COMM students (12 units required)
COMM 233 – Mass Communication in Modern Society
COMM 317 – Digital Foundations
COMM 407 – Communications Law
COMM 495T – Mass Media Internship
Core Electives (3 units required; select one of the following)
COMM 300 – Visual Communication
COMM 310 – Mass Media Ethics
COMM 315 – Mass Media and Diversity
COMM 333 – Mass Media Effects
COMM 370 – Principles and History of American Mass Communication
COMM 422 – Communications Technologies
COMM 426 – Global Media Systems
COMM 480 – Persuasive Communications
Elective course or courses (6 units). Select from the following list approved for PR students:
COMM 465 – Entertainment Public Relations
COMM 466T – Current Topics in Public Relations
COMM 468 – Corporate and Nonprofit Public Relations
COMM 469 – Crisis Communications
COMM 470 – International Public Relations
COMM 497T – Event Planning and Management
COMM 331 – News Literacy
COMM 346 – Principles of Entertainment and Tourism Communications
COMM 350 – Principles of Advertising
COMM 380 – Interactive Media Design
COMM 434 – Magazine Editing and Production
COMM 437 – Advanced Magazine Writing
COMM 446 – Entertainment & Society
Concentration requirements for the B.A. in Communications, Public Relations Concentration (18 units):
COMM 101 – Writing for Mass Media
COMM 361 – Principles of Public Relations
COMM 362 – Public Relations Writing I
COMM 410 – Principles of Communication Research
COMM 464 – Capstone – Public Relations Management
or COMM 474 – Capstone – ADV/PR/ETC Student Agency (PRactical ADvantage Communications)
Electives - select 6 units from the following:
COMM 301 – Writing for Broadcasting and Film
COMM 334 – Feature Article Writing
COMM 462 – Public Relations Writing II
COMM 471 – Capstone – Daily Titan News
The Department does not require COMM majors to complete a minor. However, students must complete one of the following options:
- A 12-unit collateral course requirement achieved through the completion of upper-division coursework from other departments. Collaterals for PR students are listed on p. 2 of the student degree checklist.
- A pre-professional certificate in Digital Communications Media, Photocommunications, or Radio-Audio – or Spanish for Hispanic Media, a certificate offered in partnership with the department of Modern Languages and Literatures. (The Sports Media certificate has been approved by COMM and is awaiting university approval.) (Because the certificates require nine units of extra COMM courses, students choosing this option must still be in compliance with the 72-hour rule.)
- A minor or second major in a department outside of Communications.
The Minor in Communications/PR
The minor in Public Relations offers students the opportunity to engage in a systematic program of study in the field of public relations to complement their major field of study. COMM majors cannot minor in a concentration in the Department.
Here is a link to the student degree checklist.
The 21 unit minor requires the following courses:
COMM 101 – Writing for Mass Media
COMM 233 – Mass Communication in Modern Society
COMM 361 – Principles of Public Relations
COMM 362 – Public Relations Writing I
COMM 464 – Capstone – Public Relations Management
or COMM 474 – Capstone – ADV/PR/ETC Student Agency (PRactical ADvantage Communications)
Electives - select 6 units from the following:
COMM 370 – Principles and History of American Mass Communication
COMM 407 – Communications Law
COMM 410 – Principles of Communication Research
COMM 465 – Entertainment Public Relations
COMM 468 – Corporate and Nonprofit Public Relations
COMM 469 – Crisis Communications
COMM 470 – International Public Relations
COMM 480 – Persuasive Communications
COMM 497T – Event Planning and Management
Here is a link to the student degree checklist.
The 21 unit minor requires the following courses:
COMM 101 – Writing for Mass Media
COMM 233 – Mass Communication in Modern Society
COMM 361 – Principles of Public Relations
COMM 362 – Public Relations Writing I
COMM 464 – Capstone – Public Relations Management
or COMM 474 – Capstone – ADV/PR/ETC Student Agency (PRactical ADvantage Communications)
Electives - select 6 units from the following:
COMM 370 – Principles and History of American Mass Communication
COMM 407 – Communications Law
COMM 410 – Principles of Communication Research
COMM 465 – Entertainment Public Relations
COMM 468 – Corporate and Nonprofit Public Relations
COMM 469 – Crisis Communications
COMM 470 – International Public Relations
COMM 480 – Persuasive Communications
COMM 497T – Event Planning and Management
Public Relations Course Numbers and Descriptions
Department of Communications undergraduate courses in public relations are shown below in numerical order. Of course, most of the courses that contribute to students’ essential knowledge of the field do not have ‘public relations’ in the course name. Therefore, to get a full perspective on the undergraduate program, please consult the Department of Communications Catalog Page.
COMM 361 Principles and Ethics of Public Relations (3 units)
Social, behavioral, psychological, ethical, economic and political foundations of public relations, and the theories of public relations as a communications discipline. One or more sections may be offered in any online format. Prerequisite: completion of G.E. Category D.1. Corequisite: Communications majors, COMM 233 or COMM 317.
COMM 362 Public Relations Writing I (3 units)
Communications analysis, writing for business, industry and nonprofit organizations. Creating effective forms of public relations communication. One or more sections offered online. Prerequisites: COMM 101 and 361, both with a grade of “C” (2.0) or better; junior standing; typing ability.
COMM 462 Public Relations Writing II (3 units)
Further develops strategic and creative public relations writing skills for multimedia platforms. Cultivates the ethical awareness and sensitivity essential for media gatekeepers. Prerequisite: COMM 362 with a “C” (2.0) or better.
COMM 464 – Capstone – Public Relations Management (3 units)
Analyze systems and strategies for planning public relations campaigns and solving/preventing problems. Individual, team case studies, in corporate development of proposals; actual use of tools in addition to role playing presentations to management. Must pass with at least a “C” (2.0). Prerequisites: COMM 361, 362, junior standing.
COMM 465 Entertainment Public Relations (3 units)
Public relations strategies and tactics as used in the entertainment industry, including media relations, talent relations, special events, high visibility techniques, presentation and dealing with adverse situations. Prerequisites: COMM 361 or COMM 346.
COMM 466T: Current Topics in Public Relations (3 units)
Variable topic course facilitating examination of advanced public relations concepts and skills in specialized areas. Prerequisite: COMM 346, 350, or 361. Approved topics include:
COMM 468 Corporate and Nonprofit Public Relations (3 units)
Public relations strategies and tactics used in today’s increasingly sophisticated and maturing corporate and nonprofit marketplaces. This advanced course, which relies heavily on professional guest speakers and in-class simulations/exercises, encompasses a host of specific topics, such as fundraising, corporate and social responsibility, media relations, and technology and ethical issues. Prerequisites: COMM 101, 361.
COMM 469 Crisis Communications (3 units)
Practical experience in preparing for and responding to crisis situations across a wide variety of contexts. Theory and practice of organizational issue management, crisis planning and crisis response. Current and future challenges of issue/crisis management.
Prerequisites: COMM 233, junior standing.
COMM 470 International Public Relations (3 units)
Complex global business and organizational relationship practices across countries and cultures. The challenges, practices and techniques needed to practice public relations on the international level. One or more sections may be offered in any online format. Prerequisite: COMM 361.
COMM 474 Capstone – ADV/PR/ETC Student Agency (3 units)
PRactical ADvantage Communications
Work in a student-run agency to plan and conduct integrated communications campaigns involving advertising, public relations, and tourism/ entertainment/ event planning. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units. Must pass with a C- (1.7) or better. Prerequisites: COMM 350, COMM 346 or COMM 361; COMM 351 or COMM 362 with a “C” (2.0) or better in each.
COMM 495T Mass Media Internship (3 units)
120 hours minimum of supervised fieldwork at an approved internship site. Practical application of academic knowledge within the student’s field of concentration via hands-on experience in the professional arena. Attendance at an orientation session is required. Details at: communications.fullerton.edu/internship. One or more sections may be offered in any online format. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing, minimum 2.25 cumulative GPA; for Advertising majors, COMM 350, COMM 351, COMM 352, COMM 353; for Entertainment and Tourism Communications majors, COMM 346, COMM 446; for Journalism majors, COMM 325 or COMM 372; for Public Relations majors, COMM 361, COMM 362; all with a C (2.0) or better.
