2026 Best Online Public Relations Degrees
Find the best online public relations degree programs using verified student ratings as a guide.
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An online public relations bachelor's degree prepares students to shape brand messaging, manage media relationships, and communicate effectively with different audiences. Student reviews add firsthand perspective to help you make the best choice for you.
Key Takeaways:
- The top public relations programs are relatively close in student ratings. After UA at 4.32, the next five schools fall between 3.81 and 4.03.
- Recommendation rates sometimes tell a different story than rankings. Missouri ranks 10th but has an 88% recommendation rate, higher than several schools above it.
After our list of degrees, we spoke with Angela Anderson, a PR professional, about how students can leverage online PR bachelor's programs to thrive in today鈥檚 communications industry.
How We Rank "Best" Schools
The OnlineU research team verifies that only institutionally accredited schools offering at least one fully online bachelor's in public relations degree make the cut. On top of that, schools must also have at least five verified student reviews and an aggregate rating of 2.5+ on a five-point scale. While some of our rankings include partner schools, every school is evaluated using the exact same criteria.
We prioritize the most relevant student feedback by starting with reviews tied to the exact program and degree level. If too few bachelor's in public relations qualify, we gradually expand the review pool to include related programs or other degree levels, while preserving the most program-specific results at the top of the list. This process continues until all eligible review data has been considered.
2026 Best Online Public Relations Degrees
| Rank | School | Review Rating | Recommendation | 100% | $15,750 | N/A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University, Online | 4.03 / 5 | 90% | $17,400 | N/A | ||
| University of Florida | 4.03 / 5 | 81% | $3,357 | $72,397 | ||
| Florida International University | 3.97 / 5 | 83% | $7,068 | N/A | ||
| Purdue Global | 3.82 / 5 | 80% | $11,130 | N/A | ||
| Western Michigan University | 3.81 / 5 | 80% | $19,767 | $57,951 | ||
| Syracuse University | 3.55 / 5 | 71% | 78% | $12,038 | N/A | |
| Southern New Hampshire University Online | 3.36 / 5 | 71% | $10,260 | $56,425 | ||
| University of Missouri | 3.25 / 5 | 88% | 63% | $9,900 | N/A | |
| SUNY College at Oswego | 3.15 / 5 | 67% | $8,850 | $58,896 | ||
| Liberty University | 2.9 / 5 | 55% | $11,700 | N/A |
Online Degree:
What Sets This Program Apart:
- Ranked # 1, UA stands out for its strong student review rating, which illustrates that students report a very positive experience compared with many peer institutions. That student satisfaction is reinforced by a 100% recommendation rate.
- Coursework on the social effects of media and new information technologies connects to the audience analysis and media environment that public relations professionals navigate when planning communication strategies.
- Arizona identifies public relations manager, outreach coordinator, fundraising manager, director of development, copywriter, and content writer among the potential career paths.
Student Review Summary: Reviews portray University of Arizona as a largely positive, opportunity-rich experience shaped by strong faculty, abundant research and internship access, and a campus culture that feels spirited, social, and often more supportive than a school of its size suggests. Many reviewers praise professors for being accessible, knowledgeable, and invested in career readiness, especially through hands-on work, mentoring, tutoring, and networking. Students also value flexibility to change paths and still graduate prepared. The main complaints are inconsistent advising, disorganized registration or financial aid, high tuition and limited scholarships, large introductory classes, party-school culture, and uneven departmental quality, with some citing weak career guidance or administrative support.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 8,959 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $15,750
- Out-of-State Tuition: $15,750
- Program Length: 4 years
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 68%
- Retention Rate: 83%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Online Degree:
What Sets This Program Apart:
- ASU frames this online bachelor's degree around shaping organizational communication and influencing audiences, which closely parallels public relations work involving message strategy, stakeholder communication, and reputation management.
- The curriculum includes crisis communication, giving students direct preparation for one of public relations’ most specialized functions: developing messaging and responding when organizations face high-stakes public situations.
