Best Online Bachelors in Public Relations Degree Programs

<p>To determine our list of the top programs of this type, we took into consideration program flexibility, affordability, and other unique program features. </p> <h3 id="section---1.WashingtonStateUniversity">1. Washington State University</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Location </th><th> Undergraduate Tuition &amp; Fees (in-state)</th><th> % Receiving Financial Aid</th></tr> <tr><td>Pullman, WA</td><td> $11,584 </td><td> 90%</td></tr> </table><p>Washington State University offers an online 120-credit Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communication degree program that is housed within the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication, named after the broadcasting legend who studied here. This program features a unique, broad-based curriculum that includes the study of public relations management, media strategies, and advertising practices. Along with flexible coursework that can be completed on the student's own schedule, this program also requires an internship where students work on a real-world communications problem. Students also benefit from working with faculty who have won awards for their professional work and teaching. </p> <h3 id="section---2.UniversityOfMemphis">2. University of Memphis</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Location </th><th> Undergraduate Tuition &amp; Fees (in-state)</th><th> % Receiving Financial Aid</th></tr> <tr><td> Memphis, TN </td><td> $9,317 </td><td> 98%</td></tr> </table><p>The University of Memphis' online Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations degree program has the distinction of not only being accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC) but also being endorsed with a Certification in Education from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSSA). The curriculum is well-rounded, with classes on marketing, public relations writing and campaigns, and social media. This online program also has a recommended (but not required) internship course where students can gain important real-world work experience. The University of Memphis' charges all online students the same tuition, which comes in at $463 per credit for undergraduate programs, a rate that's guaranteed for 8 semesters. </p> <h3 id="section---3.FloridaInternationalUniversity">3. Florida International University</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Location </th><th> Undergraduate Tuition &amp; Fees (in-state)</th><th> % Receiving Financial Aid</th></tr> <tr><td> Miami, FL </td><td> $6,546 </td><td> 89%</td></tr> </table><p>At Florida International University, students can earn an online Bachelor of Science in Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication degree that features courses in global media, strategic branding, and digital editing as well as specialization courses in social media or journalism. Additionally, students are required to complete 12 credit hours in a concentration outside of the degree major, which could be in marketing, hospitality, psychology, or information technology (among others), so that they can further expand their chosen area of expertise. This program provides students with a personal success coach, and all classes feature interactive elements that allow students to connect with their professors and peers. Tuition for in-state undergrads here runs just $228 a credit. </p> <h3 id="section---4.OralRobertsUniversity">4. Oral Roberts University</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Location </th><th> Undergraduate Tuition &amp; Fees (in-state)</th><th> % Receiving Financial Aid</th></tr> <tr><td>Tulsa, OK </td><td> $27,728 </td><td> 90%</td></tr> </table><p>Oral Roberts University offers an online Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Communications program that prepares students for public relations careers by developing their speaking, written, and media skills with courses on public speaking, intercultural communication, and interpersonal communication. Oral Roberts University pairs each online student with a success coach who guides them through their entire degree program. Flexible classes, which can be accessed through the web or a mobile device, allow students to balance all their life, work, and school commitments. Oral Roberts University has received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). </p> <h3 id="section---5.UniversityOfFloridaOnline">5. University of Florida-Online</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Location </th><th> Undergraduate Tuition &amp; Fees (in-state) </th><th> % Receiving Financial Aid</th></tr> <tr><td> Gainesville, FL </td><td> $3,876 </td><td> 88%</td></tr> </table><p>The University of Florida-Online has a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations degree program that requires 124 credits and can be completed 100% online. This program features unique coursework that covers public relations writing, research, and strategy. Courses also develop students' practical skills through the study of public relations campaigns and media analytics. The University of Florida's College of Journalism and Communications, which houses the public relations degree, boasts the most wins of any university in the country when it comes to the prestigious Public Relations Student Society of America's (PRSSA) Bateman Case Study Competition. This online program also has an affordable rate of only $129.18 per credit for online resident students and $552.62 for online non-resident students, which includes fees. </p> <p><i>All statistics provided by the National Center for Education Statistics, tuition based on 