2021 Best Degrees in Public Relations

Located in Eugene, OR, the University of Oregon offers both a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Public Relations that holds the status of the only public relations program in Oregon with the Public Relations Society of America’s certification. Students who join this program will gain the unique opportunity to travel to Silicon Valley agencies to tour their state-of-the-art communication departments, as well as get the chance to be a part of the university’s student-ran PR firm Allen Hall PR. Students also receive first rate attention from staff and faculty through intensive portfolio reviews their senior year, better enabling them in the job search after graduation. This university also offers a number of relevant graduate programs, such as the Strategic Communication master’s program for those who wish to further specialize their PR experience.

The University of Colorado in Boulder offers a Bachelor of Science in Strategic Communication with a public relations track. Students who choose to pursue the PR track will get to work hand-in-hand with local news organizations and other media networks to create and manage content and various ad campaigns. Those in this program will also have an excellent opportunity to showcase their talents and portfolios at the “Young Ones” competition in New York City, where students from this university frequently take home top prizes. After graduation, students can choose to continue their education and get a Master of Arts in Strategic Communication Design or Corporate Communication at this top school.

Located in Murray, Kentucky, Murray State University hosts a both a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations program that are accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC). Along with the standard four-year option, this program features a two-year plan for those who have already completed classes at a Kentucky community college. This university also hosts a local chapter of The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), where students will benefit from listening to guest speakers twice a month and completing projects to gain experience alongside their peers. This school also offers prestigious Master of Science and Master of Art in Mass Communication or Public Relations programs for those who wish to continue their PR training.

Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey features a great Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations that is certified by the PRSA. This university boasts over half a century of experience and excellence, assuring students that their prestigious instructors, many of who hold an Accreditation in Public Relations (APR), are research-focused and hold advanced degrees. Students in this program can pick from a number of related student organizations, including the student-run agency PRaction where they can plan and produce ad campaigns for various local clients. Graduates of this program may also opt for the university’s Master of Art in Strategic Communication which is designed to complement their undergraduate PR degree.

Both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations are offered at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee. that are founded in Christian values. This university prides itself on receiving Certification in Education for Public Relations (CEPR) in 2011, making it one of around 40 schools globally recognized in this way - and it is the only Christian university to do so. This university also eases students into internships with a great selection posted directly on the department’s website, allowing public relations students to find an internship for whatever their interests may be.

Located in Tuscaloosa, AL, the University of Alabama is home to a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations for students interested in the PR field. Students who choose this program will be able to choose from a number of specializations as well, including nonprofit communication management, technological and digital communication management, and sport and entertainment communication management. Those looking to for additional activities while on campus may want to take advantage of The Plank Center, an institute where students can work with leading practitioners on various campaigns and research projects. This school also offers a great Master of Arts in Advertising and Public Relations with three concentrations (advertising creative, media strategy and marketing communication management).

The University of Nebraska’s Lincoln campus offers a Bachelor of Journalism in Advertising & Public Relations that covers a breadth of related topics. This university prides itself on offering a wide variety of student opportunities along with an intensive focus on student portfolios from the first day of study which cultivates in a final real-world capstone project. Among the number of great student organizations this school has to offer is a National Student Advertising Competition team, where students work to create a campaign for a specific client and then pitch it to professionals. This university also offers a unique certification program hosted entirely online, allowing graduate students to earn a PR & Social Media Certificate.

The College of Communication Arts and Sciences at Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI, offers a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations. This research-oriented program includes a variety of related internships and minors for students to further specialize their degree, such as in sales leadership or sports business management. Students can also take advantage of a number of on-campus labs and centers such as the Media and Advertising Psychology Lab which is home to research and studies focused on biopsychosocial methods and theories. This school offers a number of relevant graduate programs as well, including an online Master of Arts in Strategic Communication for those who wish to further their PR expertise.

The next school on our list is the University of Georgia, which is based out of Athens, Georgia. This university offers a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising & Public Relations that is led by respected researchers and prestigious faculty members. Thanks to this added perk of diverse instruction, students can pick from a variety of nuanced classes including sex in advertising or even Latin-American telenovelas. This university encourages students to take on domestic field studies and international study abroad programming alike, including chances to go to countries like China or France for intensive public relations studies.

Students seeking PR training in Texas may want to consider the Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations offered through the College of Media & Communications at Texas Tech University in Lubbock. This university boasts a well-rounded degree program that focuses on leadership development and timely professional issues, alongside building up a student portfolio with plenty of real-world experiences. Students in this program can choose to take advantage of the Outpost Social Media Lab on campus, a unique research center that allows students to study theories focused on new media through workshops and projects.

