Online Public Relations Degrees

Public relations careers require strong writing, communication, and problem-solving skills. A bachelor's degree in public relations builds the knowledge and skills required for entry-level roles in the field.

Public relations professionals benefit from above-average salaries and strong demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), public relations specialists make a median salary of more than $61,000 per year. The BLS projects jobs for these professionals to grow 7% between 2019-2029.

This guide ranks the best online public relations bachelor's degrees for 2021. It also includes information on common courses and scholarship opportunities for public relations students.

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Learn More About a Public Relations Degree

How long does it take to get a public relations degree?

Earning a bachelor's in public relations typically takes four years for full-time students. Transfer students and those who choose an accelerated program may graduate faster.

What kinds of jobs can you get with a public relations degree?

Public relations degree jobs include roles like public relations specialist, public relations manager, advertising specialist, and market research analyst.

Is a public relations degree worth it?

Public relations students build widely applicable skills that prepare them for careers that offer above-average salaries and strong projected job growth, making the degree a worthwhile investment for many students.

What is the difference between public relations and marketing?

Public relations focuses on an organization's brand and public image, while marketing emphasizes consumer research, pricing strategies, and competitor analysis. Both fields require strong analytical and communication skills.

Why Get a Degree in Public Relations?

Public relations professionals communicate with the media, write speeches, and build favorable images for their organizations. They may specialize in areas like digital communications, strategic communications, or crisis communications.

A public relations bachelor's degree meets the education requirements for roles like public relations specialist, copywriter, advertising specialist, and speechwriter. With experience, professionals can move into managerial roles, like public relations manager.

An online public relations degree gives students the flexibility to balance their studies with personal and professional obligations. Additionally, many schools offer tuition discounts to online students.

How Much Does a Public Relations Degree Cost?

The cost of a public relations degree varies by factors like school, enrollment status, and delivery format. Many colleges charge over $300 per credit for public relations programs. For example, students at Southern New Hampshire University pay $320 per credit for the bachelor's in public relations program.

Private universities typically charge more than public universities, and in-state students at public universities typically pay the most affordable rates. For example, the University of Florida charges $129 per credit for in-state students pursuing the public relations major, while out-of-state students pay $553 per credit.

Online students often save on many of the expenses that on-campus students incur, such as housing and commuting costs. Additionally, many schools allow all online students to pay in-state tuition rates regardless of residency.

How Much Do Public Relations Majors Make?

Public relations graduates can work in fields like public relations, marketing, advertising, and fundraising. Many graduates pursue public relations specialist jobs. These professionals earn a median salary of over $61,000 per year.

Experienced public relations professionals can pursue managerial roles, such as public relations manager. These professionals make a median annual salary of over $116,000 and benefit from much faster-than-average projected job growth between 2019-2029.

Earning professional certifications or a graduate degree also helps public relations professionals increase their earning potential.

Courses in Public Relations

A bachelor's degree in public relations builds strong communication, writing, and analytical skills. Students take courses on topics like public relations writing, media relations, public speaking, and crisis communications. Many programs also incorporate courses in public relations management and project management.

In addition to coursework, public relations majors often complete an internship or capstone project. Courses vary by school, but this section introduces common public relations classes.

• Public Relations Writing and Media Relations

  The course covers different types of public relations writing, including press releases, copywriting, speech writing, and digital media. Learners also examine media relations principles and how to write for print and electronic news media.

• Crisis Communications

  Crisis communications courses train students to respond to crisis situations using public relations techniques. The class covers topics like risk assessment, corporate reputation, and identifying public relations emergencies. Learners also explore legal restrictions on crisis communications, particularly with relation to finance and stock prices.

• Public Relations Management

  In this course, learners examine management techniques from an employee, investor, and executive perspective. Students may complete projects that allow them to apply learned management skills. Public relations management courses prepare graduates for leadership roles.

Certifications and Licensure for Public Relations

Public relations careers do not require a professional license. However, pursuing voluntary certifications helps candidates stand out in the job market, move into specialized roles, and increase their earning potential. Most certifications require educational and professional experience plus passing scores on an examination.

Scholarships for Public Relations

Public relations majors can pursue scholarship opportunities to help pay for their bachelor's degree. Unlike loans, scholarships do not require repayment, making them ideal forms of financial aid. In addition to the following scholarship opportunities, students should research opportunities based on factors like their school, state, and career plans.

Online Bachelor's in Public Relations Programs