10 Best Online Public Relations (PR) Degrees in 2025

Public relations degrees aren't typically included among the best online degrees. Regardless, there are many top online bachelor's degrees in public relations available to students.

Whether you're looking for highly rigorous, accelerated, or affordable online public relations degrees, there's something for everyone. Keep reading to discover the best online public relations degrees of 2025.

Best Online Public Relations Degree Programs

Several colleges and universities across the U.S. offer online public relations degree programs. We've highlighted some of the top options below.

1. Louisiana State University

Louisiana State University is a public research institution in Baton Rouge, LA. It offers an online bachelor's degree in mass communication with a specialization in public relations.

This degree helps students develop the skills to plan and implement strategic communication aiming to improve the relationships between individuals, organizations, and companies with key constituencies. The program is accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC).

2. Point Park University

At Point Park University, students can earn a Bachelor of Arts in public relations, advertising, and social media online. Students choose from two concentrations: public relations and advertising or social media.

The public relations and advertising program explores public relations and advertising writing and campaigns, special events planning, marketing communications, graphic design, social media, crisis communication, and sports media. Point Park, a private university, is located in Pittsburgh.

3. State University of New York at Oswego

An online Bachelor of Arts in public relations is available from the State University of New York at Oswego. This school is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system.

Students in this program work with the same faculty as those learning online. They develop expertise in public relations principles, persuasive writing, research, ethics, and campaign development, execution, and evaluation.

4. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University offers a BA in communications with a specialization in public relations. It provides students with the communication skills to cultivate, monitor, and maintain relationships to promote a positive public image for clients.

SNHU, located in Manchester, NH, is a private university known for its online programs. It also offers a Master of Arts (MA) in communications with a concentration in public relations.

5. Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University is a public research institution in Lubbock, TX. It offers an online BA in public relations and strategic communications management.

This public relations program teaches students how to create and deliver engaging written, digital, and face-to-face messages. Students also develop skills in managing integrated communication programs, campaigns, and resources.

6. University of Akron

Students at the University of Akron can earn a Bachelor of Arts in communication with a concentration in public relations online. The program teaches students how to help organizations build and maintain beneficial relationships with their audiences.

The University of Akron, a public research institution, is based in Akron, OH. Undergraduate students have the opportunity to work with real clients, completing tasks, such as writing news releases and promotional pieces, managing social media, and planning events and PR campaigns.

7. University of Central Missouri

An online Bachelor of Science (BS) in public relations and strategic communication is available through the University of Central Missouri. The public institution is located in Warrensburg, MO.

Students in the program gain traditional publicity and media experience and also develop a range of social media and writing skills. This program is certified through the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).

8. University of Florida

The University of Florida offers an online BS in public relations. This program offers a focus on fundamental disciplines, as well as two concentrations: corporate public relations and public interest communications.

The University of Florida, based in Gainesville, FL, is a public research institution. It also offers one of the top online master's in public relations, an MA in mass communication with a concentration in public relations that teaches students how to study, cultivate, and maintain different types of professional relationships to manage information.

9. University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota is a public research university based in the Twin Cities of Minnesota, but it offers its online programs through its Crookston campus. This includes a BS in communication with a specialization in organizational communication and public relations.

This program focuses on communication within organizations and communication with public constituencies. Students learn internal communication skills, as well as skills in developing public relations campaigns.

10. Wilmington University

Through Wilmington University, students can earn a BS in communication with a concentration in public relations and strategic communication. The program focuses on the use of marketing, advertising, and public relations to craft unforgettable brands.

This private institution is based in New Castle, DE. Students will learn to integrate imagery, such as logos, ads, and design and visual elements of film, television, and the Internet that capture appropriate audience attention.

Our Selection Criteria

To choose the programs for this list, we focused on:

• Accreditation: All schools listed are regionally accredited.
• Type: Every school is a four-year public or non-profit institution.
• Online Options: All institutions offer a range of online options are well-known for their online programs.

What To Expect from an Online PR Degree Program

Online public relations programs are designed to give students the skills to work as public relations professionals. They cover various key topics and often give students opportunities for hands-on experiences; they may also include capstone projects.

Online courses are usually offered asynchronously. This means that while there are due dates, online students can complete their coursework at any time that works for their schedule, and they don't have set meeting times. For many, this works better for their busy lives than trying to make it on campus at a specific time each week.

Coursework in Online PR Programs

Online public relations degrees cover numerous topics in public relations and communications. These include:

• crisis management
• digital media relations
• event planning
• graphic design
• public affairs
• public speaking
• social media strategy
• visual communication

These courses are designed not only to teach public relations skills, but also to help students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Additionally, many programs allow students to choose electives so they can tailor their coursework to their career goals.

Scholarships for Accredited Online Public Relations Degrees

Several scholarships are available to public relations majors. Students must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); all programs above are from online colleges that accept FAFSA.

Axia Public Relations Scholarship

Award Amount: $2,000

Application Deadline: TBD for 2025

The Axia Public Relations Scholarship is offered through the Public Relations Society of America Foundation. It's available to juniors and seniors with financial need and a passion for public relations.

HPRA National Scholarship

Award Amount: $1,000

Application Deadline: TBD for 2025

The Hispanic Public Relations Association (HPRA) National Scholarship is available to undergraduate students with at least one parent or grandparent of Hispanic/Latino heritage. It's open to students of all majors who demonstrate an interest in a public relations career, and winners also receive a free one-year student membership to the HPRA.

Lawrence G. Foster Award For Excellence in Public Relations

Award Amount: $1,500

Application Deadline: April 30, 2025

The Lawrence G. Foster Award For Excellence in Public Relations is offered through the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), an organization within the PRSA. It's open to all PRSSA members and requires a letter of recommendation and a personal essay.

Career Outlook for Public Relations Majors

Various career opportunities are available to students who earn a public relations degree. These include:

• event planner
• fundraising manager
• marketing manager
• media liaison
• press secretary
• public relations specialist

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, many of these careers are expected to grow in demand over the next decade. For example, job opportunities for public relations specialists are expected to increase by 6%.

FAQs About Online PR Degree Programs

Below, we've answered a few frequently asked questions about online PR degrees.

Are Online PR Degrees Worth It?

For many students, online PR degrees are worth it. They train students to work as public relations professionals in a convenient, flexible format. Whether you consider this degree to be worth it depends on your career goals.

What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Public Relations Degree Program?

The admissions requirements for an online bachelor's degree in public relations are usually based on acceptance into the university. This typically requires a high school diploma, however, this may also require a minimum GPA, certain ACT or SAT scores, letters of recommendation, or personal essays.

Some programs require you to complete general education courses or prerequisites before beginning the courses for your major.

How Long Does It Take To Complete an Online Public Relations Degree Program?

Most bachelor's degrees require 120 credit hours, which takes about four years of full-time study, to complete. Some colleges offer accelerated online public relations degrees that allow students to finish more quickly.

Transfer students may be able to reduce this amount of time, depending on how many credits they bring in. Some programs allow you to bring in up to 90 transfer credits.

Discover Online Programs and Enroll Today

Find the right public relations degree for you by exploring the accredited online programs featured on Learn.org. Contact individual schools to request information on admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.