- Career paths listed by ASU include public relations manager, public relations specialist, corporate communications manager, communications director, executive communications manager, and brand or content strategist.
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Arizona State University Online are broadly positive, with many praising flexible scheduling, a user-friendly portal, responsive support, and the ability to balance school with full-time work, parenting, military service, or relocation. Students often value caring professors, strong resources, and online coursework that can feel comparable to in-person study. Several also report career gains, practical preparation, and useful networking. The most consistent complaints center on high cost, added fees, uneven advising, and inconsistent instructor quality. Negative reviews describe delayed responses, TA-heavy grading, recycled or prerecorded content, compressed 7.5-week courses, and some programs that felt misaligned with job outcomes or lacked sufficient real-world preparation.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 57,610 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $17,400
- Out-of-State Tuition: $17,400
- Program Length: 4 years
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 68%
- Retention Rate: 93%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Online Degree:
What Sets This Program Apart:
- UF’s online PR degree is specifically built around public relations, with core training in persuasive and strategic communication, writing, research, media relations, community engagement, and public-issue analysis.
- UF offers a Corporate Public Relations specialization that spans both technician-level work, such as social media strategy and multimedia news releases, and management work.
- The Public Interest Communications specialization gives students a distinct PR pathway centered on science-based communication for social change, making the degree relevant to advocacy, nonprofit, civic, and issue-focused communication careers.
4 Student Reviews for Bachelor's in Public Relations Degrees
The College of Journalism at the University of Florida was a fantastic place to successfully complete an undergraduate degree. Although the University itself is quite large, the college and faculty truly make you feel cared for. They are experts in their... Read More
The University of Florida has a fantastic College of Journalism and Communications. The faculty are top-notch and highly respected in their fields. They all have hands-on, in-the-field experience. They are constantly striving to build better facilities... Read More
UF has a lot to offer! Everyone thinks of football and frat parties, but there are plenty of academic groups, intramural sports, and other activities going on all the time. Intro classes can be large, but as you get into the more specialized classes for... Read More
Student Review Summary: Reviews describe University of Florida as a high-energy, opportunity-rich experience with strong academics, recognizable prestige, and exceptional school spirit. Students frequently praise approachable professors, extensive clubs, research, internships, mentoring, and career connections, especially through the alumni network and employer recognition of the UF name. Many also value the beautiful campus, affordable living, flexible online options, and preparation for graduate school or the workforce. Criticisms center on large lecture classes, bureaucratic advising, poor communication from some offices, weak financial aid, parking and safety concerns, and inconsistent career preparation. A few students also felt the culture was overly party-focused, politically biased, or impersonal.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 1,517 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $3,357
- Out-of-State Tuition: $3,357
- Program Length: 4 years
- Median Earnings: $72,397
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 91%
- Retention Rate: 98%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Online Degree:
What Sets This Program Apart:
- FIU combines public relations and advertising in a single bachelor’s degree, giving students exposure to both earned-media and paid-media strategy instead of treating PR as an isolated communication function.
- Online PR students analyze corporate and public communication campaigns, then develop creative strategies and execution plans, closely mirroring the campaign-planning process used in public relations and integrated communications.
- FIU’s Communication Studio provides professional online communication coaching connected to public speaking and business and professional communication courses.
Student Review Summary: Reviews describe FIU as a generally positive, affordable option with strong academics, especially when professors are engaged and resources are actively used. Students frequently praise knowledgeable faculty, diverse classmates, flexible online formats, modern facilities, research access, and abundant clubs, networking, internships, and hands-on learning. Many say the school rewards initiative: those who seek mentors, join organizations, and use career services gain the most. Recurring frustrations center on inconsistent advising, slow or unhelpful administration, parking and commuter-school drawbacks, uneven teaching quality, limited support in some departments, and occasional concerns about online delivery, accessibility, and postgraduation career guidance.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 11,038 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $7,068
- Out-of-State Tuition: $7,068
- Program Length: 4 years
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 74%
- Retention Rate: 92%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Online Degree:
What Sets This Program Apart:
- Purdue Global offers an optional public relations concentration within the communication bachelor’s online.
