Public Relations Degrees
A degree in public relations aims to teach students how to create a favorable public image for the organizations or individuals they are representing. Through writing and research, students learn about strategic planning, persuasion, and how to become an effective communicator. This prepares students to work in careers in business, media and communications, public affairs as well as nonprofits.
Best Bachelor's Degrees in Public Relations
Study.com has spent countless hours creating a comprehensive list of the best bachelor's degrees in public relations. Showcasing totally student-run PR firms, thriving PRSSA chapters, specialized living and learning communities, along with an endless amount of concurrent certificates and specializations, this list is sure to appeal to anyone looking to incorporate creativity, story-telling, branding, research and communications into their future career. In every business, lies a talented public relations professional, looking to further their organization, company or campaign-so check out these exceptional options below!
| School | Tuition* | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The University of Texas at Austin | $10824 | 32% | 86% | 67% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 2 | Miami University-Oxford | $15193 | 80% | 81% | 82% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 3 | University of Florida | $6381 | 37% | 88% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 4 | San Jose State University | $7852 | 64% | 64% | 73% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 5 | University of Georgia | $12080 | 45% | 87% | 97% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 6 | University of Oregon | $12720 | 82% | 74% | 77% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 7 | Texas Tech University | $9300 | 69% | 61% | 78% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 8 | North Dakota State University-Main Campus | $9619 | 94% | 60% | 90% | No | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 9 | University of Rhode Island | $14566 | 75% | 69% | 95% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 10 | University of Kentucky | $12360 | 96% | 66% | 94% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 11 | University of Houston | $9221 | 65% | 61% | 87% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 12 | Iowa State University | $9320 | 92% | 74% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 13 | Florida State University | $6517 | 36% | 83% | 97% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 14 | The University of Alabama | $10780 | 83% | 71% | 79% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 15 | Quinnipiac University | $49280 | 70% | 77% | 99% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 16 | University of South Carolina-Columbia | $12688 | 69% | 77% | 95% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 17 | Marquette University | $43930 | 83% | 82% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 18 | University of Vermont | $18802 | 67% | 77% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 19 | Rowan University | $14000 | 74% | 73% | 86% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 20 | Texas State University | $10581 | 81% | 54% | 76% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 21 | Auburn University | $11492 | 81% | 79% | 72% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 22 | Oklahoma State University-Main Campus | $9028 | 70% | 65% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 23 | University of Colorado Boulder | $12500 | 78% | 69% | 66% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 24 | University of Northern Iowa | $8938 | 79% | 67% | 83% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 25 | The University of Tennessee-Knoxville | $13264 | 79% | 72% | 91% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 26 | Washington State University | $11841 | 76% | 60% | 89% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 27 | Minnesota State University Moorhead | $8954 | 65% | 53% | 93% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 28 | Temple University | $16970 | 60% | 74% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 29 | Illinois State University | $12836 | 82% | 70% | 89% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 30 | Northern Arizona University | $11142 | 85% | 57% | 95% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 31 | SUNY College at Oswego | $8717 | 54% | 67% | 97% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 32 | Central Washington University | $8273 | 85% | 58% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 33 | Pepperdine University | $55892 | 32% | 86% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 34 | Gonzaga University | $45140 | 62% | 85% | 99% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 35 | SUNY at Fredonia | $8717 | 71% | 64% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 36 | Georgia Southern University | $6463 | 54% | 50% | 91% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 37 | University of Central Oklahoma | $7753 | 84% | 36% | 91% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 38 | Drake University | $42840 | 68% | 81% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 39 | California State University-Dominguez Hills | $6946 | 77% | 44% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 40 | South Dakota State University | $9114 | 90% | 56% | 93% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 41 | Missouri State University-Springfield | $7588 | 88% | 56% | 97% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 42 | Ohio Northern University | $33440 | 70% | 77% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 43 | SUNY College at Plattsburgh | $8872 | 58% | 68% | 94% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 44 | Appalachian State University | $7409 | 77% | 73% | 70% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 45 | University of Idaho | $8304 | 78% | 56% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 46 | Duquesne University | $39992 | 74% | 81% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 47 | Wayne State University | $14629 | 73% | 48% | 98% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 48 | University of Louisiana at Lafayette | $10382 | 68% | 51% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 49 | Ball State University | $10020 | 77% | 67% | 91% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 50 | Murray State University | $9174 | 82% | 55% | 99% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit Study.com's ranking methodology page.
*Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
What Kinds of Public Relations Degrees Are There?
Public relations programs are quite common as bachelor's or master's degrees. Students can earn their associate or doctoral degrees in communications and choose to make the focus of their degree on public relations. Certificates are also available for this field.
Associate Degrees in Public Relations
Associate degrees in public relations are available, but they are not very common. One alternative option for students interested in getting their degree in public relations is to earn an associate degree in communications. A communications degree is wide-ranging and introduces students to the research and writing courses that they will use as they continue their education. A communications associate degree also provides a brief introduction to public relations which students explore further when earning their bachelor's degree. Most of these degrees consist of 60 credits and can be completed in 2 years.
Bachelor's Degrees in Public Relations
Students can choose to continue their communication degree and earn a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Public Relations. You might also find a communications degree with a concentration in public relations. In these programs, students have a chance to learn how to be critical thinkers and communicators who lead campaigns that have the ability to influence public opinion. This includes using traditional media such as print and broadcasting as well as having an online presence through digital media. A bachelor's degree is required to hold most communications and public relations occupations.
Master's Degrees in Public Relations
Students can choose to get a Master of Science or Master of Arts in Public Relations to help advance their professional careers. This degree typically consists of 30-45 credits and can be completed in around 2 years. Many universities offer master's degrees in Public Relations & Corporate Communications, which incorporates aspects of how businesses function as part of their degree. Students can also choose to get their master's in communications, which can be applied to a wide array of fields including public relations, business, journalism and mass media. Students can also opt for a concentration to focus their degree program. Concentrations are available in Technical Communication, Public Relations Management, Corporate and Organizational Communication and Public Communication.
Doctoral Degrees in Public Relations
Students can choose to continue their education and get a doctorate in a public relations-related program. Students in this field who want to get their PhD typically get their degree in communications. Public relations is often included within the field of communications and students can choose to make PR their area of focus. Alternatively, students can choose to get their PhD in public affairs, a field that involves public policy, administration and research. Dissertations are an integral part of a doctoral degree in public relations and the length of time to completion can be influenced by how long it takes the student to complete their dissertation. Many schools figure between 3 and 5 years.
Certificates in Public Relations
Many universities offer public relations certificates; these typically consist of 10-30 highly focused credits and can be completed in 1-2 semesters. These certificates help students establish an understanding of writing, planning and strategies PR professionals use and are designed for students new to public relations or those who want to advance their careers in the field. In addition to the programs offered by universities, the Public Relations Student Society of America offers a certificate in Principles of Public Relations.
Public Relations Bachelor's Degree Concentrations
As we've detailed above, public relations is often offered as a concentration within a journalism or communication degree. However, there is at least one public relations degree program that has a few concentrations. These include digital media, sports media, and multimedia production.
Curriculum for a Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations
The curriculum for a public relations bachelor's degree includes many writing, research and communication courses, which are designed to give students the practical skills they'll need to succeed in the profession. Coursework might also include media relations, ethics and crisis communication.
Courses include:
- Principles of Public Relations
- Media Strategies and Management
- Public Relations Ethics
- Public Speaking
- Technical Communication
- Business Fundamentals for Public Relations
- Public Relations Campaigns
- Strategic Communications
- Communications Law and Policy
- Writing for Communication
- Communication Research Methods
- Mass Media
Curriculum also includes business courses in advertising, marketing and branding strategies.
How to Choose a Public Relations Bachelor's Program
Many students who want to work in public relations major in communications. When selecting a program, students should examine the requirements and courses offered, especially if you have a particular area of public relations you want to work in. For instance, if you know you want to work in corporate communications, you might see if the curriculum allows you to take additional courses such as marketing strategies, branding or advertising.
Alternatively, you could take courses such as governmental public affairs or political campaigns if you want to work in politics in a role like a speechwriter. The additional courses universities offer vary and allow students to customize their degree based on their area of interest. Students should also consider the format in which the degree they select is offered; an in-person degree might be perfect for a just-graduated high school student, but online and hybrid programs may work better for working professionals.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Bachelor's in Public Relations?
