Public relations majors build on the foundation every SOJC undergraduate shares, then move into the sequence courses that make up the major. For the platform and core context courses all majors take first, see SOJC Undergraduate Courses.
The public relations sequence is built in two parts: seven required courses that take you from fundamentals through strategic writing, research, and a capstone campaign, plus one elective you choose based on your interests. You'll sharpen your skills with real client work along the way, including in Allen Hall PR, the school's student-run public relations firm.
For specifics on course requirements, talk to an advisor or consult the UO Course Catalog. To see which courses are offered in upcoming terms, check the UO Class Schedule.
Public Relations Sequence—Required Courses
JCOM 370 Public Relations Fundamentals 4 credits
Get an overview of public relations practice in a diverse, global society. You'll explore the field's theory, history, communication channels, ethical concerns, and the career paths open to you.
JCOM 371 Writing for Influence 4 credits
Develop strategic, theory-based content across media platforms using journalistic style and storytelling. This writing-intensive course covers information gathering, clear and concise writing, and ethical media relations.
JCOM 372 Writing for Digital Audiences 4 credits
Produce strategic content for digital audiences in this writing-intensive lab. You'll learn to research, think, and write for digital platforms the way public relations professionals do.
JCOM 373 Advanced Media Relations 4 credits
Learn to build the relationships that place an organization's story in the right outlets. You'll practice pitching, planning, and preparing client-ready materials tailored to audience and objective.
JCOM 470 Strategic Communications Research Methods 4 credits
Get grounded in the research methods behind public relations and advertising campaigns. The course emphasizes real-world application across developing, running, and evaluating a strategic campaign.
JCOM 471 The Public Relations Planning Process 4 credits
Learn to plan and administer a campaign, including applied research, objectives and tactics, crisis and issues management, evaluation, budgets, and timelines. This course sets you up to execute in the capstone.
JCOM 472 Public Relations Campaigns 4 credits
Apply everything you've learned to real client work in the PR capstone. You'll take on actual business problems, build professional experience, and prepare for the work that follows graduation.
Public Relations Sequence—Choose One:
JCOM 473 Public Relations Strategies 4 credits
A rotating topics course covering current PR trends, career preparation, and case studies. Example topics include strategic health communication and strategic nonprofit communication.
JCOM 474 Crisis Communication 4 credits
Learn crisis planning, communications, and issues management through real-world cases. You'll take part in media training for crisis situations and a real-time online scenario.
JCOM 475 New Technology and Public Relations 4 credits
Explore the emerging technologies communicators use to reach audiences, with hands-on cases in augmented, virtual, extended, and mixed reality as well as artificial intelligence.
JCOM 476 Social Media Strategies 4 credits
Move past the how-to of social tools to the why and when. You'll research, analyze, and build a strategic social plan for a real client organization, focused on building relationships with key audiences.
JCOM 477 Sports Public Relations 4 credits
Get an overview of the fast-growing sports industry from a public relations and strategic communications perspective.
JCOM 478 Sustainability Public Relations 4 credits
Nearly every communications role now involves sustainability. This course covers the concepts and perspectives you'll need to communicate sustainability efforts and help drive change.
Academic Support and Career Advising
Our academic advisors are available year-round to help you plan your flight path through the UO. The SOJC’s Undergraduate Student Success Center is your home base for academic advice and career-building support. All undergraduate SOJC students are welcome, even if you haven't enrolled yet. Drop by Room 134 on the ground floor of Allen Hall or make an in-person or virtual appointment to connect with an advisor.