- Students learn to plan and develop interactive multimedia presentations, a skill that can translate to public relations campaigns involving visual storytelling, presentations, digital content, and stakeholder communications.
- Students can combine the PR concentration with a broader curriculum that includes mass media and broadcasting, technical communication, public speaking, and digital-age tools, creating exposure to several forms of media.
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Purdue Global are sharply divided, but negative feedback is more prevalent and centers on administrative dysfunction rather than coursework. Many reviewers describe severe financial aid problems, inconsistent answers across departments, delayed disbursements, surprise balances, and confusion involving military or veteran benefits. Some also report transcript mishandling, poor advising, rigid policies during illness or emergencies, and frustration with credit transfers, clinical placements, or career outcomes. Positive reviewers consistently praise flexible online scheduling for working adults, supportive professors, responsive advisors, challenging writing-heavy coursework, and the ability to accelerate progress through transfer credits, prior learning, or self-paced formats.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 31,065 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $11,130
- Out-of-State Tuition: $11,130
- Program Length: 4 years
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 50%
- Retention Rate: 57%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Western Michigan University are broadly positive, driven by strong ratings and frequent recommendations, but they reveal a nuanced experience. Students consistently praise caring, accessible professors, small class settings, and a community feel on a campus large enough to offer clubs, events, travel, internships, and career-building opportunities. Many say coursework connected well to jobs, internships, or graduate study, and several highlight flexible options for working adults. Criticism centers on uneven academic rigor, inconsistent advising, limited support for satellite or commuting learners, difficult parking, occasional safety concerns in Kalamazoo, scheduling issues, and some programs feeling too theoretical or lacking real-world preparation.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.1 Student Review for Bachelor's in Public Relations Degrees
I had an incredible experience at Western. The staff, professors and students create a great campus community. My advice? Get involved in as much as you can - you'll meet and work with so many incredible people while building your resume and serving communities.... Read More
- Online Enrollment: 889 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $19,767
- Out-of-State Tuition: $19,767
- Program Length: 4 years
- Median Earnings: $57,951
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 58%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Syracuse University are broadly positive, driven by strong ratings and frequent recommendations, with students praising supportive professors, challenging but manageable academics, and abundant extracurriculars, internships, research, and alumni connections that translate into career opportunities. Many describe a well-rounded experience with room to find a social niche, strong school spirit, and valuable study abroad or online flexibility. The most persistent drawbacks are cost, limited financial aid, and concern over student loans. Some reviews also cite inconsistent advising, bureaucratic course registration, uneven faculty quality, safety concerns off campus, harsh winters, dated facilities, and occasional social segregation or Greek-life-related exclusion.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.1 Student Review for Bachelor's in Public Relations Degrees
The school had a very well rounded communications program. They had a lot of really great extra curricular opportunities, including job opportunities, clubs and events.
