Best Online Bachelor's in Public Relations
An undergraduate degree in public relations prepares students for professional careers within non-profit organizations, corporate communication, advertising, and more. Online degrees offer the knowledge and expertise of in-person education with the combined flexibility of being able to do your coursework from anywhere in the world. There are tons of online bachelor's programs in public relations, so Learn.org researched and ranked them for you based on accessibility, affordability, and several other factors from the U.S. Department of Education. Many of these schools offer guidance from award-winning professors and are accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications. Any of these institutions would be a wonderful choice to kick-start your career in public relations.
1. Florida International University
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6565 | 58% | 63% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
Florida International University in Miami offers a 120 credit Bachelor of Science in Public Relations, Advertising and Applied Communication program that helps students hone in on their creative and persuasive communication skills. Students of this online PR program are encouraged to pick or create a 12-hour concentration that will allow them to complement their career goals, such as Social Media and E-marketing, Hospitality and Event Management, or Business Communication. This university's communication department also offers professional online communication coaching in addition to each student's paired success coach. This program is customizable so students are able to study exactly what they are interested in.
2. University of Florida
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6381 | 37% | 88% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
The University of Florida, located in Gainesville, is another choice for students who want to receive a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations online from an elite school and for a portion of the cost of in-person education. With coursework varying from public-issues analysis, audiovisual production, social psychology and information management, students of this program graduate with a full toolbelt of skills needed to succeed Many PR students from UF have competed in the Public Relations Student Society of America's Bateman Case Study Competition, and they have won more than any other university in the country!
3. University of Memphis
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9912 | 85% | 53% | 97% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
Through the University of Memphis Global, the Tennessee school's online branch, this Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations program helps students to gain valuable experience by drafting promotional materials, managing media strategies and public image, and fostering organizational communication. This accredited program is also endorsed with a Certification in Education for Public Relations by the Public Relations Society of America. Students are able to choose whether they want to complete their degree completely online or if they want to combine it with previous collegiate education.
4. SUNY College at Oswego
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8717 | 54% | 67% | 97% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
SUNY College in Oswego's online Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations prepares students for careers in public affairs, non-profit organizations, politics, account management, and more. Students at this New York school are led by the same award-winning faculty as in-person students and are taught the importance of critical thinking, interpersonal communication, and program development. Uniquely, the program also offers elective courses such as crisis management and graphic design, so students are prepared for whatever professional situation is thrown at them. This program is a degree completion program, which requires online students to have the equivalent of an associate's degree to apply. This is a highly respected institution that lets students earn their degree at their own pace.
5. Webster University
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $28700 | 57% | 58% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri, offers a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations program that can be completed fully online or with a combination of in-person and online instruction. This is a fantastic choice for students who are looking to gain real-world experience and work on projects with actual clients while earning their degree. Students can grow their professional portfolios through working on client relationships and creating real public relations plans. Students in this program are encouraged to choose a minor that complements their public relations path, such as business, psychology or political science.
6. Mid-America Christian University
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $18838 | No Available Data (2019-2020) | 33% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma's, Mid-America Christian University is home to a Bachelor of Science in Communication, Media and Ethics program that is allows students to study media studies, public relations and social media. With 100% online instruction, students are taught how to navigate through various platforms while building their personal brand and developing skills such as traditional print and blog writing. MACU's public relation program offers accelerated courses that can be completed in just five weeks! If earning a multifaceted public relations degree quickly and cost effectively is important to you, this school is an excellent choice.
7. Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $13988 | 76% | 71% | % | No | Yes | AP Credits |
Pennsylvania State University, located in University Park, PA, offers a Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communication program through their online World Campus. Students are taught a variety of communication disciplines in addition to public relations - such as psychology, law, research and statistics. This is a great choice for students who are searching for a dynamic environment that will help develop their skills of problem solving, creative thinking, and social awareness.
8. Black Hills State University
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9009 | 84% | 38% | 91% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
Black Hills State University in Spearfish, South Dakota, is another choice for students desiring an online PR education. Their online Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communication program combines aspects of communication with business. Students of this program are taught by faculty that have real-world experience and gain access to a large network of internships and outstanding alumni that are already working in their desired field. This program sets their students up for success in fields such as public relations, marketing, event coordination, and social media management.
