Certificate of Achievement (Transcripted): Public Relations

Below is a sample academic plan that shows you how you can complete your Certificate in a timely manner. Your path may look different depending on your circumstances?for example, if you attend part-time, choose to take Intersession or Summer courses, or have earned prior credit (Credit for Prior Learning, Dual Enrollment, Transfer Credit). You are required to meet with a counselor to set up a comprehensive education plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals.

The Public Relations Certificate is designed to provide students with essential journalism, business, and communication skills necessary for the professional practice of public relations and marketing in a 21st-century media landscape. 

Recognize the history and role of public relations and marketing in shaping public perception

Formulate effective public relations campaigns

Analyze and respond to legal, ethical and cultural issues in contemporary public relations

Program Map

GE General Education Course
M Major Course
E Elective Course
SI Summer/Intersession Course *
* Course is appropriate for Summer and Intersession, which are accelerated terms.

Getting Started

Comprehensive Education Plan: You are required to meet with a counselor for a comprehensive educational plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals. Please schedule an appointment with a counselor in your first semester.

First Semester

9 units
JAMS 121
Reporting and Writing the News
An introduction to evaluating, gathering, and writing news across multiple platforms under newsroom conditions. Includes role of the journalist in a multi-media environment and the legal and ethical issues related to reporting. Writing experiences include: web-based and multi-media reporting, interviewing techniques, research methods, application of media law, writing under deadline and use of AP Style.
    COMM C1000
    Introduction to Public Speaking
    In this course, students learn and apply foundational rhetorical theories and techniques of public speaking in a multicultural democratic society. Students discover, develop, and critically analyze ideas in public discourse through research, reasoning, organization, composition, delivery to a live audience and evaluation of various types of speeches, including informative and persuasive speeches. Formerly: CMST 102 - Public Speaking.
      Plan 1: 1B. Oral Communication and Critical Thinking
      Plan 2: 1C. Oral Communication
      JAMS 105
      Mass Media and Society
      Exploration of mass communication and the interrelationships of media with society including history, structure and trends in a digital age. Examines major media forms, theories and effects in our information-conscious culture.
        Plan 1: 3B. Humanities
        Plan 2: 4. Social and Behavioral Sciences

        Second Semester

        9 units
        JAMS 103
        Introduction to Visual Communications
        This multimedia course explores the social, cultural and historical implications of visual communications from Gutenberg's printing press to present day digital media. Using works of philosophical, historical and cultural importance students will analyze and debate the changes in the way visual communications affect society, and shape cultural values.
          Plan 1: 3A. Arts
          Plan 2: 3A. Arts
          JAMS 105
          Mass Media and Society
          Exploration of mass communication and the interrelationships of media with society including history, structure and trends in a digital age. Examines major media forms, theories and effects in our information-conscious culture.
            Plan 1: 3B. Humanities
            Plan 2: 4. Social and Behavioral Sciences
            MKTG 113
            Principles of Marketing
            The process of selling, marketing, and developing products that will satisfy the many needs of consumers and businesses. Includes market research techniques, pricing, distribution, and promotion.