- Online Enrollment: 394 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: N/A
- Out-of-State Tuition: $65,528
- Program Length: N/A
- Median Earnings: $83,644
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 84%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Washington State University are largely positive, driven by strong overall ratings and frequent recommendations. Students consistently praise the close-knit college-town atmosphere, school pride, friendly peers, and approachable professors who often know them by name. Many valued research, internships, clubs, and leadership opportunities that helped them build confidence, networks, and real-world experience. Online and branch-campus experiences were more uneven: some found them flexible, supportive, and career-friendly, while others described confusing course design, limited teaching quality, and poor responsiveness. Common frustrations include inconsistent advising, weak career support in some areas, administrative and financial aid problems, high costs, and Pullman’s remote location.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.1 Student Review for Bachelor's in Public Relations Degrees
My time in Pullman was the great, you get the college town experience with Spokane only a short drive away. Class sizes were not overwhelming and the friends I made are still in my life. Attending the university gave me the building blocks both career... Read More
- Online Enrollment: 3,090 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $12,038
- Out-of-State Tuition: $12,038
- Program Length: 4 years
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 61%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Southern New Hampshire University Online are sharply divided, though the volume leans favorable. Supporters consistently praise flexible scheduling, clear course layouts, responsive advisors, and instructors who provide prompt feedback. Many say the format works especially well for self-directed learners balancing work, family, military service, or health limitations, and several cite reasonable tuition, strong transfer-credit acceptance, and career progress after graduation. Critics, however, describe serious breakdowns in financial aid, billing, withdrawal processing, and transcript holds, often saying they felt misled or trapped by policies. Another recurring complaint is uneven instructional quality: some courses feel rigorous and practical, while others feel overly template-driven, writing-heavy, and largely self-taught.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 160,747 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $10,260
- Out-of-State Tuition: $10,260
- Program Length: 4 years
- Median Earnings: $56,425
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 43%
- Retention Rate: 61%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Student Review Summary: Reviews portray University of Missouri as a broadly satisfying, opportunity-rich experience with strong value, especially for in-state tuition and scholarship support. Students frequently praise accessible, caring professors, abundant organizations, research, internships, advising, tutoring, and career services that helped with jobs and graduate-school readiness. Many also highlight a beautiful campus, updated dorms and facilities, lively athletics, and Columbia’s welcoming college-town atmosphere. Concerns center on large introductory classes, uneven academic rigor, parking, high tuition or limited aid for some, inconsistent career development in certain areas, weak COVID handling, online learners feeling disconnected, and occasional advising or lab culture problems.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 1,186 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: N/A
- Out-of-State Tuition: $36,056
- Program Length: 4 years
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 75%
- Retention Rate: 93%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Student Review Summary: Reviews of University of Maryland Global Campus are sharply divided, but they most often describe a flexible, career-friendly online option that demands strong self-discipline. Supporters say the accelerated terms, transfer-credit acceptance, and military-friendly scheduling make it possible to balance coursework with full-time work, deployments, and family responsibilities. They also praise rigorous writing, discussion-based learning, and some highly engaged instructors who provide practical, workplace-relevant assignments. Critics focus on chronic administrative failures, especially financial aid, billing, advising, transcript handling, and poor communication. Many also report inconsistent teaching quality, heavy group-project dependence, limited hands-on instruction in technical subjects, and a reputation that may not carry strong name recognition outside certain regions or employers.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 46,379 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $9,900
- Out-of-State Tuition: $9,900
- Program Length: 4 years
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 33%
- Retention Rate: 55%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Student Review Summary: Reviews portray SUNY Oswego as a generally well-liked, affordable campus where many found caring professors, small or manageable classes, strong involvement opportunities, and lasting friendships. Students repeatedly praise the scenic lakefront setting, supportive faculty, hands-on learning, and clubs, athletics, and alumni connections that can open early career doors. The most consistent frustrations center on uneven advising, limited career preparation and recruiting, confusing administrative processes, transportation and parking headaches, harsh winters, and concerns that some courses feel irrelevant or too generalized. A few reviewers describe weak teaching quality or poor housing, but most still emphasize value, community, and practical experience.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.1 Student Review for Bachelor's in Public Relations Degrees
Great value, good size, lots of co-curricular activities, awesome team of professional administrators!
