A.A. in Public Relations

A general program that focuses on organizational communication, public relations, and advertising; and that prepares students to function in a wide range of public and private sector positions requiring the skills of persuasive communication. Includes instruction in communications, public relations, and advertising theory; principles and techniques of persuasion; message/image design; marketing strategy; professional writing; public speaking and multi-media presentation skills; digital communications; and applied research.

A.A. Degree Level Student Learning Outcomes

Students completing the Public Relations A.A. Degree will:

  1. Understand the role of a public relations professional in the media profession.
  2. Demonstrate understanding of the principles of persuasion strategies in multiple modes of communication.
Required courses:
COMM 100Mass Media and Society3
COMM 101Reporting and Writing News3
COMM 104Public Relations3
COMM 150Communication Theory3
COMM 260Social Media3
Select one (1) of the following:
COMM 111
Introduction to Popular Culture3
COMM 230
Design for Media3
COMM 240A
Student Media: Beginning Staff3
COMM 250
Multimedia Reporting3
Select one (1) of the following:
BUS 185
Elements of Marketing3
BUS 192
Advertising3
KIN 183
Introduction to Sports Information3
SPCH 103
Argumentation and Debate3
Total Units21

2-Year Curriculum Map Example
This map represents one possible pathway through the program and is only for reference.

*It is highly recommended that you make an appointment to create a customized education plan that fits your needs.

Note: Co-requisite MATH course (2 units) and/or substitute ENGL 101E (5 units) may be needed based on placement.

Plan of Study Grid
Fall Term 1Units
COMM 100 Mass Media and Society 3
COMM 101 Reporting and Writing News 3
ENGL 101
or ENGL 101E
or ENGL 101H
 Reading and Composition
or Reading and Composition, Enhanced
or Reading and Composition - Honors
 4
MATH 165
or MATH 165H
 Introductory Statistics
or Introductory Statistics - Honors
 4
 Units14
Winter Term 1
SPCH 101
or SPCH 101H
 Public Address
or Public Address - Honors
 3
 Units3
Spring Term 1
ANTH 212 Introduction to Physical Anthropology 3
ANTH 212L Introduction to Physical Anthropology Lab 1
COMM 104 Public Relations 3
COMM 260 Social Media 3
ENGL 103
or ENGL 103H
or ENGL 104
or ENGL 104H
 Composition and Critical Thinking
or Composition and Critical Thinking - Honors
or Argumentative Writing and Critical Thinking
or Argumentative Writing and Critical Thinking - Honors
 3
 Units13
Summer Term 1
HIST 107
or HIST 107H
or HIST 108
or HIST 108H
or HIST 160
 History of the United States before 1877
or History of the United States before 1877 - Honors
or History of the United States since 1877
or History of the United States since 1877 - Honors
or History of Women in the United States
 3
 Units3
Fall Term 2
COMM 240A Student Media: Beginning Staff 3
COMM 150 Communication Theory 3
ASTR 115
or ASTR 117
or GEOG 130
 Planetary Astronomy
or Life In The Universe
or Introduction to Weather and Climate
 3
ETHN 101
or ETHN 116
 Introduction to Ethnic Studies
or Introduction to Chicano/Latino Studies
 3
BUS 185
or BUS 192
or KIN 183
or SPCH 103
 Elements of Marketing
or Advertising
or Introduction to Sports Information
or Argumentation and Debate
 3
 Units15
Winter Term 2
POLI 103
or POLI 103H
 American Government and Politics
or American Government and Politics - Honors
 3
 Units3
Spring Term 2
COMM 111 Introduction to Popular Culture 3
COMM 240B Student Media: Intermediate Staff 3
ART 108
or ART 199
or COMM 136
 History of Photography
or Motion Picture Appreciation
or Cultural History of American Films
 3
COMM 230
or PHTO 101
 Design for Media
or Basic Photography
 3
 Units12
 Total Units63

Career Opportunities

There are a variety of careers you can do with this major.

To explore more about this major, schedule an appointment with a career counselor.