Located in Moscow, ID, the University of Idaho offers both a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Public Relations. This university offers intimately taught classes with small classroom settings that also include integrated studies alongside the School of Journalism and Mass Media. Alongside a number of relevant internships and involvement opportunities, students can also join the Argonaut, a student newspaper with great opportunities for those studying public relations.

Located in Boone, NC, Appalachian State University hosts a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations that prepares students for an evolving and volatile career path. This university boasts their own Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter, allowing them to teach PRSSA-required classes in areas like research methods and internships where students can earn college credit. Students will have a number of engagement opportunities on campus, including the Arthur W. Page Society’s Case Study Competition where students can plan a PR campaign for real-world clients.

A Bachelor of Science in Public Relations program is also available at Texas State University in San Marcos. This program offers students 3 different concentrations choices, allowing them to perfectly curate their degree to their liking: digital media, multimedia production, and sports media. Students in this program can also join Bobcat Promotions, a newly created for-profit PR firm where students will take on a variety of projects from a wide variety of local community clients.

The next school on this list is found in Searcy, Arkansas. Harding University offers a rigorous Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations through its Department of Communication that focuses heavily on student portfolio production and real-world experience, requiring students to not only complete a professional internship before graduation, but also complete a five-part research study for their portfolio that addresses a specific case and analyzes the required data from the situation. Students can also get involved on campus through the Public Relations Organization (PRO) which gives them the chance to meet communication professionals from across Arkansas through seminars and workshops.

Located in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University’s Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations is another choice for students seeking a PR degree. Offered through the Lew Klein College of Media and Communication, the program is one of only 36 programs certified by the PRSA. Students have the chance to compete in the Bateman Competition where they can showcase their public relations experiences through case studies. After graduating this program, students can optionally earn an online Graduate Certificate in Public Relations which includes 4 classes focused on PR ethics, data, technology and consulting.

The University of Texas’s Moody College of Communication – which is located at the Austin campus - has a comprehensive Bachelor of Science in Public Relations that makes our list of standout programs. Students will have the choice from two different elective sequences: Texas Media & Analytics or Texas Immersive, allowing students to further customize and specialize their degree track. Students can also take advantage of the student-run Texas Tower Public Relations (TTPR) firm, allowing them to work alongside local nonprofits to hone their social media and public relations skills.

Located in Gainesville, Florida, the University of Florida offers both a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and a Master of Arts in Mass Communication. This university prides itself in state-of-the-art technology and instruction, made possible in part by the school’s Public Relations Advisory Council, a group of professionals who frequently inform faculty of happenings within the world of public relations. Students in this program can participate in numerous related student organizations, most namely the local chapter of PRSSA, which this university claims is one of the biggest and strongest in the country. The school’s online Master of Arts in Mass Communication with a specialization in Public Relations is offered in partnership with APCO Worldwide and include a curriculum developed by industry experts.

The next school on our list offers undergraduate and graduate programs with options to specialize in PR. The University of Kentucky in Lexington, has an all-encompassing Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Integrated Strategic Communication with four different options for specialization, including one in public relations so that students can enjoy an integrated curriculum before they home in on one subject. At the graduate level, students can choose to work towards a Master of Arts in Communication with a specialization in Strategic and Organizational Communication. This college also offers a unique opportunity through the Education Abroad at UK program, where students can take a variety of core classes overseas to further diversify their studies.

Located in Cleveland, OH, Cleveland State University offers an engaging Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Promotional Communication with a track in integrated promotional communication for those interested in public relations. Students in this program will be able to make use of the Communication Research Center facilities where a number of relevant classes are taught in rooms designed for specific media analysis. Students can also further engage themselves by joining the school’s local chapter of Lambda Pi Eta, the National Communication Association’s honor society.

Howard University in Washington, D.C., offers a uniquely structured Bachelor of Arts in Strategic, Legal & Management Communication with a public relations sequence. Students who choose to pursue this degree program through the Cathy Hughes School of Communications will have access to the college’s tech center, a facility full of not only classrooms but studios and various workshops for students to practice their public relations and media skills. This university prides itself on nearly 50 years of training students in this field, allowing graduates to set themselves apart from others on job applications thanks to hands-on learning and cutting-edge technology.