- Online Enrollment: 614 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $8,850
- Out-of-State Tuition: $8,850
- Program Length: 4 years
- Median Earnings: $58,896
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 60%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Student Review Summary: Reviews describe an online experience that is highly polarizing but leans favorable overall, with many praising flexible eight-week terms, responsive professors, supportive advising, and strong value for military families and working adults. Many say the workload is rigorous, writing-heavy, and best suited to self-directed learners who can manage fast pacing. A major dividing line is the university’s explicit Christian integration: supporters value faith-centered assignments and worldview training, while critics say biblical references are forced into nearly every class, sometimes crowding out practical content. The sharpest complaints involve inconsistent advising, slow communication, financial aid errors, hidden fees, practicum or transfer-credit frustrations, and uneven instructor engagement.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 39,156 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $11,700
- Out-of-State Tuition: $11,700
- Program Length: 4 years
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 65%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Compare Top-Rated Online PR Degrees to Choose the Best Fit
For public relations students, tuition and earnings can be useful when considered alongside the type of work the degree may lead to, such as agency PR, corporate communications, media relations, fundraising, or digital strategy. Syracuse, for example, has the highest median earnings in this group at $83,644, but its estimated four-year tuition is also much higher. UF presents a very different tradeoff, with $72,397 in median earnings and roughly $13,428 in estimated tuition. Those are a couple standouts from the graph above.
Recommendation rate measures the percentage of verified reviewers who would recommend a school, while review rating reflects their average score on a five-point scale. Online public relations programs may differ in terms of the day-to-day preparation, including writing intensity, campaign work, faculty feedback, career networking, and exposure to digital or strategic communication. For prospective PR students, using both student reviews and recommendation rates metrics can help distinguish broad willingness to recommend a school from the more nuanced satisfaction reflected in its average rating.
Standout Features of the Best Online Public Relations Degrees: An Editorial Analysis
PR Meets Industry-Certified Digital Marketing
SUNY College at Oswego
SUNY Oswego creates a bridge between public relations and digital marketing through a digital marketing minor connected to Digital Marketing Institute and American Marketing Association certifications. That can broaden the degree beyond traditional media relations for students interested in social strategy, digital campaigns, audience development, or integrated communications roles.
PR Experience Before Graduation
Washington State University
Washington State makes professional experience part of the degree, and its online BA in Integrated Strategic Communication requires an internship, giving students a structured opportunity to apply PR, advertising, branding, or digital communication skills before graduation. That requirement complements an online curriculum that combines public relations with consumer insights, digital content, advertising, and quantitative research methods.
Build a PR Campaign for a Real Client
Southern New Hampshire University Online
SNHU鈥檚 Public Relations concentration is compact, but it culminates in one of the more concrete applied experiences on this list, where online students develop and pitch a campaign for a real client. The four-course concentration sits inside the BA in Communication and uses the major鈥檚 elective space, allowing students to add a defined PR focus without creating a separate degree structure.
Expert Guidance on Finding the Best PR Degree Online That Fits Your Needs
What should students look for when choosing an online PR program that will prepare them for today鈥檚 communication careers?
"I would recommend picking a program where you have access to professors that give you the space to interact, ask questions, and actually give you real feedback and not just a grade. Anything that lets you work on real-world projects, like campaigns for actual clients or simulations that mimic agency life, is super valuable.
My hope for any aspiring PR student is that they are able to come out of their program with a strong portfolio of projects that mirror what they would do professionally, and that they can say, 'Yes, I know how to do that' in an interview.
I would also check if the program includes certifications (Google Analytics, HubSpot, etc.) that line up with your career goals. And see if they offer a mix of different angles of PR, so you can get experience with PR writing, digitial marketing, pitching and more, and give you a taste of many different PR roles."
Any advice for prospective PR students?
"My biggest piece of advice would be to...
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Remember that you are your own brand! Be yourself, but the best, most awesome version.
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Have a strong online portfolio, and ask for feedback constantly.
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Be fun and memorable, and meet people! Get involved in any way you can, while it may be to approach opportunities virtually or more difficult online, there are tons of spaces to connect with people with similar interests/goals as you.
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Also join PRSSA if your school offers a chapter, or if there is maybe one in your state you could join.
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Connect with people on LinkedIn that you think are doing work you want to do, and send them a message, they could really appreciate it!"
How can online students gain practical PR experience while completing their PR degree remotely?
"Hopefully your program has built-in client projects, but if not, look for virtual internships or even reach out to local nonprofits or small businesses to see if they need help with social media or PR. Does your local animal shelter need someone to promote their event? Do that! TV? Social Media? Email marketing?