COMM 361 Principles and Ethics of Public Relations (3 units)
Social, behavioral, psychological, ethical, economic and political foundations of public relations, and the theories of public relations as a communications discipline. One or more sections may be offered in any online format. Prerequisite: completion of G.E. Category D.1. Corequisite: Communications majors, COMM 233 or COMM 317.
COMM 362 Public Relations Writing I (3 units)
Communications analysis, writing for business, industry and nonprofit organizations. Creating effective forms of public relations communication. One or more sections offered online. Prerequisites: COMM 101 and 361, both with a grade of “C” (2.0) or better; junior standing; typing ability.
COMM 462 Public Relations Writing II (3 units)
Further develops strategic and creative public relations writing skills for multimedia platforms. Cultivates the ethical awareness and sensitivity essential for media gatekeepers. Prerequisite: COMM 362 with a “C” (2.0) or better.
COMM 464 – Capstone – Public Relations Management (3 units)
Analyze systems and strategies for planning public relations campaigns and solving/preventing problems. Individual, team case studies, in corporate development of proposals; actual use of tools in addition to role playing presentations to management. Must pass with at least a “C” (2.0). Prerequisites: COMM 361, 362, junior standing.
COMM 465 Entertainment Public Relations (3 units)
Public relations strategies and tactics as used in the entertainment industry, including media relations, talent relations, special events, high visibility techniques, presentation and dealing with adverse situations. Prerequisites: COMM 361 or COMM 346.
COMM 466T: Current Topics in Public Relations (3 units)
Variable topic course facilitating examination of advanced public relations concepts and skills in specialized areas. Prerequisite: COMM 346, 350, or 361. Approved topics include:
- Health PR Campaigns
- Mindfulness in Media and Public Relations
- Multicultural and Strategic Public Relations
- Public Relations in U.S. Higher Education
- Social Media for Public Relations and Strategic Communication
COMM 468 Corporate and Nonprofit Public Relations (3 units)
Public relations strategies and tactics used in today’s increasingly sophisticated and maturing corporate and nonprofit marketplaces. This advanced course, which relies heavily on professional guest speakers and in-class simulations/exercises, encompasses a host of specific topics, such as fundraising, corporate and social responsibility, media relations, and technology and ethical issues. Prerequisites: COMM 101, 361.
COMM 469 Crisis Communications (3 units)
Practical experience in preparing for and responding to crisis situations across a wide variety of contexts. Theory and practice of organizational issue management, crisis planning and crisis response. Current and future challenges of issue/crisis management.
Prerequisites: COMM 233, junior standing.
COMM 470 International Public Relations (3 units)
Complex global business and organizational relationship practices across countries and cultures. The challenges, practices and techniques needed to practice public relations on the international level. One or more sections may be offered in any online format. Prerequisite: COMM 361.
COMM 474 Capstone – ADV/PR/ETC Student Agency (3 units)
PRactical ADvantage Communications
Work in a student-run agency to plan and conduct integrated communications campaigns involving advertising, public relations, and tourism/ entertainment/ event planning. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units. Must pass with a C- (1.7) or better. Prerequisites: COMM 350, COMM 346 or COMM 361; COMM 351 or COMM 362 with a “C” (2.0) or better in each.
COMM 495T Mass Media Internship (3 units)
120 hours minimum of supervised fieldwork at an approved internship site. Practical application of academic knowledge within the student’s field of concentration via hands-on experience in the professional arena. Attendance at an orientation session is required. Details at: communications.fullerton.edu/internship. One or more sections may be offered in any online format. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing, minimum 2.25 cumulative GPA; for Advertising majors, COMM 350, COMM 351, COMM 352, COMM 353; for Entertainment and Tourism Communications majors, COMM 346, COMM 446; for Journalism majors, COMM 325 or COMM 372; for Public Relations majors, COMM 361, COMM 362; all with a C (2.0) or better.
Other Concentration Checklists
Checklists that show required and elective courses for each of the other concentrations are linked below.
Advertising
Entertainment and Tourism Communications
Journalism
Advertising
Entertainment and Tourism Communications
Journalism
Consistency Across Multi-Section Courses
The size and structure of the Department of Communications allows for multiple section offerings of many courses, particularly those in the COMM core and those included in General Education (COMM 233 Mass Communication in Modern Society; COMM 300 Visual Communication; COMM 315: Mass Media and Diversity, COMM 333 Mass Media Effects; and COMM 370 Principles and History of American Mass Communication).
The Department strongly supports the academic freedom rights of instructional faculty as presented in UPS 300.000, which affirms, “…faculty members have the right to determine the specific content of their courses within the established course definitions, and have responsibility not to depart significantly from their areas of competence or to divert significant time to material extraneous to the subject matter of their courses” (p. 5).
The Department is similarly supportive of UPS 300.01, which declares that it is “…the responsibility of the faculty to select materials that best support the learning goals for each course” (p. 1). Within that framework, the Department works collegially to balance the preferences of individual faculty members with the expected learning outcomes of each course offered in multiple sections. The faculty seek to assure that students in different sections of any COMM course can expect the same high-quality learning experience. The Department seeks to minimize ‘course section shopping’ by students who may be seeking a less rigorous experience.
Strategies used to accomplish this balance include:
The Department strongly supports the academic freedom rights of instructional faculty as presented in UPS 300.000, which affirms, “…faculty members have the right to determine the specific content of their courses within the established course definitions, and have responsibility not to depart significantly from their areas of competence or to divert significant time to material extraneous to the subject matter of their courses” (p. 5).
The Department is similarly supportive of UPS 300.01, which declares that it is “…the responsibility of the faculty to select materials that best support the learning goals for each course” (p. 1). Within that framework, the Department works collegially to balance the preferences of individual faculty members with the expected learning outcomes of each course offered in multiple sections. The faculty seek to assure that students in different sections of any COMM course can expect the same high-quality learning experience. The Department seeks to minimize ‘course section shopping’ by students who may be seeking a less rigorous experience.
Strategies used to accomplish this balance include:
- Enforcing standard course learning outcomes across all course sections.
- Seeking full faculty input on inclusion of mandatory content in particular courses. For example, in 2019 the Department needed to meet new CEPR expectations for instruction in public relations ethics. All instructional faculty engaged in a discussion to reach a recommended solution, a curriculum change that would be required in all sections of COMM 361 Principles and Ethics of Public Relations. The change was approved by the Undergraduate Curriculum and Assessment Committee and then approved by the full faculty. This procedure allowed the opinions of all faculty – even those teaching outside of public relations – to be solicited and respected.
- Assuring that decisions for textbooks included in a particular course are made by instructional faculty. For example, the textbook used in COMM 362 Public Relations Writing I is selected by collective agreement of the faculty who teach that course. In some courses, faculty have collectively agreed to allow independence on this issue. For example, COMM 474 Capstone – Student-Run Agency instructional faculty decide individually about textbook adoption based on instructor background and the clients selected for campaign work in each section.
- Utilizing a coordinating faculty member in critical courses that involve multiple sections and/or laboratory work. Two examples of this would be COMM 101 Writing for the Mass Media and COMM 317 Digital Foundations. In both of these large multi-section courses, an overseeing faculty member develops the structure of the course and selects the materials that will be used throughout many different sections each semester.
- Maintenance of a syllabus archive to guide future offerings of each COMM course. All instructional faculty (both full- and part-time) have access through the Department’s online community to syllabi for every COMM course. This access makes it easy for any faculty member to see ‘the big picture’ of curriculum, course materials, assignments, rubrics, etc. across the curriculum in the core and concentrations.
- Assuring that COMM courses that require students to demonstrate specific concepts and skills are taught by instructional faculty with the highest levels of knowledge and expertise in the subject area. For example, COMM 407 Communications Law is taught by faculty with extensive research, teaching, and professional engagement with legal issues of mass communication.
Program Advancements Since Last CEPR Certification
Here are some particularly relevant revisions to the curriculum that have been put in place since the CEPR recertification in 2013-2014:
- The COMM major was increased from 36 to 39 units beginning with the Fall 2018 catalog. This change allowed the addition of COMM 317 Digital Foundations as a core requirement for all majors. A component of COMM 317 is the graduation requirement digital portfolio. Students begin their portfolio in COMM 317, and add to it in subsequent coursework. In the capstone course, instructors review student portfolios and provide data on the quantity and quality of materials included.