2018-2019 school year</i> </p> <p>Learn.org's school ranking methodology categorizes and assesses data from schools and other reliable sources, such as the U.S. Department of Education, and weighs the information based on quality, cost, value and other factors critical to students' academic decisions. </p> <h2 id="section---OnlinePublicRelationsDegreeOverview">Online Public Relations Degree Overview</h2> <p>Students interested in studying public relations can pursue programs at the undergraduate or graduate levels. These programs aim to develop and fine tune students' communication skills and knowledge of various types of communications, like digital communication. Graduates are typically prepared to enter a wide range of careers in various industries that communicate with the general public. </p> <p>Online degree programs in public relations can usually be completed fully online. For flexibility, many of these programs are available in full- and part-time formats to accommodate working students. These programs provide students with a well-rounded education in public relations through core courses and/or electives. Some of these programs may conclude with a culminating project of some sort to help students apply what they have learned to prepare for their future careers. Graduate-level programs typically help students advance their careers and/or competitiveness in the field. </p> <h3 id="section---OnlineAssociateDegreesInPublicRelations">Online Associate Degrees in Public Relations</h3> <p>Online associate's degree programs in public relations are not very common but are available as Associate of Arts (AA) degrees. There are also closely related associate's degree programs available in online or hybrid formats in areas like communication or communication and media studies. These degree programs are designed to provide students with basic public relations skills to help start their career and/or prepare students to transfer to a 4-year institution and earn their bachelor's degree. </p> <p>These degree programs may require around 60 to 64 credits and typically consist of general education requirements, core courses, and electives. Students in the program likely take courses focused on developing their writing and communication skills, as well as core courses in public relations, marketing, and media. These degree programs can usually be completed in 2 years and some programs may give students the option to take online and face-to-face courses if they would like. </p> <h3 id="section---OnlineBachelorSDegreesInPublicRelations">Online Bachelor's Degrees in Public Relations</h3> <p>Public relations degree programs usually include the study of a broad range of topics that incorporate media studies, journalism, advertising, and communication. Typically, public relations programs at the undergraduate level lead to either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations degree. However, other degree types, such as a bachelor's degree in communication studies, can offer a concentration in public relations or can have a similar focus as public relations degrees. </p> <p>Online programs of these types require around 120 credits of public relations-focused coursework along with general education coursework in the social sciences, the natural sciences, math, the humanities, and writing. Some programs, while not offering strict concentration areas, allow students to specialize in one area of public relations, such as social media, advertising, or journalism. </p> <p>Generally, public relations bachelor's degrees can be completed 100% online. However, some programs may require or make optional a real-world internship that provides students with professional experience. </p> <h3 id="section---OnlineMasterSDegreesInPublicRelations">Online Master's Degrees in Public Relations</h3> <p>At the master's level, there are several online communication degrees that offer public relations as a specialization, as well as specific online master's programs in public relations, like a Master of Arts (MA) in Strategic Public Relations or an MA in Public Relations and Corporate Communications. These programs are designed to make students more competitive in the field and advance their skills. Students in these programs may already be working professionals with experience in public relations. </p> <p>Online master's degree programs in public relations may be available in full- or part-time formats and usually require between 30 to 33 credits. Some programs may conclude with a capstone course where students can apply the knowledge they have gained throughout the program to prepare for real-world situations. Depending on the program, students may be able to complete their studies in as little as 18 months, while other programs may take 2 to 5 years. </p> <h3 id="section---OnlineDoctoralDegreesInPublicRelations">Online Doctoral Degrees in Public Relations</h3> <p>In general, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree programs in the field of public relations are extremely rare, but there are some available in closely related areas like strategic communication or public affairs. However, very few of these available programs are available in online formats. There is at least one online PhD in Strategic Communication available and it is designed to further develop students' leadership and management skills and/or prepare them for advanced positions in the field or academia. </p> <p>This online doctoral program in strategic communication can be completed in 3 years and requires a total of 60 credits. Students take core courses in strategic communication, research courses, and application courses. Courses cover topics in areas like