Volunteer work totally counts as experience, and it gives you portfolio pieces. Start saving everything you write, press releases, pitches, social posts so you can show employers real samples later in an epic portfolio."
What skills make new PR professionals stand out to employers?
"I would say being able to offer a variety of skills helps a ton.
I studied journalism before going into PR, and that background made me a stronger writer and helped me understand how reporters think, what the news wants to see, etc. I also did an undergrad program for social media/ digital marketing as my entry into the space before PR, so I had multiple angles I could bring to the table.
I would also say that showing a genuine interest about the clients or industries they represent can make you stand out to employers. When I applied for the role at my agency that I work for now, my cover letter highlighted my passion for some of the restaurants we represent, and I believe that enthusiasm showed that I wanted to work in this industry because I cared about it."
What types of entry-level roles are common for PR graduates at the bachelor's level?
"I would say if you want experience in PR, maybe start with journalism or social media if you can't find anything directly related to Public Relations or Communications.
Social media management is closely tied to PR, or agencies work together, and as a 'young person' you might offer unique skills to support their PR efforts. Any sort of writing experience, such as producing press releases or blog content, can also be strong starting points for building communication experience."
EXPERT TIP
"Do yourself a favor and read Dale Carnegie's 'How to Win Friends and Influence People.' This book changed my life and I believe it is the reason I have been able to build relationships. At the end of the day, PR is about relationship building and the more you practice connecting with people, the better and more confident you'll be at it!"
FAQs About Choosing the Best Online Public Relations Degree
What Should You Know About Online Public Relations Bachelor's Programs?
An online public relations degree, like the programs in the list above, develops communication, strategic thinking, and media relations skills, with courses in branding, crisis management, and digital communications. Graduates help build and maintain positive public images for organizations and clients, preparing for careers like PR specialist or communications manager.
There are three different online degree level options for public relations. Over the course of four years a bachelor's degree will prepare students for positions such as campaign manager, public relations coordinator, and public relations specialist. A master's program in public relations will enhance a student's knowledge in communication through technology and media. A master's program will typically take two years to complete and prepare graduates for above entry-level positions such as public relations manager, brand manager, and director of communications.
Online undergraduate and graduate certificate programs are also available for people interested in receiving an education in the field of public relations.
What Admission Requirements Should You Compare in Online Public Relations Programs?
Students can obtain an online bachelor's degree in public relations in four years, generally upon completing 120-credit hours. Participants will sharpen their skills in critical thinking, writing, strategic planning, and execution. These skills will lend assistance to building relationships between organizations and their public audiences, which is a necessity for graduates to perform in their follow up careers.
Public relations programs require general education coursework along with major specific courses such as public speaking, public relations, journalism, social media, writing for public relations, organizational communications, and ethics. A high school diploma or equivalent must be obtained prior to enrolling in a bachelor's program along with a qualifying SAT or ACT test score. Depending on the school, a letter of recommendation may also be required.
Graduates can seek entry-level job opportunities in both business and government as PR specialists, representatives, campaign managers, and PR coordinates. Public relations bachelor's programs are offered at both colleges and universities.
What Accreditation Should You Look for in an Online Public Relations Degree?
Accreditation should always be a top consideration when applying to public relations bachelor鈥檚 programs as well as applying to any institutions of higher education. Accreditation is the process in which colleges, universities, and educational programs are evaluated for quality and to ensure that acceptable levels of trainings are being conducted. Another important factor to consider is low-cost loans for students as only accredited institutions are able to participate in federal financial aid programs.
Attending an institutionally accredited school will also make the transfer process a lot easier for those who may be interested in changing their path in the future as institutionally accredited colleges will most often accept credits from other accredited institutions. (Rest assured that all online schools featured across OnlineU are institutionally accredited.)
Also, many employers are looking to hire graduates who have attended accredited schools. It gives the employer more confidence that the applicant has been well trained in their field and will be a great asset to the organization.