The length of time it takes to complete a public relations degree depends on if a student chooses to take classes full-time or part-time. Most programs include around 120 credits and full-time students typically take four years to complete these, while a part-time student might take as many as 6 years. Some universities offer accelerated programs that allow students to finish their degree in three years.
Accreditation for Bachelor's in Public Relations Degrees
In the U.S., colleges and universities can receive accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). The accreditation process includes a review of the school's educational programs and services for students. An institution's accreditation impacts a student's eligibility for federal financial aid as well as course credit transferability. Students should look for the college or university to have earned either national or regional accreditation, though regional accreditation is typically the better option for public relations.
Communications and public relations degree programs can receive accreditation from The Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications. The ACEJMC is in charge of the evaluation of professional journalism and mass communications programs in colleges and universities.
Public Relations Licensure & Certification
You do not need a license to work in public relations. It is not a requirement to work in this field, but professionals can choose to become certified through the Public Relations Society of America. Certification can help you demonstrate your proficiency in the field and may help you advance in your career. To become certified, applicants need to meet the education requirements, have work experience and pass an exam.
What Can I Do With a Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations?
A degree in public relations may prepare students to work in a variety of careers in the field including public relations specialist, public relations manager and public relations director. Graduates can work in a variety of business careers such as advertising executive, marketing manager, company spokesperson or public relations agent and work alongside business professionals. Those with public relations degrees can work in communications careers including journalist, writer or editor, director of strategic communication, crisis communication manager or social media strategist. In addition, students might choose to work for non-profit organizations as a community relations specialist. Professionals in this field can also hold roles in higher education, healthcare, and government agencies.
How to Become a Public Relations Specialist
Public relations specialists work to create a positive public image for the organization they are representing. This includes writing media releases and utilizing social media to manage the public perception of their organization. The requirements to work in this career include having at least a bachelor's degree in communications or related majors such as public relations, journalism or business. Students may choose to complete internships at public relations firms or work in the public relations departments of businesses. Experience working in entry-level positions can help them gain experience for this occupation. In addition, a master's degree allows students to hold higher positions in public relations and represent high-profile organizations or clients.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment opportunities for public relations specialists is projected to increase 7 percent from 2019 to 2029. This is due in part because organizations need to maintain their public image. The median annual wage for public relations specialists was $61,150 as of May 2019 as reported by the BLS.
How to Become a Public Relations and Fundraising Manager
Students can choose to work as public relations and fundraising managers. Public relations managers work to enhance the public image of organizations or clients. Fundraising managers organize campaigns that help raise money and donations. To work in public relations and fundraising management, a bachelor's degree in public relations or related major such as communications, fundraising, or journalism is required. Some positions may require applicants to have a master's degree. Those who want to work as public relations and fundraising managers need to have several years of experience in this occupation or related field.
The employment outlook for this career is expected to be much faster than all occupations, according to the BLS; job openings for public relations and fundraising managers are expected to grow 9 percent from 2019 to 2029. As of May 2019, the median annual wage for public relations and fundraising managers was $116,180, as of May 2019.
Professional Organizations in Public Relations
Organizations in public relations help current students and graduates working in the field to connect with others in the community. One organization is the Public Relations Society of America which is the nation's leading professional organization for the communications field. Its membership is comprised of over 30,000 professionals and students. The PRSA works to provide professional development programs, learning opportunities and resources to members throughout their career.
The Public Relations Student Society of America works to advance the public relations profession and the education of students preparing to work in this occupation. The organization provides access to professional opportunities and experiences to help students launch their careers in public relations. It is comprised of more than 9,000 students and has a presence on nearly 375 colleges and universities.
Financial Aid & Scholarship Information for Bachelor's in Public Relations Degrees
Students pursuing a bachelor's degree in public relations should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to find out if they qualify for any federal aid. Several types of financial aid can help students pay for their education. This includes grants, which is money that does not need to be repaid, and loans, which is borrowed money that needs to be paid back with interest. Students may also be able to find work-study at the college/university they are attending which allows them to work part-time and earn money to help pay for their education.
There are also scholarships available in the field of public relations. For instance, the PRSA and PRSSA offer several scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students. This includes the Axia Public Relations Scholarship which is for students studying public relations, are in financial need and have public relations experience through volunteering, internships, or employment.