media analytics, leadership, digital and strategic communication, and interactive media design. The program concludes with a dissertation where students conduct research, further perfect their communication skills, and apply what they have learned throughout their coursework. </p> <h3 id="section---OnlineCertificatesInPublicRelations">Online Certificates in Public Relations</h3> <p>Online certificate programs in the field of public relations are most common at the graduate level. These programs may be available in areas like public relations, public and media relations, and strategic branding and public relations. Certificate programs in the field are intended to help prepare aspiring public relations professionals with focused skills in the field and/or advancing the careers of current professionals in the field. </p> <p>Some online certificate programs in public relations may only be available in a part-time format, while others may also offer full-time formats. Depending on the program, students may be required to complete as 8 to 18 credits and can complete the program in 1 to 1.5 years. Students may take 3 to 4 core required courses and/or 1 to 3 elective courses. Some programs may offer these courses as noncredit courses, while others may allow students to count some credits towards a master's degree in the field. </p> <h2 id="section---PublicRelationsSpecializationsConcentrations">Public Relations Specializations/Concentrations</h2> <p>Public relations is most commonly offered as a specialization area for online communication degrees. These communication degrees with a specialization in public relations are available at the bachelor's and master's levels. Online degree programs specifically in public relations do not typically offer additional concentrations or specialization areas, but some may be available in specific areas of public relations and/or include additional subjects in the title and coursework. For example, there is an online BS in Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication, as well as a number of online degree programs in specific areas like strategic public relations and public relations and corporate communications. </p> <h2 id="section---CommonCoursesInOnlinePublicRelationsBachelorSPrograms">Common Courses in Online Public Relations Bachelor's Programs</h2> <p>Public relations bachelor's programs include the study of communications, marketing, journalism, and public relations theories, methods, and skills. Although exact coursework varies by university, below are some common topics and courses that you'll likely study in your program. </p> <p>A class on <b>media and/or communications law </b>covers important legal topics and principles that affect the media and mass communications field. Students study such subjects like slander, libel, copyright law, and privacy. </p> <p><b>Public relations writing</b> is a course that focuses on developing a student's professional and persuasive writing skills, including how to plan and produce public relations content for new and print media and how to write for specific audiences. </p> <p>Classes on <b> reporting </b> center on the journalistic techniques and methods students need for reporting and writing news stories for online and print platforms. Students learn elements of writing craft, such as descriptive writing, clarity, story endings, and accuracy. </p> <p><b>Public relations campaigns</b> is a class that explores the different techniques and skills needed to create and develop a public relations strategy and/or campaign. These classes often look at the benefits and potential dangers of PR campaigns in society. </p> <p>A course on <b>advertising</b> usually introduces students to fundamental topics in the field, such as promotional strategies and planning, brand development, and media coordination. </p> <h2 id="section---LengthOfOnlinePublicRelationsBachelorSPrograms"> Length of Online Public Relations Bachelor's Programs</h2> <p>With about 120 credits required, students can usually earn their public relations bachelor's degree in 4 years, if they are attending full-time. Choosing a part-time class load means it will likely take more than 4 years to complete your program. Additionally, some programs feature an accelerated semester format, which means it may be possible to earn your degree in fewer than 4 years. Also, taking summer classes or extra classes during the regular semester can shorten the time it takes to earn your public relations degree. </p> <h2 id="section---AccreditationForOnlinePublicRelationsPrograms">Accreditation for Online Public Relations Programs</h2> <p>There are two types of accreditation that are important for online public relations bachelor's degree programs: school accreditation and program accreditation. </p> <h3 id="section---SchoolAccreditation">School Accreditation</h3> <p>First, school accreditation is important because it means your college or university has met high, independent standards in terms of academics and resources. You'll want to make sure your school has received regional accreditation by an organization that has been approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). These approved accrediting organizations include the: </p> <ul><li>Higher Learning Commission (HLC) </li><li>Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) </li><li>New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) </li><li>WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) </li><li>Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) </li><li>Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) </li></ul><h3 id="section---ProgramAccreditation">Program Accreditation</h3> <p>You can also