Bachelor of Arts - Public Relations

The Public Relations degree, developed from the Commission on Public Relations Education recommendations, is designed to prepare students to assume professional entry level roles in the practice of public relations; to help them understand the integration of public relations and marketing; prepare them to compose, develop, and analyze print and broadcast messages; to help them to develop demonstrable competencies in writing, analyzing, problem-solving, and critical thinking; to provide opportunities for testing public relations theory and practice, not only in the classroom, but in the field as well; and to develop relationships with local public relations professionals as well as with community organizations.

The PR degree at Sacramento State emphasizes research, writing and editing focused on the theories and methods for managing the media image of a business, organization, or individual. The program builds understanding of the communication process with stakeholders, constituencies, audiences, and the general public to prepare individuals to function as public relations assistants, technicians, and managers. Upon completion of the program, graduates are prepared to enter a variety of public relations careers in media relations; promotion and advertising; marketing; message/image design; image management and crisis communication; special event management; community relations; public affairs/government relations; and internal communications.

Students gain extra-curricular experiences via a robust internship program involving dozens of public and private companies and organizations across California and the nation, as well as via involvement in a large, active and award-winning Public Relations Student Society of American (PRSSA) chapter.