Washington State University out of Pullman, Washington, offers a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations program through its Edward R. Murrow College of Communication. This program is focused on experiential learning, allowing students to get out of the classroom and practice their skills to best apply themselves to their future careers. Students can even further engage with these concepts through Murrow Global Expeditions, a program focused on study abroad experiences that bring students closer to the global ideas of journalism and public relations. This university also offers a great Master of Arts in Strategic Communication or Health Communication and Promotion for those who wish to further specialize their PR studies.

Located in Buffalo, New York, SUNY Buffalo State College offers a flexible Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and Advertising that is fully accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications. This university also prides itself on having the first student chapter of the PRSSA in Western New York, which provides students with great career opportunities through seminars and workshops. This top school also offers a Master of Science in Public Relations where graduate students get hands-on training through the required internship and master’s project.

The University of South Carolina’s Columbia campus had both undergraduate and graduate PR programs that make our list. The Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communications with a major in Public Relations includes a Capstone Experience, a project that is completed over a single semester senior year where students build a PR campaign for a real client and allowing them to get real and useful experience in their field. Students can also choose to join The Carolina Agency, a student-run agency that allows participants to network with their peers and work on various real case studies.

Located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, Western Kentucky University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations that is fully accredited by the Public Relations Society of America, making it one of only two universities in Kentucky with such accreditation. Students in this program who find themselves doing well academically may be interested in joining the college’s Joint Undergraduate-Master’s Degree Program (JUMP), which allows them to gain a master’s degree after just one more year of study. This school host a number of PR-related student organizations as well, including the local chapter of Lambda Pi Eta for communication students who wish to further network with their peers.

The University of Vermont in Burlington, VT, offers a Bachelor of Science in Public Communication for students interested in public relations and related fields. This unique degree includes core courses in several areas of PR as well as three different concentrations for students looking to further customize their education: communication design, community media and journalism, and strategic communication. This university also places a big emphasis on the importance of internships, with a program that helps place students anywhere from a local nonprofit to the Senate. This mix of hands-on learning experiences and a specialized curriculum helps put graduates from this university ahead of the pack in the job search.

Located in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University offers a PR education through both a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Journalism with a concentration in Public Relations. This integrated approach to a public relations degree combines a number of different communication and broadcast courses to best round out a rigorous curriculum that leaves multiple job opportunities open for graduates. This school also has its own local chapter of the PRSSA for students and allows them an opportunity to also lead in PR Central, a student-run nonprofit firm that teaches students how to handle real, local clients.

Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, has PRSA accredited Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts in Public Relations programs. This university has unique activities and organizations for students, including the David Letterman Learning Experience that uses past material from his show to give students the opportunity to create unique communications content for the university. Students can also further their portfolios through the McKinley Avenue Agency, a sales agency with professional advising that allows students to work with local clients on various cases and issues. This university’s Master of Arts in Public Relations is offered both online and on-campus, allowing students to earn this advanced degree easily.

The Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and Public Relations offered by the University of Tampa is an extremely flexible program, with students allowed to pick electives in the fields that interest them. Electives at this Tampa, FL, school range from marketing and business courses to directing and arts courses. Students in this program can get public relations experience by working on the weekly newspaper, ‘’Minaret’’. or working on the yearbook. This university is also home to a number of relevant student organizations such as Tampa Spotlight PR, a chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association. After graduation, students can choose to earn a Master of Arts in Professional Communication, allowing for further education in related communication topics.

Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona, offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Science in Strategic Communication with an emphasis in public relations. This university offers a unique opportunity for students in this program through their summer workshop system where students live on campus over the summer semester to gain experience working to produce various video and audio projects alongside faculty. Students who choose the public relations emphasis are able to join the university’s local chapter of Lambda Pi Eta for further networking and professional opportunities alongside their peers.

Salem State University out of Salem, Massachusetts, offers an all-encompassing Bachelor of Science in Media and Communication with a concentration in Public Relations. This university boasts the unique Experiential Learning in Media & Communication (EXPECT) opportunity, a learning program for senior students who are organized into consulting teams that partner with a local nonprofit or entrepreneur. This unique hands-on program not only gives students real-world experience, but also boosts their resume through unique relationships and portfolio additions.

Students seeking a program with a major emphasis on real-world experience may want to take a look at the great Bachelor of Science in Public Relations offered through the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication at Iowa State University in Ames, IA. This PR program has a required 400-hour internship that rewards three college credits. Students in this program can also undertake independent research projects even as undergraduate students, allowing them to diversify their portfolio and work closely with faculty to build useful relationships.

