Public Relations Program Degree Requirements

Interested in pursuing the PR path? Here are the academic requirements you’ll need to complete to get a degree in public relations from the SOJC.

How to Earn a Public Relations Degree

Here’s a basic overview of the path you’ll take to get to graduation:

Step 1

If you're an incoming student, declare “public relations” on your UO application. Current UO students in other majors can fill out our major application form.

Step 2

Complete the SOJC platform courses.

Step 3

Take five core context courses in media theory and analysis. You can take them at the same time as your public relations sequence courses (see Step 4).

Step 4

Complete the public relations sequence requirements. You can take these courses at the same time as the core context courses.

Step 5

Complete a minor or concentration. You can complete these while you’re working through the steps above.

Step 6

Complete all other core education requirements. You can complete these while you're working through the steps above.

Step 7

Complete your PR Portfolio Review.

Step 8

Apply for your degree. Congrats—you made it!

Minimum Requirements

To graduate with an SOJC degree, you'll need to have:

70+
SOJC credits
40
upper-division SOJC credits
2.70
Minimum SOJC GPA

Platform Courses
All SOJC Students Complete

Once you’re accepted as an SOJC major, you’ll need to complete the courses below. Students in the SOJC Honors Program will meet some of their core context requirements with honors courses.

  • JCOM 101 Media Professions 4 credits
  • JCOM 102 Story Craft Audio 2 credits
  • JCOM 103 Story Craft Visual 2 credits
  • JCOM 201 Making Sense of Media / >2 4 credits
  • JCOM 202 How Stories Work 4 credits
  • JCOM 203 Writing as Practice 4 credits

Core Context Courses
All SOJC Students Complete

All SOJC students must complete five classes in media theory/analysis. You can take them concurrently with the public relations sequence courses. If you’re an SOJC Honors student, you’ll meet some of these requirements with your honors courses.

  • JCOM 301 Gender, Media, and Diversity 4 credits
  • JCOM 302 Communication Law / >2 4 credits
  • JCOM 303 Media Ethics / >1 4 credits
  • JCOM 304 Business of Media 4 credits
  • JCOM 305 Media History / >2 4 credits   or   JCOM 306 Global Communication / >GP 4 credits

Public Relations Sequence Requirements
All Public Relations Majors Complete

Once you've completed the platform courses, you can start registering for the courses below to complete your public relations degree.

  • JCOM 370 Public Relations Fundamentals 4 credits
  • JCOM 371 Writing for Influence 4 credits
  • JCOM 372 Writing for Digital Audiences 4 credits
  • JCOM 373 Advanced Media Relations 4 credits
  • JCOM 470 Strategic Communications Research Methods 4 credits
  • JCOM 471 The PR Planning Process 4 credits
  • JCOM 472 PR Campaigns 4 credits
  • Choose one:
    • JCOM 473 Topics in Public Relations Strategies 4 credits
    • JCOM 474 Crisis Communication 4 credits
    • JCOM 475 New Technology and Public Relations 4 credits
    • JCOM 476 Social Media Strategies 4 credits
    • JCOM 477 Sports Public Relations 4 credits
    • JCOM 478 Sustainability Leadership 4 credits

General Studies Requirements
All SOJC Students Complete

All SOJC students must complete at least 70 non-SOJC credits. For journalism majors, choose one of the following options:

  • Non-SOJC minor
    See the UO Course Catalog for a list of applicable subject areas. Minors are 24–40 credits (6–10 courses).
  • An SOJC minor
    Select from Game Studies, Media Studies, or Science Communication minors.
  • An SOJC concentration
    Take 16 credits (four courses) from one major concentration: Design, Sports Communication, Documentary Production, Creative Production, Strategy & Leadership, Culture & Influence, or Emerging Technologies.
  • Double-major in a program outside the SOJC
    See the UO Course Catalog for a list of major options. This option cannot be completed in a traditional four-year time frame.

Academic Support and Career Advising

Need some guidance? Our academic advisors are here for you. The SOJC’s Student Success Center is your one-stop shop for undergrad academic advice and career-building tips. All undergraduate SOJC students are welcome—even if you haven’t enrolled yet. Drop in to Room 134 on the ground floor of Allen Hall or make an appointment and get on track to meet your goals.

Get Academic Support