9 Easiest Public Relations Degree Programs

If earning a public relations degree is on your to-do list, consider enrolling in a program that keeps your stress low and helps you begin your career as quickly as possible. In other words, find an easy program.

What makes a program easy? Some of the easiest public relations degrees have higher acceptance rates and fewer graduation requirements.

But that's not all. If you don't know what constitutes an easy program, keep reading to learn what to look for in public relations degrees.

Easiest Public Relations Degrees

You might be surprised that some of the easiest public relations degrees are available at all academic levels.

Associate Public Relations Degree

An associate degree in public relations typically focuses on public relations, communication, and advertising. Programs require about 60 credit hours for completion and teach general public relations concepts with practical applications.

It's common to find associate public relations degrees at community colleges; however, they're also offered at four-year institutions. You might even find pathway degrees designed to prepare students for public relations bachelor's programs.

Is It Easy?

An associate is one of the easiest public relations degrees you can earn. The programs last two years or less. Community colleges are also more likely to have high acceptance rates and fewer graduation requirements.

Potential Challenges

A challenge of earning an associate degree in public relations is finding adequate work. If you want a job in public relations, advertising, editing, or a similar career, an associate degree might be insufficient when competing against more qualified candidates.

Bachelor's Public Relations Degree

A bachelor's degree in public relations is typically a four-year, 120-credit program (general education and major courses) for students who want to learn academic and practical aspects of public relations.

During bachelor's programs, students strengthen their writing and research skills and gain a more well-rounded understanding of the field as they prepare for professional roles. Examples of assignments at this level include reviewing case studies and creating public relations campaigns.

Is It Easy?

While a bachelor's degree is generally more challenging than an associate degree, you can find easier programs with higher acceptance rates, fewer graduation requirements, or even an accelerated path that lets you finish in less time.

Potential Challenges

More credits and years of effort to graduate make a bachelor's degree more challenging. You might also notice that your core/major courses delve deeper into public relations concepts than at the associate level.

Master's Public Relations Degree

A master's degree in public relations helps students strengthen their writing and public relations management skills. Programs explore concepts like human communication and the role of media in society.

Master's programs commonly last two or fewer years and often require about 30 to 50 credits to graduate.

Is It Easy?

Master's degrees prepare students for roles in management or doctoral programs, so they're usually not considered easy. However, you can find easier programs that offer flexible schedules, don't require the GRE to enroll, or have fewer graduation requirements (ex. no thesis).

Potential Challenges

A master's degree in public relations covers more material in less time. These educational demands often fewer moments to socialize with friends, family members, and colleagues.

9 Accredited Colleges Offering Public Relations Degrees

If you're interested in studying public relations, explore the following programs from accredited colleges offering associate, bachelor's, or master's degree programs.

1. Mesa Community College - AAS in Public Relations

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in public relations from Mesa Community College teaches general public relations concepts and builds practical skills. Courses cover mass communication, business, and journalism to prepare students for entry-level public relations positions.

2. South Texas College - AA in Advertising/Public Relations Concentration

The Associate of Arts (AA) degree from South Texas College offers a concentration in advertising and public relations. The program teaches students to write for all forms of media and ensures they're ready to start public relations careers or transfer to four-year institutions.

3. Citrus College - AA in Public Relations

Students who enroll in the AA in public relations program at Citrus College explore public relations, advertising, and organizational communication. Courses tackle marketing strategy, public speaking, digital communications, applied research, and more.

4. University of Florida - BS in Public Relations

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in public relations from the University of Florida teaches strategic and persuasive communication, writing, information management, public policy, audiovisual productions, and beyond. Corporate and public interest communications specializations are available.

5. Kent State University - BS in Public Relations

Kent State University's BS in public relations program prepares students for PR roles in corporations, creative agencies, and non-profits. Courses help students strengthen their writing and communication practices and learn to deliver messages through various forms of media.

6. University of North Texas - BA in Journalism, Public Relations Concentration

The University of North Texas is home to the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in journalism with a public relations concentration. Students develop persuasion skills and learn storytelling with visual materials, advertising, fundamental public relations practices, and more.

7. Ball State University - MA in Public Relations

Ball State University's Master of Arts (MA) in public relations prepares enrollees for entrepreneurship and media relations management, reputation management, and executive public relations roles. Students don't have to take the GRE to qualify for admission.

8. DePaul University - MA in Public Relations and Advertising

At DePaul University, the MA in public relations and advertising teaches traditional, digital, and social media techniques. Students take part in internships and create a Portfolio of Projects with top clients that they can later show employers.

9. University of Tennessee, Knoxville - MS in Communication and Information, Advertising and Public Relations Concentration

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville offers a Master of Science (MS) in communication and information with an advertising and public relations concentration. This one-year program teaches public relations, advertising, and strategic communication and has no capstone requirement.

Are Online Public Relations Degrees Easier Than Traditional Degrees?

Online degrees in public relations aren't inherently easier than traditional degrees, but they do offer attractive benefits.

Some online programs are extremely flexible having no set class times or assignment due dates. This lets students manage their studies during timeframes that align with their schedules.

Online programs also allow students to learn from any location with an Internet connection. This is especially beneficial for individuals who struggle to travel to the campus or live in a different state.

Is Majoring in Public Relations Worth It?

Enrolling in an associate, bachelor's, or master's degree in public relations is worth the effort whether you want a career in the field or hope to continue your academic journey.

A public relations associate degree introduces you to the subject area, prepares you for entry-level roles, and opens doors to four-year degree opportunities.

Enrolling in a bachelor's program gives you an extensive overview of the field, grows your practical skills, and delivers the academic background most employers want.

At the master's degree level, you get even more public relations knowledge and practical experience while building the leadership skills needed to step into management and executive roles.

A degree in public relations makes you a stronger critical thinker and communicator and gives you the experience needed to succeed in different types of agencies, businesses, and non-profits.

Enroll in a Public Relations Program Today

Whether you're looking for the easiest public relations degrees or seek a PR program that aligns with your specific needs, plenty of great options exist at all academic levels. Explore top degree options and enroll in a program today.