B.S. Public Relations

The Journalism and Mass Communications Department's Public Relations program is nationally recognized and the only degree program of its kind in Northern California. One of the largest PR programs in the United States, this dynamic program has been a consistent leader in preparing students for success in a wide variety of strategic communications careers.

The Bachelor of Science in Public Relations program embraces the innovative spirit of Silicon Valley, training students to excel in the ever-evolving public relations field. The core of the program includes courses in the four areas of strategic integrated communication media, including paid (advertising), earned (media relations), owned (content creation), and shared (social media). With this training, graduates are prepared to work in a variety of public relations jobs in the Silicon Valley and beyond.

SJSU’s PR program emphasizes cultural and intellectual diversity, the First Amendment, the free flow of ideas, and developing the capacity for critical, creative, and original thinking. We further this mission with our commitment to diversity by engaging in issues of race and ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and disability in our nation and global community.

• The most comprehensive PR curriculum in Northern California.
• Rated one of the 'premier' programs in the U.S. in a national survey conducted by Marquette University.
• All majors are required to complete an internship providing an excellent foray into the field of Public Relations.
• The School of Journalism and Mass Communications is 100 percent wired for the Internet with student-friendly Mac and PC labs.
• Students in campaigns class plan public relations programs for actual clients, including Cisco Systems, Intel, American Cancer Society.
• One of the few programs in the nation to have course electives in Special Events Management and the Principles of Fund-Raising.

For more information, email Dona Nichols.

• Demonstrate knowledge of the diversity of groups in a global society in relationship to communications.
• Demonstrate the ability to think critically, creatively, and independently.
• Write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the communication professions, audiences, and purposes they serve.
• Demonstrate the ability to use tools and technologies appropriate for the communications profession in which they work.

PR Program Initiatives

• We hire faculty from diverse communities who exemplify socially conscious and inclusive role models.
• We enroll students of all ages and economic and cultural backgrounds and encourage them to voice their opinions, share their experiences, educate others, learn from their peers, and support diversity in both their academic and future professional careers.
• We update our curriculum regularly to ensure relevancy and sensitivity.
• We explore innovative and ethical uses of new technology to broaden the public scope of diversity in our community and the world.

• B.S. Public Relations Requirements
• Public Relations Minor Requirements

• 2023-2024 Public Relations Roadmap [pdf]
• Pre 2023-2024 Public Relations Roadmap [pdf]