Columbia College in Chicago, Illinois, offers an intensive Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations that is designed to prepare incoming students for a fast-paced career in the public relations field. This university pushes students to begin internships and involvement as soon as their first semester through uniquely structured classes that promote research and hands-on experiences. Students will also get the chance to work on their Agency capstone class, a program where students work with a variety of local clients to create a research-based plan of action, or get involved through the annual Career Day, through a partnership with the Publicity Club of Chicago (PCC), where students can learn from alumni and professionals as well as network with them. Students can also choose to apply for the Master of Arts in Strategic Communication after they graduate, allowing them to gain even more knowledge necessary to boost job outlook.

Located in University Park, PA, Pennsylvania State University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising/Public Relations through the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications. This university prides itself on having a focus on real-world experiential learning, namely through the senior capstone course in which students handle clients’ real issues and develop PR campaigns for them. Furthermore, students can take advantage of the Bellisario College Credit by Portfolio Policy which allows students to gain college credit towards their degree just from valuable and relevant experiences they have completed prior to their education. Students in related majors, such as business, can choose to earn a Certificate in Public Relations, allowing them to gain PR knowledge without investing in the major or minor.

The Oswego campus of New York’s SUNY College makes our list for its Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations program that focuses on hands-on experiences. This college puts major emphasis on their internship and co-op education program which allows students to gain valuable experience that is sometimes even paid when it doesn’t give college credit. Students in this program will be able to use Lanigan Hall, which not only houses the Communication Studies Department but a wide range of media labs for students to use for collaborating and creating content. This campus is also home to the school’s local chapter of PRSSA, holding unique networking opportunities for students who wish to get involved.

Based in Morgantown, West Virginia, West Virginia University offers a Bachelor of Science in Journalism program that has an option for an emphasis in public relations. Students who choose this path will benefit from a number of hands-on experiences located on campus, including the school’s local chapter of PRSSA. Students will also be able to take part in the capstone course BrandJRNY, a unique experience where teams reach out to local communities to not only form relationships but work on telling the stories of the history of West Virginia. This university also boasts the Martin Hall Agency, a student-run PR firm that focuses on diversity to offer valuable campaigns for local businesses. Students can also choose to pursue a Public Relations Leadership Graduate Certificate, allowing for further expertise in public relations.

Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan, has a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies with a Public Relations Certificate. Students who choose to join this program get all the benefits of an integrated degree program through a wide variety of media-focused courses, along with a formal certificate that is awarded after 15 hours of coursework in public relations. This college also has the unique WMU Signature Designation, a designation that appears on your degree and signifies important work done beyond the classroom. Students can also join the Public Relations Organization which allows students to gain valuable experience planning events and promoting various industries and businesses.

Students seeking PR training in Tallahassee, FL, might consider Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, which offers a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations through its School of Journalism & Graphic Communication. This school hosts a number of different student media publications such as the ‘’Journey Magazine’’ and ‘’Famuan Newspaper’’ where students in this field can collaborate to create meaningful campaigns for their portfolios. Senior year, students will complete a capstone colloquium course where they will organize their portfolios alongside professionals to best prepare for the job market.

Based in South Kingstown, RI, the University of Rhode Island hosts a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations that promises networking opportunities with local industry professionals. This university boasts a unique facility in The Harrington Hub, a newly constructed state-of-the-art building with a wide variety of spaces for those in this program such as video editing suites and even a film screening room for leisure. Students are also encouraged to join the college’s local chapter of PRSSA to further develop their skills and professional relationships, or even join the Living and Learning Community at Hillside Hall where first-year students can better transition into their new major alongside peers.

A Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communication with a Public Relations/Promotions Emphasis is offered at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, CT. Alongside specific public relations-based courses, students will gain a breadth of varied knowledge from the integrated curriculum this program offers. This school also offers a certificate program for graduates with this degree, allowing them to receive formal designation without pursuing master’s programs. Students in this program can also take advantage of the university’s local chapter of Lambda Pi Eta, allowing them to connect with peers and complete relevant real-world learning.

Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois, offers students the choice of either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations. This school recognizes the importance of learning another language and familiarizing yourself with other cultures through their intensive study abroad program, which allows students to complete their coursework at a variety of state-of-the-art institutions across South America, Europe and more. Students will also be pleased to know that this school has their own chapter of PRSSA, ensuring a rigorous curriculum and giving an easy way for networking.