- COMM 339 Politics in the Mediasphere was added as an elective offering. COMM 339 examines the collective political ecology of the world’s media, including newspapers, magazines, television, radio, film, advertising, press releases, political websites, blogs and social media in view of the current political climate and campaigns. COMM 339 is an especially relevant elective for public relations students.
- COMM 361 Principles of Public Relations was revised to include a required ethical modules component. The course was renamed Principles and Ethics of Public Relations.
- When the faculty approved the addition of an ethics component to COMM 361, the faculty also approved a revision of PR elective COMM 462 (Public Relations Writing II). The previous course description was, “Further refines writing skills related to advanced public relations tactics, including the use of social media.” The new course description as of 2020 became, “Further develops strategic and creative public relations writing skills for multimedia platforms. Cultivates the ethical awareness and sensitivity essential for media gatekeepers.” This change allows for additional integration of ethical concepts and practices into the PR curriculum - particularly in social media planning and writing.
- COMM 466T Current Topics in Public Relations was expanded to include four new special topics offerings:
- Mindfulness in Media and Public Relations (added in 2019)
- Multicultural and Strategic Public Relations (added in 2019)
- Public Relations in U.S. Higher Education (added in 2014)
- Social Media for Public Relations and Strategic Communication (added in 2021)
E-03. Curricular and Extracurricular Experiential Learning Opportunities
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The Department of Communications undergraduate program has a concerted focus on hands-on learning, and this is especially evident in the PR concentration.Public relations students develop their conceptual knowledge and practical skills through high-impact practice courses and participation in active, engaging student organizations.
This section of the CEPR Application provides the following:
This section of the CEPR Application provides the following:
- Examples of High-Impact Practice Assignments from Public Relations Courses
- Examples of Networking and Co-Curricular Learning Opportunities
- Recent Guest Speakers in COMM Classes
- Certificate in Principles of Public Relations Examination
- Challenges to Experiential Learning
Examples of High-Impact Practice Assignments from Public Relations Courses
COMM 361 – In the Principles and Ethics of Public Relations course, students are introduced to the profession and asked to begin identifying evidence of appropriate public relations practice. As already noted, an “ethical principles” unit was recently added to all COMM 361 sections in all modalities. All COMM 361 instructors are using the Arthur W. Page Center Ethics Training Modules. These involve ‘real life’ case studies and text- and video-based elements. All COMM 361 students are asked to invest at least two hours in study and practice. The modules include quizzes that allow students and instructors to measure performance. The COMM 361 syllabus template approved by the faculty is linked here.
Linked below are two examples of student assignments from different instructors that bring about subject field understanding and hands-on experience in COMM 361. The On-Campus Activity Paper asks students to attend a co-curricular event to identify and then write about examples of good communications practice. The PR Scavenger Hunt involves students in doing their own research to find the answers to basic conceptual questions about the PR field.
COMM 362 – In sections of PR Writing I, one instructor has fall semester students work in teams to perform a marketplace-based case study. Students research and critique the Halloween themed web-based communication of different Southern California theme parks. The assignment is fun for students and, at the same time, allows them a deeper appreciation of the extent to which theme park promotion efforts must strategically and creatively compete for tourists at Halloween.
COMM 462 – When the faculty approved the addition of an ethics component to COMM 361, the faculty also approved a revision of PR elective COMM 462 (Public Relations Writing II). The previous course description was, “Further refines writing skills related to advanced public relations tactics, including the use of social media.” The new course description as of 2020 became, “Further develops strategic and creative public relations writing skills for multimedia platforms. Cultivates the ethical awareness and sensitivity essential for media gatekeepers.” This change allows for additional integration of ethical concepts and practices into the PR curriculum - particularly in social media planning and writing. COMM 462 students get to practice their media writing with this assignment entitled The Grandparent Scam Story Pitch. The assignment concludes by asking students to pitch their story idea by phone to a working journalist in Orange County.
COMM 464 - The Public Relations Management capstone course offers students hands-on experience conducting a public relations campaign for a real client. All sections of the course use the KendallHunt textbook written specifically for this course by two COMM faculty. Some sections of COMM 464 are set up in a competition format, where student teams all develop a proposal based on the same RFP. Then, the client visits the class and selects one of the proposals as ‘the winner.’ The student teams spend the remainder of the semester all developing different aspects of the winning team’s proposal. Linked here is an example of a student team’s final campaign report from a recent COMM 464.
COMM 466T – The elective course, Current Topics in Public Relations allows the addition of specialized focus content under a common course number. This allows expansion of the curriculum without overwhelming students with too many options on the degree checksheet. One of the more recent additions was Mindfulness in Media and Public Relations, first offered in 2021. Mindfulness is a particularly relevant topic for PR students because it is a concept almost entirely neglected among executive leadership in the field. Linked here is the Media Workplace Opportunities and Challenges interview assignment from this current topics course. Other topics offered via COMM 466T are:
COMM 474 – Our student-run agency, PRactical ADvantage Communications (COMM 474), is one of the largest of the 160 or so student-run agencies in the world by number of graduates. PRAD has graduated more than 900 students since its founding in 2011. The agency’s founding faculty member “wrote the book” on student agencies, literally.
COMM 474 students work in teams to conduct an integrated communications campaign for a real world client. This is the structure for the Final Campaign Book. Names of previous clients and links to YouTube videos of student presentations can be found on the agency website. Recent news articles about the agency are linked below:
COMM 495 – All COMM majors are required to complete a three-credit hour communications internship to demonstrate skills and knowledge gained in the classroom. Internship is a high-impact practice experience. The internship program has earned significant professional recognition. Many of the more than 18,000 CSUF COMM alumni are in a position to hire interns, and these alums clamor to have Communications students come and learn from them. Employers frequently report that COMM students are well prepared, have a minimal learning curve, are open to learning more, perform at optimal levels and often seek employment after completion of their internship. With more than 1,100 organizations in the internship employer database, there are ample choices for the students in a myriad of communications industries. Prior to the Coronavirus pandemic, students were able to complete internships overseas. It is hoped that overseas internship opportunities will be allowed to resume soon.
COMM 497 – For more than 20 years, Department of Communications students have had the opportunity to work as event planners in the Newport Beach Film Festival. The festival draws 50,000 people and screens more than 400 films in its eight-day run each year. One of the festival founders teaches COMM 497 and offers students a “red carpet” view of how to plan and conduct a successful world-class event.
Another section of COMM 497 is our COMM Week class, in which students plan and conduct the annual week-long event in which a variety of professionals conduct lectures and workshops on communications topics. Although Coronavirus prevented 2020 and 2021 events from being held in person, COMM WEEK still took place - via Zoom and YouTube.
The goals of COMM Week are:
There’s much more to be told about Department of Communications high-impact practice programs.
Here is a link to a recent brochure with extensive detail about HIPs across all four of the concentrations.
Linked below are two examples of student assignments from different instructors that bring about subject field understanding and hands-on experience in COMM 361. The On-Campus Activity Paper asks students to attend a co-curricular event to identify and then write about examples of good communications practice. The PR Scavenger Hunt involves students in doing their own research to find the answers to basic conceptual questions about the PR field.
COMM 362 – In sections of PR Writing I, one instructor has fall semester students work in teams to perform a marketplace-based case study. Students research and critique the Halloween themed web-based communication of different Southern California theme parks. The assignment is fun for students and, at the same time, allows them a deeper appreciation of the extent to which theme park promotion efforts must strategically and creatively compete for tourists at Halloween.
COMM 462 – When the faculty approved the addition of an ethics component to COMM 361, the faculty also approved a revision of PR elective COMM 462 (Public Relations Writing II). The previous course description was, “Further refines writing skills related to advanced public relations tactics, including the use of social media.” The new course description as of 2020 became, “Further develops strategic and creative public relations writing skills for multimedia platforms. Cultivates the ethical awareness and sensitivity essential for media gatekeepers.” This change allows for additional integration of ethical concepts and practices into the PR curriculum - particularly in social media planning and writing. COMM 462 students get to practice their media writing with this assignment entitled The Grandparent Scam Story Pitch. The assignment concludes by asking students to pitch their story idea by phone to a working journalist in Orange County.