9. Midway University
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $24850 | 60% | 44% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
Kentucky's Midway University hosts a PR program that covers a variety of communications fields. Their Bachelor of Science in Marketing Communications provides students with a wide variety of practical experience and coursework in public relations, graphic design, marketing, and writing. While still a 100% online program, students are offered in-person assistance and one-on-one tutoring - and 90% of students still receive financial assistance! This marketing communications BS program allows students to integrate their knowledge and create real campaigns to influence consumers and prepare for their professional careers. This remarkable school has a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio, so students will be sure to receive personal help from their professors.
10. Washington State University
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $11841 | 76% | 60% | 89% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
Washington State University, located in Pullman, Washington, offers an online Bachelor of Science in Strategic Communication that is a solid option for students seeking a public relations degree. This program helps students learn how to communicate effectively through digital and traditional media, emphasizing skills in public relations and advertising. Students learn how to create and develop relationships while still being grounded in data-based decision making. This program, and the entire Edward R. Murrow College of Communication, is run by award-winning professors who help prepare students for careers in public relations, advertising, social media and corporate communication. These professors are nationally ranked for their research, so students of this program are sure to be taught by the very best in their field.
To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit Study.com's ranking methodology page
Online Public Relations Degree Overview
Online degrees in public relations are a great way to get your degree while on a busy schedule because of the flexibility they offer. These programs prepare you to deliver effective content and to create and execute communication strategies in a corporate or media setting. Online degrees in public relations include bachelor's and master's degrees. Online associate and doctoral degrees are offered in other fields that are related to public relations.
Online Associate Degrees in Public Relations
Online associate degrees in public relations are not available, but you can get online associate degrees in related fields like communications and marketing communications. These programs can be pursued entirely online. They mostly require around 60 credit hours for their successful completion and can completed in around two years. A few of these programs also allow you to transfer credits to a corresponding bachelor's program.
Online Bachelor's Degrees in Public Relations
Bachelor's degrees in Public relations are offered as both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science programs. In a few cases, public relations might be offered as a concentration of a bachelor's degree in a closely related field like communications. A few programs might also focus on fields like advertising and communication along with the public relations field. These programs are offered entirely online. These programs require around 120 credits in total.
Online Master's Degrees in Public Relations
Online master's degrees in public relations
are mostly Master of Arts programs. In some programs, public relations is offered as a specialization for a master's in fields like communications or communications management. These programs are offered both in online and hybrid formats. They require a total of 30 to 48 credit hours. These programs can be typically completed in five semesters to 18 months. Many of them are offered in the asynchronous format.
Online Doctoral Degrees in Public Relations
Online doctoral degrees in public relations are not available, but students can pursue doctoral degrees online in related fields like communication and strategic media. Some of these programs are offered entirely online while a few might also require in-person contacts like summer residencies. These programs might require around 60 credit hours in total. Online doctoral degrees in communication and related fields can be completed in three to five years.
Online Certificates in Public Relations
The online certificate programs offered in public relations are mostly graduate certificates. These certificates can be pursued fully online. These programs require around 8 to 12 credits in total, and can be completed in a year. Some of these programs also allow you to transfer the credits to the corresponding master's degree offered by the school.
Public Relations Specializations/Concentrations
Online bachelor's programs in public relations might offer concentrations in areas like social media or marketing communication management. In some cases, public relations itself becomes the concentration for master's programs in areas like mass communication or communication management.
Curriculum/Coursework for a Public Relations Degree
The common courses taught in online bachelor's degrees in public relations include:
- Communication management
- Communication strategy
- Ethics
- Social media
- Public relations writing
Some of these programs might also introduce you to research in the area of public relations and include the submission of projects or thesis as a part of their capstone.
How Long Does it Take to Get an Online Bachelor's in Public Relations?
Just like any other bachelor's degree, an online bachelor's program in public relations takes around four years to complete. These programs do not involve any internships or practicums. Therefore, the entire program length is occupied by the core courses and electives.
Accreditation for Online Bachelor's in Public Relations Degrees
Many of the schools that offer online public relations bachelor's degrees are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The Higher Learning Commission is a regional accrediting body recognized by the government. Some other schools are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission which is also a recognized regional accreditation body.
