Want to see what your path might look like as a public relations major? Here’s a sample schedule to give you an idea what classes you’ll be taking, plus term-by-term tips for keeping your education on track. Keep our academic requirements in mind—for a bachelor of arts degree (BA), you’ll need to take two years of a foreign language, and for a bachelor of science (BS), you’ll need to take at least one year of math.
The tables below show a general breakdown of courses for prospective students. Current SOJC students: Please meet with an advisor to discuss your specific schedule.
Fall Term - First Year
| Foreign Language 101 (BA) or Math/CS (BS) |
5 |
| J201 Media & Society |
4 |
| WR 121 College Composition I |
4 |
| Arts & Letters Course >1* |
4 |
Winter Term - First Year
| Foreign Language 102 (BA) or Math/CS (BS) |
5 |
| J100 Media Professions |
2 |
| WR 122 College Composition II |
4 |
| Science Course >3* |
4 |
Spring Term - First Year
| Foreign Language 103 (BA) or Math/CS (BS) |
5 |
| J101 Grammar for Communicators |
2 |
| Arts & Letters Course >1* |
4 |
| Non-SOJC Minor Course |
4 |
First-Year Benchmarks
- Complete pre-major core courses.
- Join a student group.
- Attend a major info session.
- Begin career exploration.
- Meet with your academic advisor.
- Explore study-abroad options.
Fall Term - Second Year
| Foreign Language 201 (BA) or Math/CS (BS) |
4 |
| J211 Gateway to Media |
8 |
Winter Term - Second Year
| Foreign Language 202 (BA) or Math/CS (BS) |
4 |
| J212 Writing for Communicators |
4 |
| Arts & Letters Course >1* |
4 |
| Non-SOJC Minor Course |
4 |
Spring Term - Second Year
| Foreign Language 203 (BA) or Math/CS (BS) |
4 |
| J213 Fact or Fiction |
4 |
| Arts & Letters Course >1* |
4 |
| Non-SOJC Minor Course |
4 |
Second-Year Benchmarks
- Consider starting a minor.
- Do informal interviews.
- Begin to create a portfolio.
- Craft a resumé and cover letter.
- Meet with your faculty advisor.
Fall Term - Third Year
| J350 Principles of PR |
4 |
| J320 Gender, Media, and Diversity (J Core Context A) |
4 |
| Social Science Course >2* |
4 |
| Non-SOJC Minor Course |
4 |
Winter Term - Third Year
| J352 Strategic Writing |
4 |
| J494 Strat Comm Research |
4 |
| Science Course >3* |
4 |
| Non-SOJC Minor Course |
4 |
Spring Term - Third Year
| J480 PR Special Topic |
4 |
| J397 Media Ethics (J Core Context A) |
4 |
| Social Science Course >2* |
4 |
| Non-SOJC Minor Course |
4 |
Third-Year Benchmarks
- Create a graduation plan with an advisor.
- Continue adding to your portfolio.
- Do an internship.
- Gain leadership experience.
- Start actively networking.
Fall Term - Year Four
| J452 Strat Comm |
4 |
| J387 Media History or J396 International Communication (J Core Context A) |
4 |
| Social Science Course >2* |
4 |
| Cultural Literacy >GP |
4 |
Winter Term - Year Four
| J453 Planning & Cases |
4 |
| J385 Communication Law (J Core Context A) |
4 |
| Science Course >3* |
4 |
| Elective |
1 |
Spring Term - Year Four
| J454 PR Campaigns |
4 |
| SOJC Elective |
4 |
| Science Course >3* |
4 |
Fourth-Year Benchmarks
- Continue honing portfolio.
- Do another internship.
- Gain more leadership experience.
- Continue networking.
- Apply for first post-college jobs.
- Apply for your degree and the SOJC Commencement Ceremony!
* Notations designate core ed courses associated with the following subject areas: >1 Arts & Letters; >2 Social Science; >3, >4, >5 Science
Academic Support and Career Advising
Need some guidance? Our academic advisors are here for you. The SOJC Student Services 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 Student Services on the ground floor of Allen Hall or make an appointment to get on track to meet your goals.