COMM 464 - The Public Relations Management capstone course offers students hands-on experience conducting a public relations campaign for a real client. All sections of the course use the KendallHunt textbook written specifically for this course by two COMM faculty. Some sections of COMM 464 are set up in a competition format, where student teams all develop a proposal based on the same RFP. Then, the client visits the class and selects one of the proposals as ‘the winner.’ The student teams spend the remainder of the semester all developing different aspects of the winning team’s proposal. Linked here is an example of a student team’s final campaign report from a recent COMM 464.
COMM 466T – The elective course, Current Topics in Public Relations allows the addition of specialized focus content under a common course number. This allows expansion of the curriculum without overwhelming students with too many options on the degree checksheet. One of the more recent additions was Mindfulness in Media and Public Relations, first offered in 2021. Mindfulness is a particularly relevant topic for PR students because it is a concept almost entirely neglected among executive leadership in the field. Linked here is the Media Workplace Opportunities and Challenges interview assignment from this current topics course. Other topics offered via COMM 466T are:
- Health PR Campaigns
- Multicultural and Strategic Public Relations
- Public Relations in U.S. Higher Education
- Social Media for Public Relations and Strategic Communication
COMM 474 – Our student-run agency, PRactical ADvantage Communications (COMM 474), is one of the largest of the 160 or so student-run agencies in the world by number of graduates. PRAD has graduated more than 900 students since its founding in 2011. The agency’s founding faculty member “wrote the book” on student agencies, literally.
COMM 474 students work in teams to conduct an integrated communications campaign for a real world client. This is the structure for the Final Campaign Book. Names of previous clients and links to YouTube videos of student presentations can be found on the agency website. Recent news articles about the agency are linked below:
- Hungry Bear Restaurant Campaign
- Agency Receives $2,000 Grant for First Amendment Video
- The Growing Popularity of Student Agencies (from O’Dwyer’s PR Magazine)
COMM 495 – All COMM majors are required to complete a three-credit hour communications internship to demonstrate skills and knowledge gained in the classroom. Internship is a high-impact practice experience. The internship program has earned significant professional recognition. Many of the more than 18,000 CSUF COMM alumni are in a position to hire interns, and these alums clamor to have Communications students come and learn from them. Employers frequently report that COMM students are well prepared, have a minimal learning curve, are open to learning more, perform at optimal levels and often seek employment after completion of their internship. With more than 1,100 organizations in the internship employer database, there are ample choices for the students in a myriad of communications industries. Prior to the Coronavirus pandemic, students were able to complete internships overseas. It is hoped that overseas internship opportunities will be allowed to resume soon.
COMM 497 – For more than 20 years, Department of Communications students have had the opportunity to work as event planners in the Newport Beach Film Festival. The festival draws 50,000 people and screens more than 400 films in its eight-day run each year. One of the festival founders teaches COMM 497 and offers students a “red carpet” view of how to plan and conduct a successful world-class event.
Another section of COMM 497 is our COMM Week class, in which students plan and conduct the annual week-long event in which a variety of professionals conduct lectures and workshops on communications topics. Although Coronavirus prevented 2020 and 2021 events from being held in person, COMM WEEK still took place - via Zoom and YouTube.
The goals of COMM Week are:
- To expose the campus community to current communications issues
- To provide communications students with an opportunity to learn how to plan special events
- To provide campus students and faculty an opportunity to interact with communications professionals
- To give CSUF and CSUF students greater visibility to the professional community
- To provide a platform for professionals to discuss communications issues with classes of communications students and groups of CSUF students
- To provide a forum for interaction with alumni
There’s much more to be told about Department of Communications high-impact practice programs.
Here is a link to a recent brochure with extensive detail about HIPs across all four of the concentrations.
Examples of Networking and Co-Curricular Learning Opportunities
Department of Communications students have many opportunities to be involved in networking and learning outside of the classroom. Here are just a few of the most noteworthy activities and organizations relevant to PR students.
AdClub
This student-managed, faculty advised organization offers members a forum for professional growth and a bridge between campus and career. AdClub meets regularly for discussions with industry leaders, workshops, and presentations on emerging trends in the business. AdClub is open to all CSUF students but is especially welcoming of students in the Advertising and Public Relations concentrations. The organization schedules resume and portfolio workshops so students can have their work reviewed by industry professionals. Agency tours are offered frequently, so students can go on-site to visit workplaces and network with professionals. Ad Club hosts an annual Creative Competition linked with COMM Week each spring. Students may submit samples of their creative work for critique and judging by area professionals. Prizes are awarded to top entries.
Daily Titan
The Department of Communications’ national award-winning student newspaper has been publishing since 1959. It is now the only daily print newspaper in the California State University System and one of only a few collegiate daily print newspapers in California, alongside USC, UCLA, and Stanford. It also features a converged multimedia website with video and audio as well as social media content. Full-time Lecturer and former New York Times editor Walt Baranger is the faculty adviser to the Daily Titan.
Entertainment & Tourism Club
The Entertainment & Tourism Club (ETC) assists students in networking with the entertainment and tourism industries in Orange County and Los Angeles. ETC membership is open to all students, although the organization targets students in the Entertainment & Tourism and Public Relations concentrations. In the past three years, membership has averaged 226 students per year, making ETC one of the largest student organizations by membership on the CSUF campus. ETC members and guests are offered opportunities to attend television and film shoots, industry socials and volunteer events, and awards shows such as the American Music Awards. Students are encouraged to network with professionals. ETC members are made aware of internship opportunities in the entertainment and tourism industry.
Kappa Tau Alpha
Kappa Tau Alpha is a national honor society dedicated to excellence and scholarship in mass communication. The CSUF chapter was founded in 1985 by former Dean Rick Pullen and by former COMM chair Dr. Terry Hynes, for whom the chapter is named. Cal State Fullerton’s chapter of Kappa Tau Alpha has inducted more than 900 students since its founding. Each year students from the top 10% of their graduating class are invited to join KTA. They are inducted into the society at an initiation ceremony held each spring.
Latino Communications Institute
In 2013, the College of Communications launched the Latino Communications Initiative as a way to prepare more students for the many employment and service opportunities in Latino-focused communications media. After several successful years, LCI was upgraded to the Latino Communications Institute. The Department of Communications, in partnership with the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures, further strengthened the LCI by developing the Spanish for Hispanic Media certificate. The LCI seeks to develop and maintain a qualified workforce that is industry ready by offering courses and certificates that will provide CSUF students cultural competency in Latino communication and added value in an increasingly multicultural market and competitive workforce. The LCI regularly brings industry leaders to campus for meetings and networking with students.
Latino Journalists of CSUF
An emerging organization on campus is the Latino Journalists of CSUF. This student organization works in partnership with the California Chicano News Media Association (CCNMA) and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ). The purpose of the Latino Journalists of CSUF is two-fold. The organization works to facilitate networking between professionals in the Latino communications industry and CSUF students. The organization also works to make more students – and Latino students in particular – aware of workplace opportunities. The group was founded in 2012 and is student-run.
Public Relations Student Society of America
The national award-winning Robert E. Rayfield PRSSA Chapter is one of the largest and most active chapters in the nation with more than 100 members. The chapter exposes its members to the many facets of public relations by providing numerous co-curricular opportunities including speaker events, workshops, and agency tours. There are many student success stories from the PRSSA chapter. Here are a few.
Titan Communications
Titan Communications is the home to Cal State Fullerton’s digital media center, which provides students with a living-learning classroom and an opportunity to work and learn about television and radio broadcast management in a professional hands-on environment. It includes a full-scale television studio, control room, audio and editing labs, equipped Mac Pro workstation computers, a voiceover booth, and radio station. Titan Communications also services clients by providing high-quality audio and video productions. Titan Communications provides services for webcasting and multimedia. Some of the award-winning projects produced by Titan Communications range from educational and training to marketing and television shows. Several different COMM/ College of Communications media outlets have been centralized into one location: TitanUniverse.
Tusk Magazine
The Department of Communications student magazine has won many regional and national awards. In recent years, Tusk has gone outside the confines of print-on-paper and is very active on the web, on social media, and in video. All students are welcome to be involved. Tusk was a first-place Pinnacle Award winner in 2021.
