Public Relations, BS
Develop a deep understanding of how to apply adaptable, creative, strategic, and ethical solutions for individuals, brands, or organizations.
Program Information
Next Start
August 2025
Program Format
8-week courses, 5 terms year-round
Program Length
2 years, 60 units
Cost Per Unit
$500 · Financial aid and scholarships available
Application Deadlines
July 15 for Fall · November 15 for Spring · April 1 for Summer
Advance Your Career with our Public Relations Degree
Public relations (PR) is a strategic communication discipline that is in demand at companies like Apple, the City of San José, Google, Meta, NVIDIA, Salesforce, and much more. By learning how to manage and maintain relationships between an organization and its various stakeholders - including the public, media, employees, investors, customers, and communities - public relations majors tend to have high average earnings from careers in community and social services, human resources, marketing, media and communication, sales, and beyond.
Our online Bachelor’s in Public Relations program is taught by our renowned SJSU faculty in collaboration with expert instructional designers. When you complete this program, you will earn the same quality degree as all of our SJSU graduates and have the same opportunity to proudly cross the stage during your SJSU commencement ceremony.
Admissions Requirements
Applicants to all SJSU Online programs must fulfill our general SJSU Online requirements. To view the program's courses, roadmap, and more, visit the Public Relations catalog webpage. Our expert SJSU Online Enrollment Counselors are here to discuss your goals, complete an unofficial transcript review, assist you with completing your application, and much more.
Currently enrolled, on-campus School of Journalism and Mass Communication students are not eligible to transition into the SJSU Online Public Relations program and should meet with their academic advisor to discuss alternative options.
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 $83,000 and an upper range of $200,000, 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
Learn More About Our Public Relations Program
Attend a Public Relations Info Session
Join us virtually to learn more about how our online Public Relations degree-completion program can transform your life!
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Fill out this form to connect with an enrollment counselor and learn more about how SJSU Online can help you complete your bachelor's degree.
