COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Science in Public Relations at San José State University, offered by the School of Journalism and Mass Communications, is a 120-unit degree designed to prepare students for careers in strategic communication, media relations, and integrated marketing. The program combines general education, college-level humanities requirements, major preparation, and advanced professional coursework to build strong skills in writing, research, digital media, and campaign planning. Students begin with foundational courses such as Introduction to Public Relations, New Media, Mass Communication and Society, and Writing Workshop for Mass Communications, which establish a base in communication theory, media literacy, and professional writing. The major core includes advanced study in media law and ethics, communication research methods, journalism writing, strategic content creation, influencer and media relations, corporate internal communication, and campaign planning and management, ensuring students gain both theoretical understanding and applied skills. Students also complete an internship in mass communications to gain real-world professional experience. In addition, elective options in journalism, advertising, global media, visual communication, and diversity in media allow students to customize their academic pathway based on career interests. The program also requires a college-level humanities and arts component to broaden creative and critical thinking skills, along with upper-division general education coursework outside the major. University electives provide further flexibility for academic exploration. Students must complete key major courses with strong academic performance, and writing-intensive requirements are integrated through courses such as MCOM 100W. Overall, the BS in Public Relations prepares graduates for dynamic careers in public relations agencies, corporate communication departments, media organizations, nonprofit sectors, and digital marketing firms. Graduates are equipped to manage brand reputation, develop strategic communication campaigns, and engage audiences across traditional and digital platforms in industries such as technology, entertainment, healthcare, sports, and global business.