look for public relations programs to be accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC), which accredits journalism and mass communications programs at the bachelor's and master's level. Programs that are ACEJMC-accredited have met standards that measure curriculum, faculty credentials, diversity, and program resources. </p> <p>Additionally, public relations programs can earn the Certification in Education for Public Relations from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSSA). This credential is given to programs that meet standards related to professional affiliations, curriculum, faculty, resources, and assessment methods. </p> <h2 id="section---PublicRelationsLicensureCertification">Public Relations Licensure &amp; Certification</h2> <p>Although it is not usually required, public relations professionals may decide to pursue the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) credential offered by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). The credential is meant to indicate their ability to lead and make them stand-out in a competitive job market. The credential also demonstrates knowledge and competence in the field, as well as professional experience. There is also a Certificate in Principles of Public Relations available to college seniors and recent graduates to help jump-start their career. </p> <p>Two different types of the APR credential are available, one for experienced public relations professionals and the other for military communications experts. Students pursuing the APR credential for experienced public relations professionals must fill out the application, sit for a Panel Presentation, and pass an exam. Renewal is required every 3 years and requires students to participate in continuing education, accreditation programs, industry events, and/or a combination of those experiences. </p> <p>Since public relations can be applied to a wide range of positions, students may need to pursue other certifications and/or licensures. For example, someone with a public relations background may pursue a career as a fundraising manager. Some of these managers, depending on the state, need to obtain a state fundraising license. </p> <h2 id="section---JobOptionsWithPublicRelationsBachelorSDegree">Job Options with Public Relations Bachelor's Degree</h2> <p>Graduates with a degree in public relations are able to pursue careers in the fields of business, non-profit, and government. Below, you can explore career and salary information for social media specialists, fundraisers, and public relations specialists, all of which are positions that require a bachelor's degree in public relations or a related field. </p> <h3 id="section---SocialMediaSpecialist"> Social Media Specialist</h3> <p>Social media specialists are responsible for managing the social media accounts and platforms of their employer. Their job duties include: </p> <ul><li>Creating and sharing content, such as videos or text </li><li>Interacting with the public through social media platforms </li><li>Working with marketing consultants or other professionals on campaigns or messaging </li><li>Tracking social media engagement and analytics </li></ul><p>For salary and job outlook purposes, the BLS groups social media specialist with public relations specialists, and those working as media and communication workers made a median salary of $57,530 in 2018 and are expected to experience job growth of 4% between 2018-2028. </p> <p>The website <i>Payscale.com</i> offers self-reported salaries specifically for social media specialists: entry-level professionals in the field made an average salary of $38,408 as of 2020. </p> <h3 id="section---Fundraiser"> Fundraiser</h3> <p>Fundraisers are primarily concerned with raising funds and seeking donations for their organizations. To do so, they must: </p> <ul><li>Find and create relationships with donors </li><li>Manage online fundraising campaigns </li><li>Plan fundraising events </li><li>Track and keeps records of donations </li></ul><p>As per the BLS's 2018 numbers, fundraisers had a median salary of $56,950 and have a job outlook of 9% from 2018-2028. </p> <h3 id="section---PublicRelationsSpecialist">Public Relations Specialist</h3> <p>A public relations specialist, also known as a communications specialist, is someone who manages the public image of their organization or employer. Their job responsibilities include: </p> <ul><li>Writing press releases, speeches, and other media materials </li><li>Interacting with the media </li><li>Monitoring media channels </li><li>Working on promotional or advertising campaigns </li></ul><p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in 2018, public relations specialists earned a median salary of $60,000, and a 6% increase in the number of jobs is expected from 2018-2028. </p> <h3 id="section---HowToBecomeAPublicRelationsSpecialist">How to Become a Public Relations Specialist</h3> <p>In order to become a public relations specialist, students must first obtain a bachelor's degree. Typically, this degree needs to be in public relations or a closely related field, such as communications, business, or English. It is helpful if these programs require students to develop a portfolio of their work that can be used to demonstrate their abilities and skills in the field to potential employers. </p> <p>It is also beneficial for students to obtain some sort of real-world experience in the field of public relations prior to getting a job. This experience can come in many forms, including working on a school newspaper to develop communication skills or taking on some kind of leadership position in a community or school organization to demonstrate