Public Relations Licensure & Certification.
The independent organization Public Relations Society of America offers a certification named Accreditation in Public Relations (APR). This is an optional certification for public relations professionals but sets you apart from other candidates in the field. APR offers three types of certifications- for experienced professionals, for military communications experts, and for college seniors or recent graduates in the field. To get the certification as a senior or recent graduate, you have to complete the Certificate in Principles of Public Relations from PRSA and attend a computer-based examination.
Public Relations Career Information
The career paths available for degree holders in public relations include public relations specialist, public relations agent, public relations director, communications coordinator, event coordinator, market research analyst, media relations manager, and community relations director. A certification and a bit of work experience in the form of internships would help greatly to No InterWiki reference defined in properties for Wiki called "study.com/articles/Public_Relations_Manager"!
According to the 2019 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, public relations managers earn $132,630, and public relations specialists earn $70,190 a year. Market research analysts earn around $71,570 a year. For the period 2019-29, public relations managers and public relations specialists would experience job growth of 9% and 7% respectively, which are faster than the average national job growth. Marketing research analysts would experience 18% job growth, which is must faster than the national average.
How to Become a Public Relations Agent
As a public relations agent, you help your company to create a good public image and maintain it. As a part of your job, you will be writing and publishing press releases, connecting with media persons, and interacting with other organizations. You might also be coordinating community service programs. You will also be working closely with the marketing team, developing marketing strategies, and making sure that the strategies are in alignment with the public image of your company. Good coordination, writing, and interpersonal skills are necessary to shine in this role.
To become a public relations agent, you will have to complete a bachelor's degree and then get some training in the field in the form of internships or entry-level jobs.
How to Become a Public Relations Specialist
As a public relations specialist, you will be drafting and publishing public relations materials like press releases, letters, white papers, and blog posts. You will also be responding to the request for interviews and media statements and prepare spokespersons for the same. You will be responsible for coming up with strategies that will improve the public image of your organization, including influencer partnership, paid promotion, and podcasts. You will also be responsible for starting and maintaining relationships with clients, potential clients, and other organizations. Innovative mindset, interpersonal skills, and creativity are imperative for this role too. To become a public relations specialist, you have to complete a bachelor's degree in public relations or a related field and gain some work experience. Getting a certification would be a good option.
Financial Aid and Scholarship Information for Public Relations Degrees
Financial aids available for online students are the same as those for traditional degree students. Financial aids include both loans and grants. Grants are funds that are given based on financial requirements and mostly do not need to be repaid. Loans need to be repaid but many of them are offered at low interest. To be considered for both loans and grants, you have to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA has to be filed every year you are in college.
The Axia Public Relations Scholarship is for students in public relations who need financial aid. To be eligible for this scholarship, candidates must be majoring in public relations or an equivalent field and seeking a career in public relations. The scholarship amount is $2000.
Gari Yoshimura scholarship is granted to those pursuing higher education in public relations and need financial aid. To be eligible for this scholarship, candidates should have a minimum CGPA of 3.0 and be members of the Public Relations Student Society of America.
How to Choose an Online Public Relations Bachelor's Program
Accreditation, faculty, and affordability are a few primary things to consider while choosing an online bachelor's program in public relations. You might also want to look into the program schedule and understand if it's flexible enough for your needs and fits your schedule. A look at the courses offered would help you to understand what you can expect to learn from the program. If you need to learn certain job-specific courses like social media marketing and public relations strategy, make sure the program you choose offers those courses. Opting for programs that offer concentrations in areas of your interest might also be good. Finally, programs with capstone projects will give you some initial practical experience in the field.
Professional Organizations in Public Relations
The Public Relations Society of America is a national organization of public relations professionals and students. The organization has around 30000 members. The organization has also a student chapter named Public Relations Student Society of America. The organization raises its voice constantly on public policy issues and provides professional development to its members through a community of mentors and advisors. The organization also offers certification in public relations.
The International Public Relations Association is an international network of public relations professionals. The organization has a consultative status in the United Nations. The organization also conducts a yearly international competition named the Golden World Awards for Excellence (GWA) that seeks to identify excellent contributions in the field of public relations.
