Nov 21, 2024  
2024-2025 University Catalog 
    
2024-2025 University Catalog

Communications, Public Relations Concentration, B.A.


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: College of Communications

(120 UNITS)

Bachelor of Arts in Communications


The Bachelor of Arts in Communications provides students with training in the theory and practice of informing, instructing and persuading through communications media. Because effective ethical communications are essential for the well-being of a democratic society, the curriculum ensures that all majors are: exposed to a broad liberal education; provided with a clear understanding and a global perspective of the role of communications media in society; and prepared for communications-related careers in the mass media, business, government and education by educating them in depth on one of the specialized concentrations within the department.

The program includes 21 units of core requirements and 18 units in a chosen concentration. Students must also complete a minimum of 12 units, earned through: a Department of Communications certificate; a minor outside the department; or approved coursework outside the department. All Department of Communications prerequisite courses must be completed with a “C” (2.0) or better. Students must earn a minimum of 72 units outside the Department of Communications.

In addition to the requirements for the major, students must meet all other university requirements for a bachelor’s degree. Please consult the Graduation Requirements for the Bachelor’s Degree  section in this catalog for complete information.

Principles Course (3 units)


Each concentration identifies the specific course that satisfies this requirement.

Capstone Course (3 units)


Each concentration identifies the specific courses that will satisfy this requirement. Course must be passed with a “C-” (1.7) or better.

Internship Requirement (3 units)


The Department of Communications has always recognized the beneficial attributes of an internship. Students intern at sites in Orange and Los Angeles counties, as well as at national and international locations. Students must meet the following requirements before enrolling in an internship:

  1. communications major;
  2. senior standing, 2.25 GPA cumulative, CSUF and major;
  3. required courses, as designated by each concentration.

University Writing Requirement


The university requires all students to take an approved course within a program that meets the upper-division baccalaureate writing requirement. Students must earn a “C” (2.0) or better. The following courses are found throughout the various concentrations within the B.A. in Communications and when completed, satisfy both the upper-division writing requirement and the concentration course requirement.

Public Relations Concentration (18 units)


The Public Relations concentration provides students with the skills to plan, develop, implement and evaluate strategic communications between organizations and people. They learn to execute campaigns through ethical practices that engage diverse stakeholders in such positions as account executive, public relations director, even planner, influencer coordinator, media relations, publicist and social media specialist.

Total (120 units)


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: College of Communications