Public Relations PhD Program Information

Public relations is a field of study that analyzes and explains how companies inform and engage with the public. This can be in the form of press conferences, press releases, social media, advertising, and blogging, and includes any other means of communicating with the public. This field also focuses on branding, image, company values and company mission, which work together to build a reputation.

Public relations is a broad field that covers a wide range of topics; therefore, many public relations Ph.D. programs might cover other similar fields, such as journalism, communication, media, and advertising. In the same way, Ph.D. programs in these fields also cover public relations. Since there aren't many universities offering a Ph.D. in public relations specifically, students may consider similar majors offering a concentration in public relations.

For example, the University of Tennessee at Knoxville offers a Ph.D. in Communication and Information with a Public Relations Concentration. Students have the opportunity to sharpen their research skills and even publish research manuscripts, while also preparing to teach at universities. At the University of Texas, a Ph.D. in public relations is not offered, but a Ph.D. in Advertising is available. This degree is considered interdisciplinary and also aims to prepare students for teaching positions in higher education, as well as research positions in general business.

The field that might be most similar to public relations is communication. Many schools offer a Ph.D. in Communication, including Columbia University. Its program allows students to learn about the connection between people and the media, and considers aspects such as social media, technology and the economy. Students take courses relevant to public relations, such as Journalism and Society, Sociology of News, and Communication Research Problems.

Courses in a doctoral program in public relations, or a similar program, focus strongly on theory and research methods. They might include:

• Public relations research methods
• Communication theory
• Statistical research tools
• Philosophy of science
• Human behavior
• Business science
• Public relations dissertation research

Graduates of this program can obtain career titles such as:

• Postsecondary professor
• Researcher

Employment opportunities for postsecondary communications teachers were expected to grow by 3% between 2019 and 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, www.bls.gov). Job prospects were forecasted to be especially favorable among for-profit, private colleges and universities. Earnings for college professors can vary greatly. However, the BLS published in May 2019 that the median salary for communications teachers at the postsecondary level, including professors of public relations, was $70,630.

A public relations Ph.D. is a terminal degree, so all continuing education opportunities take place in the professional realm. Doctoral candidates will engage in research, writing, and publications. Ph.D. recipients will often present research during professional forums or academic conferences.

Public relations is a diverse and in-demand field that can lead to careers in the non-profit sector, postsecondary education, and business. Doctoral programs highlight theory, research and behavior, but many offer the chance to select an area of concentration.