For a bachelor鈥檚 in public relations, we want to note that programmatic accreditation is not a major factor. Although, some schools may highlight memberships or alignment with organizations like the Public Relations Society of America () or the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (), but these are less common at the bachelor鈥檚 level and not typically required by employers.
What Careers Should You Consider When Choosing a Public Relations Degree Online?
With the rise in popularity of technology and social media, public relation specialists have become vital in the relationship between organizations and the general public. Key job titles within the industry include public relations specialist and public relations manager.
Public relations specialists are hired to to maintain a positive company image through media and address any concerns that the general public may have about the organization. Job functions of a specialist include creating press releases, gathering requested data, determining ways to access target audience, and assisting the client in successfully communicating with the general public.
Public relations managers will oversee PR specialists to ensure that all tasks and projects are being completed within the company's or client's standards. They also focus on evolving their clients' images with social, political, and economical changes to keep in good standing with the public. In order to qualify for a manager position it will require a minimum of three years work experience along with an educational background. A typical work week for a public relations manager incudes creating logos and signs to keep up the clients' image, organizing events, crafting speeches, coordinating interviews, and creating press releases.
In terms of a salary, public relations and fundraising managers (which are grouped together in the Bureau of Labor Statistics as a single occupation) make a median salary of , which is about $63.88 per hour. The minimal level of education to get in the door is a bachelor's degree, but a master's in this field gives students an edge in the marketplace and some positions actually require it either in public relations or a related degree, like a master's in journalism, for example.
Student Reviews of Online Public Relations Programs
I transferred from a brick and mortar school to Ashford in 2010, realizing that I needed a college that was more flexible with my schedule. The professors were very helpful and available to answer any questions you had. Unless given special permission, you take one class every six weeks, which helps you focus solely on that class. This also means that you learn a great deal of material in a short amount of time. If you have gone to a brick and mortar college, think of a summer class. Many of the... Read More
Review Date: 6/4/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I love my college. Not only is there so much opportunity to learn. It is an awesome school that helps all students stay involved. The campus is huge but doesn't feel it. Everyone does a good job of coming together as a student body. The location in Orlando Florida which is great. It not only is a college town but you have all the theme parks, downtown Orlando and Winter Park. Which are three totally different areas to explore. I wouldn't change the school I picked. The University of Central Florida... Read More
Review Date: 12/19/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Suffolk University was a great school for someone like me who was working full-time. Very convenient location and the teacher were always very helpful! Even if I ran into any problems the professors were always willing to hear out my concerns and try their best to fix them. I really love being a Suffolk Alumni!
Review Date: 3/10/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I attended Kennesaw State for five years. Other than the random fees I had to pay, I did enjoy my time there. I made lots of friends and really enjoyed most of my classes. Some of my professors leaned more toward discussion based classes, but I actually did enjoy that because it felt more engaging. I also enjoyed being 30 minutes away from home.
Review Date: 5/15/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
To me, SJSU is a friendly campus with its diverse community, amiable staff and eloquent lecturers. Student activities are outstanding in terms of multicultural events and different organizations. The online system for grade is not too effective for checking.
Review Date: 5/27/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I really enjoyed this school. The communications department is extremely small but that makes it better. You get to know your professors on a more personal level. The only bad thing about them is there are very limited opportunities for internships and work available at Stephen F. Austin in the communications department.