communication and working with the public. Internships may also be available at public relations organizations to give students hands-on learning opportunities. </p> <p>It is important for public relations specialists to develop advanced writing and speaking skills as they begin to interact with the public on behalf of their organization. These professionals also need to stay organized and problem-solve at a moments notice to provide the public with clear and informative updates on various situations with the organization. Interpersonal skills are also a must in this profession as specialists interact with a wide range of people in the media and public. </p> <h2 id="section---ProfessionalPublicRelationsOrganizations">Professional Public Relations Organizations</h2> <p>Public relations organizations are dedicated to advocating for the profession and supporting professionals and students. Joining one of these organizations can help you advance your career by granting you access to exclusive opportunities and resources. </p> <h3 id="section---ThePublicRelationsSocietyOfAmericaPRSA"> The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)</h3> <p>PRSA has been working on behalf of public relations professionals for over 70 years. As a paid PRSA member, you can access discounts on educational programs, can attend the PRSA conference, can receive an exclusive newsletter, and can get discounts at major retailers. </p> <h3 id="section---ThePublicRelationsStudentSocietyOfAmericaPRSSA"> The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA)</h3> <p>PRSSA is a student organization that consists of over 9,000 students and advisers and operates chapters all over the world. By joining PRSSA, you are able to take advantage of scholarship and networking opportunities, events and conferences, and educational resources. </p> <h2 id="section---ScholarshipsFinancialAidForPublicRelationsBachelorSDegrees">Scholarships &amp; Financial Aid for Public Relations Bachelor's Degrees</h2> <p>As an undergraduate student, you can receive financial aid from the federal government and receive scholarships from a range of sources. </p> <h3 id="section---FederalAid">Federal Aid</h3> <p>Your very first step when researching your financial aid options is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) from the US Department of Education. This application informs you about the types and amount of aid you qualify for, and as an undergraduate student, you may be able to access the following: </p> <ul><li><b>Pell Grants</b>, which are need-based grants that you don't need to pay back. </li><li><b>Direct Subsidized Loans</b>, which are need-based loans that you must pay back. </li><li><b> Direct Unsubsidized Loans</b>, which are non-need-based loans that you must pay back. </li></ul><p>Also offered is the Work-Study Program, which allows you to work part-time, on- or off-campus, and earn a paycheck that can help you offset any educational expenses. </p> <h3 id="section---Scholarships"> Scholarships</h3> <p>There are also a number of scholarships available to undergraduate students who are earning a public relations or related degree or who have the goal of pursuing a public relations career. These scholarships come from private or non-profit organizations and are based on different criteria, such as heritage, financial need, or commitment to the public relations field. </p> <h4 id="section---AxiaPublicRelationsScholarship"> Axia Public Relations Scholarship</h4> <p>This is a $2,000 award from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) for a college junior or senior student with financial need who wants to pursue a public relations career and is currently earning a public relations degree. To apply, you must have some public relations work or internship experience. </p> <h4 id="section---PRSADiversityMulticulturalScholarship"> PRSA Diversity Multicultural Scholarship</h4> <p>Also from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), this scholarship awards 2 students a $1,500 scholarship each. To apply, you must have a 3.0 GPA, be of African-American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, Asian, Native American, Alaskan Native or Pacific Islander ancestry and be a full-time undergraduate student who is pursuing a public relations minor or major (or a communications-related degree). </p> <h4 id="section---BetsyPlankPRSSAScholarship"> Betsy Plank/PRSSA Scholarship</h4> <p>From the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), this scholarship grants 1 student a $5,000 award, 1 student a $1,500 award, and 1 student a $1,000 award. To apply, a student must submit a statement speaking to their dedication to public relations, a letter of recommendation, and other materials. You must also demonstrate academic achievement and have practical experience. </p> <h4 id="section---TLFScholarshipProgram"> TLF Scholarship Program</h4> <p>This program awards 50 scholarships, 30 of which are $2,500 awards for ethnic minority undergraduate students. This program also grants recipients a trip to New York City where they participate in networking activities. To apply, you must be enrolled at a 4-year, accredited university and must be pursuing a degree in public relations or a related field. </p> <p>It's also a good idea to check with your public relations program or your university's financial aid department about scholarships that you may qualify for. Some universities even offer scholarships specifically for online students. For example, Washington State University offers the ASWSU Global Scholarship, a $ 1,000-a-semester award that goes to new or continuing students who are earning an online degree at the university.</p>