Located in Springfield, Missouri, Missouri State University offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Science in Public Relations through their renowned communication department. This university offers small class sizes and a diverse community. Students in this program will be able to take part in the Student Speech and Theatre Association of Missouri where students not only receive professional training but will help plan various activities and events for the local community. This bachelor’s program can also be combined with the master’s program in professional studies for students looking for an accelerated path to a graduate degree.

Florida State University, also out of Tallahassee, Florida, has offers both a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science programs in public relations. Students who choose to join this limited access program (only a certain number of students are allowed into this selective program each semester) gain access to a number of amenities and benefits including Arrowhead Productions, the school’s advertising team that helps students not only boost their resume but gain real-world experiences to better round out their education. This school is also home to the unique Center for Hispanic Marketing Communication, a first-of-its-kind facility that hosts the Hispanic Marking Communication minor and a wide breadth of research done by Hispanic industry members. This school also offers a graduate program for integrated marketing communication, allowing students who specialized in public relations to receive an advanced education with a broad scope.

The University of Northern Iowa offers an excellent Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations through their Department of Communication. Students in this program at their Cedar Falls, Iowa, campus will be able to choose from three unique emphases, including Strategic Public Relations, Special Events, and Sports Public Relations, so that their degree is best suited for the work they wish to go into. This university is also home to their own local chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) which gives students the opportunity to bolster their relationships with industry professionals while working on their own portfolio. Graduate students interested in this field can choose to enroll in this school’s graduate program which offers a PR option with a non-thesis and thesis option.

North Dakota State University, which has its main campus located in Fargo, ND, offers both a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Strategic Communication with an emphasis in Public Relations. This school also places an emphasis on hands-on learning through their internship requirement and a number of national organizations, such as the PRSSA, where students can flex their public relations knowledge.

The University of Tennessee out of Knoxville, Tennessee, offers a Bachelor of Science with a Major in Public Relations through their College of Communication and Information. This university boasts that it is one of the only schools across the country to have a facility with full access to Salesforce’s Social Studio which gives students and faculty alike fresh methods for research and teaching. Students can also access a variety of global programs where they can complete public relations case studies in places like Italy and Australia. This school also offers a great Master of Science in Communication and Information with a concentration in Public Relations for those seeking advanced PR training.

The State University of New York’s Plattsburgh campus offers both a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Public Relations for prospective students. This university lists its focus on flexible, hands-on learning as a major bonus for students in this program, offering a wide variety of unique classes, such as outdoor writing. Students can also rest assured knowing they will learn from professional faculty with real-world experience in a wide range of fields, so it will be easy for them to find a mentor that suits their specific needs. Students can also choose to join Cardinal PR, a student-led firm where students can take on real clients and carry out actual ad campaigns.

Next up on this list is Rock Hill, South Carolina-based Winthrop University which offers two programs in their Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication and Bachelor of Science in Integrated Marketing Communication for those interested in public relations. This university is also home to a great amount of student involvement opportunities, including a unique partnership with the theater department to volunteer and bring workshops to a variety of students and faculty on campus and in surrounding high schools. This university also boasts the new J. William Click Converged Media Laboratory, a state-of-the-art facility equipped to handle a variety of news and PR media in various formats.

Kennesaw State University, a prestigious university in of Kennesaw, Georgia, gives students an opportunity to hone their PR skills through their Bachelor of Science in Public Relations. The School of Communication & Media lists unique tours and internships in New York and Atlanta as major benefits to studying in this field, bolstered by rigorous academics and the fact that it is only one of three schools in Georgia to offer this major. Students at this school will also get the chance to join The Agency, a student-run PR firm that offers not only real-world experience, but relevant class credit.

Georgia Southern University is a PRSSA-certified university in Statesboro, Georgia, that offers a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations program that incorporates journalism, business and communication skills. This university also hosts the unique L.E.A.P (Leadership, Experience in Communication, Academics, and Professionalism) certification program that gives students another way to stand out to potential employers while boosting the size of their portfolio. This university is also home to a rigorous internship program where students cooperate with an internship coordinator to choose a specific, approved site for work.

The University of Houston, located in Houston, Texas, hosts programs for graduate and undergraduate students that have a focus in public relations. Alongside their Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations, the Valenti School of Communication also offers a graduate-level communication degree with a concentration focused in public relations, giving students advanced journalistic knowledge. This school emphasizes their dedication to real-world experience for students in these programs, hosting numerous student organizations within the Bauer College of Business Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship. PR students will also be able to join Valenti Integrated, this university’s imagining of a student-led PR firm where students can help real clients solve issues prior to graduation.