| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
| 2025-03-01 | - |
Program Overview
Public Relations at Cerritos College
Certificate of Achievement
The goals and objectives of the Public Relations Certificate are to prepare majors for college work in upper division Journalism or Mass Communications courses at a four-year institution and to prepare students for entry-level work in the industry as public relations professionals. Students who learn the skill sets offered in the Mass Communications courses will be able to transfer these skills to a variety of career situations that require the ability to gather information from a variety of sources, synthesize or make sense of that information, and report findings to other audiences. They will also gain an understanding and ...
Salary, Growth and Careers
Salary
Careers associated with this program have a salary range from $57,000 to over $239,000 with an average salary of $123,000.
Growth
Career opportunities for this program are expected to grow nationwide from 2022 to 2032.
Careers
- Public Relations and Fundraising Managers
- Education Level: Bachelor's degree
- Job Growth: +12.6%
- Average Salary: $129k
- Salary Range: $75k - $239k+
- Advertising and Promotions Managers
- Education Level: Bachelor's degree
- Job Growth: +1.9%
- Average Salary: $175k
- Salary Range: $104k - $202k
- Communications Teachers, Postsecondary
- Education Level: Doctoral or professional degree
- Job Growth: +3.4%
- Average Salary: $144k
- Salary Range: $98k - $176k
- Fundraisers
- Education Level: Bachelor's degree
- Job Growth: +5.2%
- Average Salary: $81k
- Salary Range: $57k - $95k
- Public Relations Specialists
- Education Level: Bachelor's degree
- Job Growth: +6.1%
- Average Salary: $87k
- Salary Range: $60k - $101k
Program Map
Public Relations
Certificate of Achievement
18.0 Units
- MAJ JAMS 100: Mass Communications and Society (3.0 Units)
- MAJ JAMS 101: Beginning Newswriting and Reporting (3.0 Units)
- MAJ JAMS 157 or BA 157: Choose a course (3.0 Units)
- MAJ JAMS 121: Multimedia Reporting (3.0 Units)
- MAJ Major Course (Public Relations) (3.0 Units)
- MAJ Major Course (Public Relations) (3.0 Units)
Public Relations - Certificate of Achievement
18.0 units
Program Outline
Public Relations Certificate of Achievement at Cerritos College:
Degree Overview:
Goals and Objectives:
- Prepare students for upper-division Journalism or Mass Communications courses at a four-year institution.
- Prepare students for entry-level work in the public relations industry.
- Enhance students' understanding of ethics and social responsibility in public relations.
- Equip students with transferable skills applicable to various career situations.
Program Description:
The Public Relations Certificate program at Cerritos College provides students with the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in public relations careers. Through a combination of theoretical instruction and practical experience, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the communication strategies, media relations, and public image management techniques used in the field.
Outline:
Program Structure:
The Public Relations Certificate program consists of 18 units, including major courses, general education courses, and electives. Students typically complete the program in two semesters.
Course Schedule:
- Fall 2023:
- JOUR 100: Mass Communications and Society (3 units)
- JOUR 101: Beginning Newswriting and Reporting (3 units)
- JOUR 157: Principles of Public Relations (3 units)
- Spring 2024:
- JOUR 157 or BA 157 (3 units)
- Two additional major courses in Public Relations (6 units)
Individual Modules:
- JOUR 100: Mass Communications and Society: Introduces the fundamentals of mass communication, including the history, theories, and technologies shaping the field.
- JOUR 101: Beginning Newswriting and Reporting: Provides students with the essential skills and techniques for effective news writing and reporting.
- JOUR 157: Principles of Public Relations: Explores the principles and practices of public relations, including media relations, crisis communication, and public image management.
- Additional major courses in Public Relations: Students choose further courses from a variety of options, such as public relations writing, social media for public relations, or public relations campaigns.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
- Exams
- Assignments
- Presentations
- Projects
Assessment Criteria:
- Knowledge and understanding of public relations concepts and theories
- Ability to apply public relations principles to real-world situations
- Skill in written and oral communication
- Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
- Lectures
- Discussions
- Case studies
- Simulations
- Guest speakers
Faculty:
The Public Relations program at Cerritos College is taught by experienced and qualified faculty with expertise in public relations, journalism, and mass communication.
Unique Approaches:
- The program places a strong emphasis on hands-on learning through projects and simulations.
- Students have opportunities to work with real-world clients and organizations.
- The program offers a variety of elective courses that allow students to specialize in specific areas of public relations.
Careers:
Career Paths:
- Public relations specialist
- Media relations specialist
- Communications manager
- Public affairs specialist
- Social media manager
- Event planner
Career Opportunities:
Graduates of the Public Relations Certificate program are prepared for entry-level positions in a variety of industries, including:
- Public relations agencies
- Corporations
- Non-profit organizations
- Government agencies
Job Growth:
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 10% increase in employment for public relations specialists from 2021 to 2031.
Average Salary:
The average salary for public relations specialists in California is $71,980 per year.
Other:
- The Public Relations program at Cerritos College is accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC).
- The program offers a micro-credential in Public Relations Writing.
- Students can participate in the Public Relations Club to gain additional experience and network with professionals.