Review Date: 5/22/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
My undergraduate experience at Hofstra has been the best four years of my life so far, and I loved it so much that I decided to come back for my master's. I've seen a lot of mixed reviews on this site about the school, but the thing is that every school has its up and downs and there's no such thing as one perfect school. Regardless of where you end up, your college experience will be what you make it. I didn't enjoy my classes initially. Once I changed majors and started studying something that... Read More
Review Date: 7/25/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I thoroughly enjoyed my time spent at Virginia Tech as a Public Relations major. Although not as challenging as other majors Virginia Tech is famous for, I believe I learned valuable communication skills that will help me pursue my dream career in the field of government. The professors I had at Virginia Tech were excellent. The COMM department is filled with successful, talented professors who genuinely care about their students. My academic advisor from the COMM department was always willing to... Read More
Review Date: 3/21/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I'm not, nor will I ever be an average college student. I had to get a GED instead of a High School Diploma. After 4 years at a community college I was finally ready to take the next step to achieve my Bachelors degree. I really wanted to get into the PR industry but I knew that UCF had a rigorous Ad-PR program that had a 10% acceptance rate. I applied to other schools, but UCF was the most affordable school out of my choices, so financially I thought I had to settle for trying to get into the program,... Read More
Review Date: 3/31/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I had an incredible experience at Western. The staff, professors and students create a great campus community. My advice? Get involved in as much as you can - you'll meet and work with so many incredible people while building your resume and serving communities.
Review Date: 11/30/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Attending Florida A&M University was one of the best decisions that I made. The professors and academic staff provided me so many impactful teaching moments that have stayed with me till this day. The School of Journalism which I graduated from gave me all the skills I needed to become successful in my career. I would recommend FAMU to anyone who is curious about attending.
Review Date: 4/1/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Murray State University provided me with rigorous coursework, undergraduate research experience, experiential learning opportunities, clubs/organization involvement, and a great diversified learning atmosphere. I have made friendships that will last a lifetime, connections among peers and professors that have already helped in my career, and a diverse background of coursework in public relations and psychology. I was challenged daily but supported as well. Murray State is a fantastic school, and... Read More
Review Date: 3/1/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Brigham Young University provided me with an education that was extremely helpful and pertinent to my transitioning into the professional world. One of my professors in particular, Dr. Laurie Wilson, was especially helpful as she dedicated many hours per week to help her students succeed with any given essays, case studies, or presentations we were tasked with. The course material in most all my classes was relevant and I felt like the assignments I was given, helped me bridge the gap between learning... Read More
Review Date: 3/17/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The University of Florida is a great school. If you are looking for a school in a college town that has a lot of school spirit, this school is for you. The city is dedicated to Gators. (The buses have Gator sayings on them, the restaurants have Gator paraphernalia, etc.) Most of the residents are former students. There is such an attachment and sense of pride for the Gators. Alumni still get excited to meet fellow Gators. The bond created here transcends the two, three, or four years you go here.... Read More
Review Date: 8/5/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I went to Illinois State University after one year at a community college. My advisor was very helpful in getting me acquainted with the different programs in the School of Communication, and once I figured out what I wanted to study, she was just as involved with my plan of study. (Just so happens that the Public Relations program at Illinois State is an accredited program, which they have a few of those...very impressive!) I highly recommend getting involved on campus -- with different student... Read More
Review Date: 4/28/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Best college ever! Great place to have fun and is a great university for driven students
Review Date: 10/26/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
It was small enough to feel comfortable but not too small to feel like a community college. The campus is beautiful and the professors are attentive. There's not much to do in Statesboro, but it's a nice, small town.
Review Date: 10/26/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The University of Mount Union is a fantastic all-around school. The campus is impeccable and the faculty and staff are driven to give students the best possible experience and prepare them for careers in a variety of fields. The Department of Communication also gave me great knowledge and the opportunity to get involved in areas that I know will continue to help my career.
Review Date: 3/27/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The University of Florida has a fantastic College of Journalism and Communications. The faculty are top-notch and highly respected in their fields. They all have hands-on, in-the-field experience. They are constantly striving to build better facilities to mimic real life scenarios. The students are actively engaged with their academic and extra curricular activities. I would highly recommend this school!
Review Date: 3/19/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The internship opportunities are great, but the students on campus are not incredibly friendly and the administration does nothing to lower the total cost of tuition/room/board. It's a incredibly expensive education. You would be better off going to a state school and coming to DC for the summer internships.
Review Date: 8/19/2015
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: Yes