Is a PR Degree Right for Me?

Public relations is a growing field as digital media is currently booming. News can easily be spread within seconds on news sites and social media. With these current trends, qualified PR professionals are in demand. If you're interested in working in the field of public relations, you may be wondering if a PR degree is the right choice.

PR jobs incorporate many different aspects of communication management. Tasks can range and may include writing press releases for new product launches, improving a company's reputation with crisis management techniques, and communicating with stakeholders ahead of new investments. A PR degree can be a good option for those interested in these types of roles.

What Is a PR Degree?

A public relations degree covers many different aspects of PR and prepares graduates for work in the PR industry. An accredited degree can give you the credentials needed to land your dream job. While there is some overlap with communications degrees, public relations focuses more on building and maintaining relationships, whether that is with the public, the media, or other organizations.

Students can choose PR degrees at different levels. You can start by earning an associate degree in PR, though most entry-level PR jobs require at least a bachelor's degree. Some PR professionals choose to earn a master's degree to boost their career prospects and qualify for more leadership roles.

What Does a PR Major Study?

A PR major will learn the foundational skills needed for a successful public relations career. A PR degree program typically covers topics such as:

• writing skills
• media relations
• corporate communications
• strategic communication
• fundraising
• digital marketing
• business administration
• English
• crisis management

Why You Should Consider a Degree in PR

Now that you know what a PR degree entails, here are some of the top reasons why you should consider earning a degree in PR.

Develop Communication Skills

Working in PR requires a lot of communication, which can help you to develop your communication skills. Working for a PR agency allows you to meet with many different clients with various writing needs and guidelines, giving you practice in different writing and communication styles. Working as an in-house PR professional helps you practice effective communication by building long-term working relationships.

No matter what career path you choose, you will be using communication skills in real-world settings every day.

Being Creative

PR requires a lot of creativity, as you are constantly writing new stories and connecting to an audience in a way that they can relate to. PR specialists spend a lot of time writing, creating photos and videos, and creating social media posts. PR can be a great career choice for people who enjoy being creative.

Choosing a Specialization

Many areas of PR can help you to reach your career goals. You can expand your options by earning a minor in a specific area or getting specialized experience as part of an internship or other hands-on experience. Consider specializations in areas such as:

• marketing
• social media
• journalism
• event planning
• media relations

Remote Work Opportunities

Many public relations roles can be worked remotely or in a hybrid format. Remote work is a desirable setup for many people because it offers a better work-life balance and saves money on commuting costs.

Various Career Options

A degree in PR is applicable across a variety of industries, making it a good investment. You can use a PR degree to work for nonprofit organizations, government organizations, or private sectors such as businesses.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the outlook for public relations specialists will grow at a rate of 6% over the next decade, which is faster than average for most industries.

Job Opportunities for PR Degree Majors

Graduates have many different career options with a PR degree. Here are some positions you may qualify for with a PR degree:

• public relations specialist (PR specialist): typically works for a PR firm or on an in-house PR team, responsible for strategizing and executing communication campaigns
• social media marketing manager: runs social media accounts and improves audience engagement
• copywriter: writes blogs, website copy, and other marketing and press-related materials
• event planner: manages events for a specific company or organization and ensures they run smoothly
• human resources specialist: manages the human aspect of an organization by hiring, training, and ensuring payroll is completed
• digital marketing specialist: manages online marketing campaigns through the website, social media accounts, or paid advertisements

PR Degree: Questions To Ask Yourself

Here are some questions to ask yourself when considering a PR degree.

Am I Creative and Able to Come Up With New Ideas?

Working in PR requires a lot of ideation sessions and campaign planning. Having a creative mindset can help you accomplish these tasks.

Can I Work Well Under Pressure?

Sometimes, PR professionals have to work quickly to respond to a crisis or to meet a tight deadline. Working well under pressure is an important soft skill in the PR industry.

Can I Communicate Effectively Through Writing and Public Speaking?

Whether writing press releases or speaking directly to the public, you must be a good communicator to excel in public relations.

What Type of Public Relations Role Do I Want?

Knowing your career goals before you start your degree can help you to choose a specialization or a minor. If you aren't sure what area of PR you want to focus on, consider gaining some work experience during your degree to learn more about the different areas of PR.