AdClub
This student-managed, faculty advised organization offers members a forum for professional growth and a bridge between campus and career. AdClub meets regularly for discussions with industry leaders, workshops, and presentations on emerging trends in the business. AdClub is open to all CSUF students but is especially welcoming of students in the Advertising and Public Relations concentrations. The organization schedules resume and portfolio workshops so students can have their work reviewed by industry professionals. Agency tours are offered frequently, so students can go on-site to visit workplaces and network with professionals. Ad Club hosts an annual Creative Competition linked with COMM Week each spring. Students may submit samples of their creative work for critique and judging by area professionals. Prizes are awarded to top entries.
Daily Titan
The Department of Communications’ national award-winning student newspaper has been publishing since 1959. It is now the only daily print newspaper in the California State University System and one of only a few collegiate daily print newspapers in California, alongside USC, UCLA, and Stanford. It also features a converged multimedia website with video and audio as well as social media content. Full-time Lecturer and former New York Times editor Walt Baranger is the faculty adviser to the Daily Titan.
Entertainment & Tourism Club
The Entertainment & Tourism Club (ETC) assists students in networking with the entertainment and tourism industries in Orange County and Los Angeles. ETC membership is open to all students, although the organization targets students in the Entertainment & Tourism and Public Relations concentrations. In the past three years, membership has averaged 226 students per year, making ETC one of the largest student organizations by membership on the CSUF campus. ETC members and guests are offered opportunities to attend television and film shoots, industry socials and volunteer events, and awards shows such as the American Music Awards. Students are encouraged to network with professionals. ETC members are made aware of internship opportunities in the entertainment and tourism industry.
Kappa Tau Alpha
Kappa Tau Alpha is a national honor society dedicated to excellence and scholarship in mass communication. The CSUF chapter was founded in 1985 by former Dean Rick Pullen and by former COMM chair Dr. Terry Hynes, for whom the chapter is named. Cal State Fullerton’s chapter of Kappa Tau Alpha has inducted more than 900 students since its founding. Each year students from the top 10% of their graduating class are invited to join KTA. They are inducted into the society at an initiation ceremony held each spring.
Latino Communications Institute
In 2013, the College of Communications launched the Latino Communications Initiative as a way to prepare more students for the many employment and service opportunities in Latino-focused communications media. After several successful years, LCI was upgraded to the Latino Communications Institute. The Department of Communications, in partnership with the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures, further strengthened the LCI by developing the Spanish for Hispanic Media certificate. The LCI seeks to develop and maintain a qualified workforce that is industry ready by offering courses and certificates that will provide CSUF students cultural competency in Latino communication and added value in an increasingly multicultural market and competitive workforce. The LCI regularly brings industry leaders to campus for meetings and networking with students.
Latino Journalists of CSUF
An emerging organization on campus is the Latino Journalists of CSUF. This student organization works in partnership with the California Chicano News Media Association (CCNMA) and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ). The purpose of the Latino Journalists of CSUF is two-fold. The organization works to facilitate networking between professionals in the Latino communications industry and CSUF students. The organization also works to make more students – and Latino students in particular – aware of workplace opportunities. The group was founded in 2012 and is student-run.
Public Relations Student Society of America
The national award-winning Robert E. Rayfield PRSSA Chapter is one of the largest and most active chapters in the nation with more than 100 members. The chapter exposes its members to the many facets of public relations by providing numerous co-curricular opportunities including speaker events, workshops, and agency tours. There are many student success stories from the PRSSA chapter. Here are a few.
Titan Communications
Titan Communications is the home to Cal State Fullerton’s digital media center, which provides students with a living-learning classroom and an opportunity to work and learn about television and radio broadcast management in a professional hands-on environment. It includes a full-scale television studio, control room, audio and editing labs, equipped Mac Pro workstation computers, a voiceover booth, and radio station. Titan Communications also services clients by providing high-quality audio and video productions. Titan Communications provides services for webcasting and multimedia. Some of the award-winning projects produced by Titan Communications range from educational and training to marketing and television shows. Several different COMM/ College of Communications media outlets have been centralized into one location: TitanUniverse.
Tusk Magazine
The Department of Communications student magazine has won many regional and national awards. In recent years, Tusk has gone outside the confines of print-on-paper and is very active on the web, on social media, and in video. All students are welcome to be involved. Tusk was a first-place Pinnacle Award winner in 2021.
Recent Guest Speakers in Classes
Here are just a few examples of guest expert speakers who visited COMM classes (either in person, before pandemic, or via Zoom during pandemic):
COMM 334 - Recent guests in the Feature Writing class have included have included a photojournalist, a former student who has worked for ABC7 News and KPCC as social media producer and reporter, a Disney public relations professional, a former Disney Imagineer-turned-theme park reporter, a prolific freelance writer who is a nurse and healthcare blogger, and a print journalist who moved into online reporting for entertainment websites and has also authored a book about the lives of child actors.
COMM 334 - Other Feature Writing course section guest have included: Bill Plunkett, Orange County Register sports writer, interviewing and sports beat; Jim Benning, editor at Westways magazine, feature writing; Vanessa Franko, Southern California News Group digital editor, music festival coverage and social media; Michael Mahi, director of CSUF social media engagement, social media; Brian Johnson, Orange County Register food critic, feature writing; Alicia Robinson; Orange County Register journalist, reporting; and CSUF police officers discussing texting while driving for a student story in development.
COMM 465 - Recent guests in the Entertainment Public Relations classes have included public relations practitioners from Netflix and Warner Brothers sharing their career experience with students. A CSUF alum from The Walt Disney Channel, Steven Beydler, shared tips with students regarding interviewing while also encouraging them to network with members of student clubs at CSUF such as ETC and PRSSA.
COMM 469 - The Crisis Communication class had three recent guests. Manny Rivera, Principal, RALLY (in person); Kate Silina, Director of Strategy and Crisis, Sunshine Sachs (in person); and Jeff Flaherty, Senior Director of Global Crisis and Corporate Affairs, Marriott (via Zoom).
COMM 474 - Agency students were delighted to meet Rueben Martinez, a self-made millionaire who grew up in horrible poverty in Arizona, came to California, made contacts, and is a hugely successful businessman. Martinez owns a chain of 52 airport bookstores around the world and is a dedicated philanthropist who helps Latino kids get into college. Rueben visited the agency classroom and spoke with students about how to be assertive without being pushy and how to engage in "lifelong learning" throughout their careers.
COMM 474 - C.L. Lopez, Human Services PIO for San Bernardino County, visited the agency via Zoom. She was responsible for media relations and crisis communication following the San Bernardino mass shooting a few years ago. She talked with students about media relations, how to work ethically and professionally in a time of conflict. C.L. also talked about using social media and video production skills as she has a growing video/social media presence for S.B. County human services agencies.
COMM 474 - Kristen Daher, founder and CEO of Powerhouse Communications met in person with students, discussed what she looks for in new hires, and how students need to be excellent writers and have a 'sense of urgency' for client needs. She discussed the importance of Gen Z students working together with more senior people from earlier generational groups.
COMM 334 - Recent guests in the Feature Writing class have included have included a photojournalist, a former student who has worked for ABC7 News and KPCC as social media producer and reporter, a Disney public relations professional, a former Disney Imagineer-turned-theme park reporter, a prolific freelance writer who is a nurse and healthcare blogger, and a print journalist who moved into online reporting for entertainment websites and has also authored a book about the lives of child actors.
COMM 334 - Other Feature Writing course section guest have included: Bill Plunkett, Orange County Register sports writer, interviewing and sports beat; Jim Benning, editor at Westways magazine, feature writing; Vanessa Franko, Southern California News Group digital editor, music festival coverage and social media; Michael Mahi, director of CSUF social media engagement, social media; Brian Johnson, Orange County Register food critic, feature writing; Alicia Robinson; Orange County Register journalist, reporting; and CSUF police officers discussing texting while driving for a student story in development.
COMM 465 - Recent guests in the Entertainment Public Relations classes have included public relations practitioners from Netflix and Warner Brothers sharing their career experience with students. A CSUF alum from The Walt Disney Channel, Steven Beydler, shared tips with students regarding interviewing while also encouraging them to network with members of student clubs at CSUF such as ETC and PRSSA.
