BA

Public Relations

Learn more about studying Public Relations as an international student.

Image reflecting the subject area of Communications & Media, relating to the program.
California State University, Sacramento university logo

Key facts

  • Program
    Bachelor's
  • Duration
    4 years
  • Program
    On campus
  • Pace
    Full-time
  • Annual tuition fee
    22,334USD
  • Start date
    Jan, Aug
  • University ranking
    Not ranked

Program overview

What California State University, Sacramento says about their program:

The Public Relations degree, developed from the Commission on Public Relations Education recommendations, is designed to prepare students to assume professional entry level roles in the practice of public relations; to help students understand the integration of public relations and marketing; prepare students to compose, develop, and analyze print and broadcast messages; to help students to develop demonstrable competencies in writing, analyzing, problem-solving, and critical thinking; to provide opportunities for testing public relations theory and practice, not only in the classroom, but in the field as well; and to develop relationships with local public relations professionals as well as with community organizations.

The PR degree at Sacramento State emphasizes research, writing and editing focused on the theories and methods for managing the media image of a business, organization, or individual. The program builds understanding of the communication process with stakeholders, constituencies, audiences, and the general public to prepare individuals to function as public relations assistants, technicians, and managers. Upon completion of the program, graduates are prepared to enter a variety of public relations careers in media relations; promotion and advertising; marketing; message/image design; image management and crisis communication; special event management; community relations; public affairs/government relations; and internal communications.

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Admission requirements

Undergraduate academic requirements

  • High School Transcript - Minimum 3.0 out of 4.0 scale or average 80% marks
  • Post-secondary Transcripts (College or University) if applicable - Minimum 2.4 GPA post-secondary

Postgraduate academic requirements

  • All post-secondary transcripts (includes all colleges and universities attended) - GPA requirements vary from 2.5 - 3.25

English proficiency

Undergraduate

  • TOEFL

    64

  • IELTS

    6.0

  • Duolingo

    95

  • PTE

    50

Graduate

  • TOEFL

    80

  • IELTS

    6.5

  • PTE

    65

English proficiency waivers

Those who have graduated from an accredited secondary (high school) or four-year U.S. college or university (obtained an undergraduate an/or graduate degree) where English is the primary language of instruction or who come from countries where English is the primary language need not submit an English language proficiency test.

Documents required

  • A copy of your unofficial transcripts ready before filling out the application. Students will be asked to enter all the courses that have been completed on the CSU application; those that are currently in progress; and any courses you plan to take. Transcripts will be requested by campuses as needed.
  • Test scores (SAT, ACT, AP or IB), any updated test results, and any future test dates.
  • Estimated number of hours spent per week at work, student activities and leadership activities.
  • Applicant's Social Security number, if applicable
  • Applicant's citizenship status. (Citizenship status for the student or parents does not dismiss or qualify a student for admission to Sacramento State.)
  • Proof of funds and/or annual income
  • Applicant’s parents’ employment background and two letters of recommendation, only applies if you’re applying to EOP
Illustration of academic elements representing admission requirements, including a graduation cap, clock, documents, resumes, ID card, a calendar, and a clipboard.

Fees and funding

Fee information

  • Undergraduate tuition

    US$20,618 per year

  • Graduate tuition

    US$18,540 per year

Funding

International Student Fee Waiver Program International Programs and Global Engagement offers a limited number of international fee waivers for high achieving students. International fee waivers are awarded in one-unit increments, waiving the non-resident portion of the number of units awarded. Fee waivers are awarded in one-unit increments. Each one-unit international student fee waiver will reduce your tuition by $396 per unit awarded.

Illustration of education and financial elements including a graduation cap, trophy, diploma, books, a piggy bank, stacks of cash notes, and coins, representing fees and funding.

What is the cost of living near California State University, Sacramento?

Local figures aren't available yet — values reflect Sacramento, California-wide averages.

Category Cost  (in United States Dollar)
Rent, 1-bed apartment in city centre$2,087
Rent, 1-bed apartment outside centre$1,541
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, refuse)$305
Internet (60 Mbps unlimited)$67
Mobile phone plan (data + calls)$58
Monthly public transport pass$100
Monthly grocery basket$244
Coffee shop drink$5
Cinema or cultural event ticket$17
Gym membership$47

Indicative monthly costs per person.

Data sourced from numbeo.com (Crowdsourced).

Visa requirements for California State University, Sacramento

Many international students will require a visa to study in the US, and this is a vital step of your study abroad journey. Make sure you understand the requirements you may need to meet before applying.

USA student visa requirements