Online Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations
Apply Creative and Integrated Strategies
A Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations (PR) provides a strategic communication discipline that is in demand at companies like Apple, the City of San José, Google, Meta, NVIDIA, Salesforce and much more. Learn how to manage and maintain relationships between an organization and its various stakeholders - including the public, media, employees, investors, customers, and communities.
Program Information
Modality
Online
Program Format
8-week courses · 5 terms year-round
Program Length
2 years · 60 units
Cost Per Unit
$525* for Fall 2026 · Financial aid and scholarships available
Applications Open
February 1 – July 15 for Fall A start
Start Terms
Fall A · Spring A · Summer
How to Apply
General Requirements
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Complete at least 60 transferable semester or 90 quarter units. A maximum of 70 semester units from community colleges can be transferred toward the degree. Depending on the program, you could have as few as 50 semester units at the time of application.
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Complete all four CSU-approved general education requirements with a grade C- or higher.
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(A1) Oral Communication/Speech
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(A2) Written English Composition
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(A3) Critical Thinking/Logic
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(B4) Math/Quantitative Reasoning
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Have an overall grade point average of 2.0 or better.
Out-of-State Eligibility
If you live outside of California, check whether our program is approved to accept an application from you.
Students from Oregon enrolled in an SJSU Online and Professional Education program will be subject to Oregon State requirements for transferring course works. Specifically, a grade of “C” or better must be earned in all General Education courses.
Graduation Requirement
Complete all CSU Lower Division General Education requirements.
To view the program's courses, roadmap, and more, visit the Public Relations, BA catalog webpage.
To Begin in August, Fall Term A:
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Apply between February 1 – July 1.
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Complete admissions requirements by no later than the previous spring term.
To Begin in January, Spring Term A:
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Apply between August 1 – November 1.
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Complete admissions requirements by no later than the previous fall term.
To Begin in June, Summer Term:
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Apply between December 1 – April 1.
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Complete admissions requirements by no later than the previous fall term.
Choose an Application Cycle
Review the application cycle dates and deadlines for this program to determine what timeline works best for you. We admit applicants on a rolling basis, so you should apply as early as you can during your preferred application cycle to secure your spot while it's still available.
Prepare Your Transcripts
Gather your transcripts from the colleges or universities where you have been enrolled so you can easily enter that information on your application and maximize the number of credits you transfer. All academic information you report on your application must be verified with your official transcripts. Any discrepancy affecting your eligibility could result in the withdrawal of your application or admission.
Review the Admission Requirements
Review our general admission requirements any program-specific admission requirements to ensure you can submit a strong application. If you don't meet all of the requirements at this time, our Enrollment Counseling team will happily work with you to get you in a position to submit a successful application in the near future.
Meet with Your Enrollment Counselor
Schedule an appointment with an Enrollment Counselor to discuss your questions, complete an unofficial transcript review, and more.
Apply through Cal State Apply
Watch our video tutorial above or select any of the bookmarks below for steps to guide you through your application.
For more support, you can also view the Cal State Apply Transfer Application Guide.
Attend a Virtual Info Session
Join us to learn how our online Public Relations degree-completion program will give you a real-world edge!
Register Today
Valuable Learning Experiences
Our program will prepare you for the broad and exciting field of integrated strategic communication. Upon completion of the degree, you will be ready to:
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Communicate knowledge of the diversity of groups in a global society in relationship to communications.
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Demonstrate the ability to think critically, creatively, and independently.
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Write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the communication professions, audiences, and purposes they serve.
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Use tools and technologies appropriate for the communications profession in which they work.
Featured Courses
In addition to our comprehensive core and elective courses, you will also complete a public relations internship to apply the knowledge and skills developed in your courses and acquire valuable work experience.
What can you do with a Public Relations degree?
Through extensive training in strategic integrated communication media, including paid (advertising), earned (media relations), owned (content creation) and shared (social media), our graduates are prepared to excel in a variety of public relations jobs in the Silicon Valley and beyond.
Public relations majors in the Bay Area earn an average annual salary of $79,000 and an upper range of $206,000, according to Glassdoor.
Take a look at some of the top sectors, top companies, and examples of job titles of our alumni, according to LinkedIn.
Top Job Titles
- Account executive
- Associate communications manager
- Content marketing manager
- Media relations specialist
- Public relations account coordinator
- Recruiting coordinator
- Senior marketing manager
- Talent development manager
Top Companies
- Apple
- Cisco
- City of San José
- County of Santa Clara
- Meta
- NVIDIA
- PayPal
- Salesforce
- ServiceNow
Top Sectors
- Business development
- Community and social services
- Customer success and support
- Education
- Human resources
- Marketing
- Media and communication
- Operations
- Sales
Get the Spartan Edge
Gain momentum through intentional learning, meaningful support and real opportunity. Whether you’re starting your journey, advancing your education or expanding your professional skills, SJSU helps you go further.
Undergraduate Admissions
Review our admission requirements and utilize our helpful enrollment counselors throughout your application experience.
View Admissions Info
Costs and Financial Aid
Learn how to minimize the cost of your program through financial aid, grants, scholarships and additional aid resources.
See Cost and Aid
Undergraduate Student Experience
Maximize your online learning experience with academic advising, helpful campus resources and diverse classmates.
View Resources