COMM 469 - The Crisis Communication class had three recent guests. Manny Rivera, Principal, RALLY (in person); Kate Silina, Director of Strategy and Crisis, Sunshine Sachs (in person); and Jeff Flaherty, Senior Director of Global Crisis and Corporate Affairs, Marriott (via Zoom).
COMM 474 - Agency students were delighted to meet Rueben Martinez, a self-made millionaire who grew up in horrible poverty in Arizona, came to California, made contacts, and is a hugely successful businessman. Martinez owns a chain of 52 airport bookstores around the world and is a dedicated philanthropist who helps Latino kids get into college. Rueben visited the agency classroom and spoke with students about how to be assertive without being pushy and how to engage in "lifelong learning" throughout their careers.
COMM 474 - C.L. Lopez, Human Services PIO for San Bernardino County, visited the agency via Zoom. She was responsible for media relations and crisis communication following the San Bernardino mass shooting a few years ago. She talked with students about media relations, how to work ethically and professionally in a time of conflict. C.L. also talked about using social media and video production skills as she has a growing video/social media presence for S.B. County human services agencies.
COMM 474 - Kristen Daher, founder and CEO of Powerhouse Communications met in person with students, discussed what she looks for in new hires, and how students need to be excellent writers and have a 'sense of urgency' for client needs. She discussed the importance of Gen Z students working together with more senior people from earlier generational groups.
Certificate in Principles of Public Relations Examination
The Department of Communications was one of the early adopters of the student Certificate in Principles of Public Relations Examination offered through the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB). The entry-level certificate is designed to allow students to document a fundamental level of PR knowledge as they prepare to enter the workplace. The certificate gives undergraduates a competitive edge in the job market.
The Department knew that the cost to register to take the examination could be prohibitive to many students, so faculty worked to find ways to reduce costs for the students. The suggested textbooks for exam preparation cost more than $350, so the Department purchased three sets of books to lend to the students. Professor Ken Hagihara conducts on-site sessions as needed and requested to help students prepare for the exam, eliminating the need for students to pay $50 for the optional online preparation course. The CSUF PRSSA chapter created a new fundraising program and earmarked a percentage of the funds to help students offset the cost of registration. To provide additional incentive for the students and to create a seamless transition to the Orange County PRSA chapter (OC/PRSA), the Department worked with the OC/PRSA board to allot funds to reimburse students for their first year of national and chapter dues after successfully passing the examination. Thus, students invest $150 to take the exam, and in return they receive their first year of membership in PRSA and OC/PRSA at no charge. It is a win-win for the students and for OC/PRSA.
The first three CSUF COMM/PR students to participate in the program passed the exam and earned their certificates in Fall 2018. Since the beginning of the certificate offering in the Department of Communications, 19 student applications have been approved. Seven students passed the exam; seven students withdrew before taking the exam. One student failed the exam. Four other students are in progress toward their exam and possible certification.
The Department knew that the cost to register to take the examination could be prohibitive to many students, so faculty worked to find ways to reduce costs for the students. The suggested textbooks for exam preparation cost more than $350, so the Department purchased three sets of books to lend to the students. Professor Ken Hagihara conducts on-site sessions as needed and requested to help students prepare for the exam, eliminating the need for students to pay $50 for the optional online preparation course. The CSUF PRSSA chapter created a new fundraising program and earmarked a percentage of the funds to help students offset the cost of registration. To provide additional incentive for the students and to create a seamless transition to the Orange County PRSA chapter (OC/PRSA), the Department worked with the OC/PRSA board to allot funds to reimburse students for their first year of national and chapter dues after successfully passing the examination. Thus, students invest $150 to take the exam, and in return they receive their first year of membership in PRSA and OC/PRSA at no charge. It is a win-win for the students and for OC/PRSA.
The first three CSUF COMM/PR students to participate in the program passed the exam and earned their certificates in Fall 2018. Since the beginning of the certificate offering in the Department of Communications, 19 student applications have been approved. Seven students passed the exam; seven students withdrew before taking the exam. One student failed the exam. Four other students are in progress toward their exam and possible certification.
Challenges to Experiential Learning
Department of Communications faculty members feel confident of their ability to connect students with industry professionals. Thousands of Department of Communications graduates are working in PR and similar communications/ media professions in Southern California. There is no lack of communication professionals to draw from, to bring into our classrooms and to feature as guest speakers for co-curricular events.
Students occasionally feel challenged by a university academic structure that has decades-old curriculum silos across the campus. The PR profession is realizing the reality of integrated communications, but university curriculum does not always follow suit. PR undergraduates would be well-served by being allowed to take courses in marketing, management, information technology, organizational communication, and the visual arts. But many potentially valuable courses are sprinkled across other colleges, departments, and programs. Many courses have prerequisites that effectively shut out non-majors.
A recent faculty-led review and revision of the collateral courses list updated that list to include the most relevant ‘outside’ courses for PR students that can be taken with minimal (or no) prerequisites. Additionally, COMM faculty members and the Student Success Center advising team have identified minors in other departments that can align well with a COMM major and involve few if any prerequisites. The minor in Marketing is a good example. It is a 15-unit program with only one prerequisite course. For that reason, it is often recommended to PR students seeking a minor in a complimentary field.
Students occasionally feel challenged by a university academic structure that has decades-old curriculum silos across the campus. The PR profession is realizing the reality of integrated communications, but university curriculum does not always follow suit. PR undergraduates would be well-served by being allowed to take courses in marketing, management, information technology, organizational communication, and the visual arts. But many potentially valuable courses are sprinkled across other colleges, departments, and programs. Many courses have prerequisites that effectively shut out non-majors.
A recent faculty-led review and revision of the collateral courses list updated that list to include the most relevant ‘outside’ courses for PR students that can be taken with minimal (or no) prerequisites. Additionally, COMM faculty members and the Student Success Center advising team have identified minors in other departments that can align well with a COMM major and involve few if any prerequisites. The minor in Marketing is a good example. It is a 15-unit program with only one prerequisite course. For that reason, it is often recommended to PR students seeking a minor in a complimentary field.
E-04. Statement of the Inclusion of Ethics, Diversity and Global Perspectives
in Course Content
The Department of Communications' commitment to ethics, diversity, and global perspective in our curriculum is guided by the 2019-2024 Strategic Plan. The goals, objectives, and strategies of that plan are enhancing an already rigorous academic environment that supports and encourages all COMM students to achieve personal and professional success.
This section of the CEPR Application includes:
This section of the CEPR Application includes:
- Department of Communications Strategic Plan (2019-2024)
- California State University, Fullerton Strategic Plan (2018-2023)
Department of Communications Strategic Plan (2019-2024)
The Department Strategic Plan represents the faculty’s roadmap for 2019-2024 as COMM strives to be the largest and most diverse, comprehensive, student-centric and future-oriented mass communications department in the country.
The faculty spent one academic year in focused inquiry to develop the objectives and strategies through surveys, discussion groups and open forums. The plan was adopted unanimously.
The Strategic Plan embraces the mission and values of CSUF and serves to support the University’s Strategic Plan.
Goal 1: Provide a transformative educational experience and environment for all students
Department Objectives:
Strategies:
Goal 2: Strengthen opportunities for student completion and graduation
Department Objectives:
Strategies:
Please follow this link to review the complete plan and its four goals, along with a list of successful outcomes from the Department’s 2014-2019 Strategic Plan.
The faculty spent one academic year in focused inquiry to develop the objectives and strategies through surveys, discussion groups and open forums. The plan was adopted unanimously.
The Strategic Plan embraces the mission and values of CSUF and serves to support the University’s Strategic Plan.
Goal 1: Provide a transformative educational experience and environment for all students
Department Objectives:
- Protect, enhance and promote our signature programs and high impact practices
- Examine and enhance curriculum, including through faculty-led assessment of teaching and learning
Strategies:
- Protect, enhance and promote our existing signature programs, including student media and agency, (Daily Titan, Tusk, Al Dia, OC News, and PRactical ADvantage Communications); Required internships; High-quality capstones and specialty classes with hands-on experiences (COMM Week, Newport Beach Film Festival, border reporting and AAF competition); Premiere student clubs: Ad Club, PRSSA, ETC, SPJ and Latino Journalists; Partnerships with campus entities, including Dept. of Modern Literature and Languages (Spanish for Hispanic Media Certificate) and Titan Communications (TitanTV/Radio/Universe); Student scholarships and awards.
- Develop sustainable new signature programs in areas identified by faculty, including the Arboretum Project and sports media programs.
- Increase opportunities for global education and Spanish-language media, including through study abroad programs, opportunities for global diversity in curriculum and programming, and partnerships with the Latino Communications Institute.
- Provide training and support for digital skills instruction across the curriculum.
- Operationalize key components of the department’s assessment plan, including the program e-portfolio assessment in the capstone class, and “closing the loop” discussions for curriculum enhancements based on assessment collection data.
Goal 2: Strengthen opportunities for student completion and graduation
Department Objectives:
- Increase student enrollment to remain one of the largest mass communications departments in the U.S.
- Improve communications to increase student engagement with signature programs and graduation pathways
Strategies:
- Enhance branding and messaging for the Communications major: Develop branding messages, emphasize CSUF as first-choice California university for students interested in mass communications; create posters and brochures; enhance the website, including pages for HIPs with information and photos; develop materials and communications plans for presentations in introductory courses; create a promotional video.
- Develop a comprehensive student recruitment and retention plan based on enrollment trends, for both new students and existing students that includes multiple opportunities for faculty engagement.
- Identify better pathways for transfer students through greater engagement with community college partners and information about the community college Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT).
- Increase recruitment for the Department’s certificate programs in Digital Communications Media, Radio-Audio, Photocommunications, and Spanish for Hispanic Media.
- Provide greater training for faculty on all aspects of student advising and engage faculty more in student advising opportunities.
Please follow this link to review the complete plan and its four goals, along with a list of successful outcomes from the Department’s 2014-2019 Strategic Plan.
Department of Communications faculty were asked to report guest expert speakers reflecting diverse/global perspectives who visited COMM classes in recent years. Here is a compilation of those reports.
California State University, Fullerton Strategic Plan (2018-2023)
Department of Communications faculty work thoughtfully to assure that the values and goals for COMM align with those of the institution as a whole. This is especially important when it comes to the concepts and skills students must demonstrate to earn a degree from the institution.
Mission of the University
California State University, Fullerton enriches the lives of students and inspires them to thrive in a global environment. We cultivate lifelong habits of scholarly inquiry, critical and creative thinking, dynamic inclusivity, and social responsibility. Rooted in the strength of our diversity and immersive experiences, we embolden Titans to become intellectual, community, and economic leaders who shape the future.
Values of the University
Student success: We educate confident, innovative, and culturally competent Titans who continuously adapt to meet and exceed new workforce demands, social justice challenges, and community service opportunities.
Scholarly and creative activities: We cultivate and promote the collaborative exchange of ideas through rigorous academic and creative activities.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion: We commit to our rich diversity by increasing culturally proficient and equity-minded practices across all campus communities.
Civic engagement: We encourage free expression, both as a right and a responsibility, and aim to inspire all Titans to be informed, active, and engaged citizens.
Collegial governance: We embrace inclusivity, consultation, collaboration, and transparency to bring all Titans into the deliberative process that shapes our communities, challenges our beliefs, and addresses the needs of a diverse global society.
Integrity: We act from a foundation of ethical principles and through the cultivation of strong character.
Service to the region: We provide a place and space for the region’s current and future leaders to grow and develop in ways that inspire them to better serve our communities.
The University’s Strategic Plan can be reviewed in its entirety at this link.
Mission of the University
California State University, Fullerton enriches the lives of students and inspires them to thrive in a global environment. We cultivate lifelong habits of scholarly inquiry, critical and creative thinking, dynamic inclusivity, and social responsibility. Rooted in the strength of our diversity and immersive experiences, we embolden Titans to become intellectual, community, and economic leaders who shape the future.
Values of the University
Student success: We educate confident, innovative, and culturally competent Titans who continuously adapt to meet and exceed new workforce demands, social justice challenges, and community service opportunities.
Scholarly and creative activities: We cultivate and promote the collaborative exchange of ideas through rigorous academic and creative activities.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion: We commit to our rich diversity by increasing culturally proficient and equity-minded practices across all campus communities.
Civic engagement: We encourage free expression, both as a right and a responsibility, and aim to inspire all Titans to be informed, active, and engaged citizens.
Collegial governance: We embrace inclusivity, consultation, collaboration, and transparency to bring all Titans into the deliberative process that shapes our communities, challenges our beliefs, and addresses the needs of a diverse global society.
Integrity: We act from a foundation of ethical principles and through the cultivation of strong character.
Service to the region: We provide a place and space for the region’s current and future leaders to grow and develop in ways that inspire them to better serve our communities.
The University’s Strategic Plan can be reviewed in its entirety at this link.
E-05. Faculty-Student Ratio for Survey and Skills Classes, Last Three Years
Department of Communications faculty are committed to guiding each undergraduate through the program as expediently as possible. At the same time, the faculty are committed to reasonable enrollment caps, consistent with ACEJMC recommendations:
“Student-faculty classroom ratios facilitate effective teaching and learning in all courses; the ratio in skills and laboratory sections, whether on-site or online, should not exceed 20-1” (Curriculum and Instruction, 2d).
Department of Communications administration and faculty rigorously enforce course enrollment caps. Course prerequisite requirements are also rigorously enforced - because in a program of this size, to waive prerequisites for one student invites numerous requests from other students seeking the same consideration.
Critical skills courses for public relations students include COMM 101 (Writing for Mass Media), COMM 317 (Digital Foundations), and COMM 362 (Public Relations Writing I).
Spreadsheets are linked below with highlighting showing enrollment in these course sections is consistently capped at 20. Capstone courses COMM 464 (Public Relations Management) and COMM 474 (Student-Run Agency) are consistently capped at 25. (Each spreadsheet has tabs for Fall and Spring.)
“Student-faculty classroom ratios facilitate effective teaching and learning in all courses; the ratio in skills and laboratory sections, whether on-site or online, should not exceed 20-1” (Curriculum and Instruction, 2d).
Department of Communications administration and faculty rigorously enforce course enrollment caps. Course prerequisite requirements are also rigorously enforced - because in a program of this size, to waive prerequisites for one student invites numerous requests from other students seeking the same consideration.
Critical skills courses for public relations students include COMM 101 (Writing for Mass Media), COMM 317 (Digital Foundations), and COMM 362 (Public Relations Writing I).
Spreadsheets are linked below with highlighting showing enrollment in these course sections is consistently capped at 20. Capstone courses COMM 464 (Public Relations Management) and COMM 474 (Student-Run Agency) are consistently capped at 25. (Each spreadsheet has tabs for Fall and Spring.)
E-06. Alumni – Sample of 20, with E-mail Addresses and Telephone Numbers
Department of Communications Alumni Wall of Fame
The Department's Alumni Wall of Fame honors 60 years of graduates from our program.
Here is a link to the web page showing each alumnus and detailing his/her professional background and accomplishments.
Below is contact information for a sampling of alumni. (Telephone numbers and email addresses are not always available.)
Here is a link to the web page showing each alumnus and detailing his/her professional background and accomplishments.
Below is contact information for a sampling of alumni. (Telephone numbers and email addresses are not always available.)
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Vikki Vargas, Reporter
KNBC-TV Los Angeles (714) 288-0444 https://www.linkedin.com/in/vikki-vargas-41085a6/ Justine Houston-Brown, Account Supervisor, PR & Influence Ogilvy (310) 280-2200 justine.mrsich@gmail.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/justine-houston-brown/ Anne-Marie Stewart, Graphic Designer Massive Marketing, Los Angeles annemariejstewart@gmail.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-marie-stewart-00a7ba74/ Monique Hudson, Vice President California Science Center Foundation, Los Angeles https://www.linkedin.com/in/monique-hudson-56745b6/ Alison Hill, Owner CurrentPR, Lake Forest CA (714) 287-2015 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisonhillcurrentpr/ Aaron Teats, Chief Marketing Officer Anaheim Ducks (877) 945-3946 ateats@anaheimducks.com https://www.nhl.com/ducks/team/aaron-teats-bio Lesley Guardia, Social Media Manager Lazy Dog Restaurants, Costa Mesa CA lesleyguardia@gmail.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesleyguardia/ Alexa-Krizzita Ponce, Freelance Social Media Producer alexakrizz.ponce@gmail.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexa-krizzita-ponce-b84318b5/ Tiffany Nguyen, Business Development Manager Fountain Orthotics & Prosthetics, Fountain Valley CA (714) 210-1298 tiffanyng207@gmail.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-nguyen-6079a24a/ Walt Baranger, Instructor Department of Communications California State University, Fullerton (657) 278-3597 wbaranger@fullerton.edu http://baranger.us |
Cathi Douglas, Founder
Cathi Douglas Communications, Tustin CA cdouglas@cathidouglas.com (714) 315-5429 https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathidouglas/ Henry DiCarlo, Meteorologist and Sports Reporter KTLA-TV Los Angeles https://muckrack.com/henry-dicarlo (323) 460-5500 Gene Park, Director of Social Media The Washington Post gene.park@washingtonpost.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/gpark/ Valerie Orleans, Editorial Director Strategic Communications California State University, Fullerton (657) 278-4540 vorleans@fullerton.edu https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-orleans-6775169/ Suzanne Frey, Senior Content Strategist Toastmasters International, Lake Forest CA https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzanne-frey-906b9b14/ Iris Espino, Economic Development Director City of Irwindale CA (626) 430-2206 iespino@IrwindaleCA.gov https://www.linkedin.com/in/irisespino/ Miriam Torres, Senior Account Executive Conill Advertising, Los Angeles CA (424) 290-4400 mtlopez_13@hotmail.com www.linkedin.com/in/miriam-torres-56018068/ Chelsie Sanchez, Marketing Manager AmeriFirst Financial, Inc., Irvine CA (657) 900-8930 chelsiepsanchez@gmail.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsiesanchez/ Sonia Gomez, Senior Director of Programming & Acquisitions ESPN https://www.linkedin.com/in/gomez-sonia-a4953b7/ Mark Boster, Photographer (Retired) The Los Angeles Times https://muckrack.com/mark-boster https://www.instagram.com/markboster/?hl=en |
E-07. Internship Providers – with E-mail Addresses and Telephone Numbers
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Successful completion of an internship is a requirement for Department of Communications undergraduates. All students must earn three units for COMM 495 (Mass Media Internship). This High-Impact Practice experience is offered every semester and enrolls an average of 700 students per year.
A repository of over 15,000 approved academic internships for all majors at Cal State Fullerton is centrally maintained by the Center for Internships and Community Engagement (CICE). More than 5,000 of these positions are specific to Communications. Students have the option to apply for preapproved positions on Titan Connection, or seek internship opportunities on their own with other organizations. Newly identified positions must also be vetted through the CICE approval process in order to be eligible for academic credit.
Students seeking more internship experience may earn three units in the English Department under (ENG 498 Internship). The English course counts toward graduation as an upper-division elective.
Conceptually, a Communications internship is the critical element in connecting the student’s academic experience to the professional world. It serves as the culminating experience for soon-to-be graduates. It allows students to gain valuable workplace knowledge, helps them build a network of industry contacts, provides the opportunity for skill development, and bestows a competitive edge in the job market.
Southern California is rich with internship opportunities serving the communications field and public relations in particular. Popular internship sites include news outlets, professional sports teams, television and radio stations, public relations and advertising agencies, nonprofit organizations, tourist attractions, health care institutions, film production companies, educational institutions, and numerous business organizations.
Eligibility criteria for academic internships is reflected in the LEARN acronym:
A repository of over 15,000 approved academic internships for all majors at Cal State Fullerton is centrally maintained by the Center for Internships and Community Engagement (CICE). More than 5,000 of these positions are specific to Communications. Students have the option to apply for preapproved positions on Titan Connection, or seek internship opportunities on their own with other organizations. Newly identified positions must also be vetted through the CICE approval process in order to be eligible for academic credit.
Students seeking more internship experience may earn three units in the English Department under (ENG 498 Internship). The English course counts toward graduation as an upper-division elective.
Conceptually, a Communications internship is the critical element in connecting the student’s academic experience to the professional world. It serves as the culminating experience for soon-to-be graduates. It allows students to gain valuable workplace knowledge, helps them build a network of industry contacts, provides the opportunity for skill development, and bestows a competitive edge in the job market.
Southern California is rich with internship opportunities serving the communications field and public relations in particular. Popular internship sites include news outlets, professional sports teams, television and radio stations, public relations and advertising agencies, nonprofit organizations, tourist attractions, health care institutions, film production companies, educational institutions, and numerous business organizations.
Eligibility criteria for academic internships is reflected in the LEARN acronym:
- Length of Service should not exceed one academic semester
- Expert Supervision is required, verified by education or years of experience
- Academically Relevant – position must have predetermined learning objectives relevant to the student’s area of study within Communications
- Risk Management – position must be vetted and approved by CICE for safety and rigor
- No Exploitation of Labor – position must be fair and equitable to ensure compliance with federal labor law (FLSA) and university policy
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E-08. Employers of Graduates – Sample of 10, with E-mail Addresses and
Telephone Numbers
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Harriet Bouldin, Development Mgr.
The Fullerton Arboretum, Fullerton CA (657) 278-4798 hbouldin@fulleton.edu https://fullertonarboretum.org/contact.aspx Martha DeSollar, External Affairs Manager Office of the City Manager, Anaheim CA (714) 765-5092 mdesollar@anaheim.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/martha-desollar-47996215/ Jin Sung, Founder and Executive Director OASIS Center International, Santa Ana CA (714) 361-4151 jsung@oasiscenterintl.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/jin-sung-53a06319/ Nahla Kayali, Founder and Executive Director Access California Services, Anaheim CA (714) 917-0440 nkayali@accesscal.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/nahla-kayali-6966452/ Elena Bosch, Communications and PR Manager Think Together, Santa Ana CA (714) 683-7867 elena.bosch@thinktogether.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenabosch/ |
Linda Shipkey Martin APR, Partner and General Manager
Westbound Communications, Orange CA (951) 462-1106 lmartin@westboundcommunications.com linkedin.com/in/lindamartinapr Jordan Poblete Publisher, Disney Examiner.com Digital Editor, Orange Coast Magazine (949) 331-5411 jpoblete@disneyexaminer.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdpoblete/ Lela Randall, Senior Vice President Hill+Knowlton Strategies, Orange County CA (714) 913-9945 lela.randall@hkstrategies.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lela-randall-b6b2778/ Kim Sherman, President and CEO Echo Media Group, Tustin CA (714) 573-0899 kim@echomediapr.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/kisherman/ Sara Sloan, Vice President, Integrated Communications Idea Hall, Costa Mesa CA (714) 436-0855 https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarasloan3/ |
E-09. Faculty in Other Programs – Sample of 10, with E-mail Addresses and
Telephone Numbers
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Dr. Marcia W. DiStaso, APR
Professor and Chair, Department of Public Relations University of Florida (352) 273-1220 mdistaso@ufl.edu Betsy Hays, APR, Fellow PRSA Chair, Department of Media, Communications & Journalism California State University, Fresno (559) 278-6154 bhays@csufresno.edu Dr. Jennifer Fleming Chair, Department of Journalism & Public Relations California State University, Long Beach (562) 985-4981 Jennifer.Fleming@csulb.edu Dr. Sandra C. Duhe, APR, Fellow PRSA Chair, Corporate Communication and Public Affairs Southern Methodist University (214) 768-1933 sduhe@smu.edu Dr. MaryAnn Pearson Professor of Communication California Baptist University (951) 552-8186 mpearson@calbaptist.edu |
Dr. Dean Kruckeberg, APR, Fellow PRSA
Professor and Coordinator, Department of Communication Studies University of Northern Iowa (319) 273-2501 kruckeberg@uni.edu Mary Glick Associate Professor, Department of Journalism California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (805) 756-6145 mmglick@calpoly.edu Dr. Genelle Belmas Associate Professor William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications University of Kansas (785) 864-7667 gbelmas@ku.edu Bob “Pritch” Pritchard, APR, Fellow PRSA Instructor and PRSSA National Faculty Adviser University of Oklahoma (405) 325-1793 rspritchard@gmail.com Dr. Carolyn Kim Chair, Department of Public Relations and Strategic Communication Biola University (562) 906-4569 ckim@biola.edu |