Best Online Public Relations Degrees
Updated June 15, 2023
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What is a Public Relations degree and what can you do with it?
The Public Relations Society of America says, “Public relations is a strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics.”
Public relations specialist can work for law firms, individuals, or large businesses. And if you're looking for training in this field, you can get it online.
Online degrees are getting more and more popular, so if you're thinking about other online programs take a peek at College Choice's ranking of the top online colleges and universities.
One thing is for sure: Public relations professionals will always be in need.
Recommended Schools
Corporations like PepsiCo, ExxonMobil and United Airlines employ PR professionals to maintain and portray a certain reputation for the public. Business Insider featured Elliot Schrage as the most influential PR person who oversees Facebook’s 1 billion members.
When it comes to a company’s reputation, PR specialists can either help or diminish the company’s standing with the community. They have a big job.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average median pay for Public Relations Specialists is $58,020 per year.
“Employment of public relations specialists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2014 to 2024. PR specialists create and maintain a favorable public image for the organization they represent.
If you plan to become a public relations specialist, then you should pursue your career in Texas New York, California, D.C, or Florida. PR professionals in the Washington D.C. area earn an average of $95,750.
What Are the Best Online Bachelor Degrees in Public Relations?
College Choice has gone through the tedious task of finding some of the best online undergraduate programs for PR degrees. Our method for delivering the best online bachelor for Public Relations degrees compares categories like tuition rates and retention. We also measure the return on investment for each college and university.
Our data for this ranking draws on sources such as the National Center for Education Statistics, PayScale, and U.S. News & World Report.
Rankings
See our rankings methodology page.
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California Baptist UniversityLocation
Riverside, CA
Graduation Rate55%
California Baptist University Online exists to respond to the ever-changing demands of a fast-paced culture. The online school is ideal for students who aspire to advance in their educational goals while maintaining their family or job. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission.
Features
The Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations requires 48 major units in addition to general course requirements. The school offers courses like Public Relations Issues and Crisis Management, Business Literacy for Public Relations Professionals, and Principles of International Public Relations. Because the school is rooted in the Baptist tradition, students take an additional six units in courses like the Overview of the Bible, and Foundations of Christian Thought.
Notables
U.S. News and World Report ranks CBU as one of the top-ranked Best Online Bachelor’s Program. The school stands as #8 among all Online Bachelor’s Programs. Also, at California Baptist University Online, you will have access to some of the best technology in distance learning. CBU has the latest technology in online education. Students interact with specialized equipment like Tandberg High Definition Video, Voice Thread, WebEx, Movi-Cisco, and other tools that enhance the learning experience.
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Drexel University OnlineLocation
Philadelphia, PA
If you are interested in being a spokesperson for a large corporation on television or be involved in press conferences and writing, then you should check out Drexel University Online. The University’s B.S. in Communication in Public Relations prepares students for careers in media and television, video production, press conferences, and graduate study in many disciplines.
Features
Drexel University Online offers the B.S. in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations. The unique format of the degree program prepares you to contextualize your studies in Public Relations with other topics like Journalism, Mass Media and Society, New Technologies in Communication, and Public Relations. As opposed to the two-semester system, the program is organized into four 10-week quarters each year.
Notables
Just because the Public Relations program is online, it does not mean that you will not have the support you need. At Drexel students have access to their professors, classmates, academic advisor, and 24/7 tech support. Another notable feature of Drexel’s online program is that it offers study abroad opportunities for its virtual students.
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Colorado Christian UniversityLocation
Lakewood, CO
Graduation Rate42%
Colorado Christian University (CCU) was established 1914 and is an interdenominational Christian college. The university is a member of the Council of Christian Collee and Universities. The school has about 7,379 enrolled students and 150 undergraduate faculty members. The undergraduate student-faculty ration is 11:1.
Features
The online program at CCU consists of 36 Major Core courses and 42 credit hours of Elective Requirements. Major Core courses include Advanced Interpersonal Relations, Persuasive Communication, and also a Field Internship. The program also adds components of legal and ethical fields as well as biblical perspectives.
Notables
Military Service Members and Veterans get special educational benefits at Colorado Christian University. Also, if you have already taken courses at other institutions, CCU will allow you to transfer those credits so that you can complete your degree sooner. The Higher Learning Commission accredits Colorado Christian University.
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Bellevue UniversityLocation
Bellevue, NE
Graduation Rate29%
Bellevue University prepares students for careers in public relations and digital communications by training students in professional writing and speaking, creative thinking, and ethical decision-making. The school began in 1966. Bellevue values integrity, innovation, education, and is student-centric.
Features
The Bachelor of Science in Communication online degree at Bellevue University prepares students for careers in Public Relations. In the Virtual Public Relations Experience course students participate in a virtual business environment to cultivate skills that develop effective leaders in organizations. Courses are offered entirely online or in-class.
Notables
Washington Monthly highlights Bellevue as a Top Ten University for Adult Learners. Most Innovative Universities Online named the school as the Most Generous Credit Transfer Policy, and the school is one of the top Military-friendly schools. The flexibility of Bellevue’s online program allows students to continue their professions while enhancing their careers.
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Geneva CollegeLocation
Beaver Falls, PA
Graduation Rate65%
Geneva College is a Christ-centered educational institution that was established in 1848. Although the Bachelor of Public Relations degree is entirely online, the physical campus is in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. The Public Relations program at Geneva assists students in advancing in careers and further study in public relations, advertising, promotions, and communications.
Features
One of the advantages of the online program at Geneva College is that students have 24/7 access to its McCartney Library. If there were one word to describe the nature of Geneva’s online Bachelors of Public Relations, it would be “convenience.” The program is offered in a 16-month format with two eight-week classes at a time. It’s excellent professors give one-on-one attention and support to their students.
Notables
Geneva online is one of the best online colleges in Pennsylvania. Affordable Colleges Online ranks the school among the top in its state. Geneva College provides opportunities for its students to network and gains professional experience through its chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America.
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Webster UniversityLocation
Saint Louis, MO
Graduation Rate64%
Webster University is a nonprofit university in St. Louis, Missouri. The University was founded in 1915 and currently has campus locations in North America, Europe, Asia Africa. Global, action-oriented, and academic excellence characterize some of the Webster’s values. The online program at Webster allows you to engage many perspectives because you are not limited to a physical classroom. You are a “WorldClassRoom” student.
Features
Webster’s School of Communications houses the online B.A. degree. The Bachelor of Arts in Media Communications allows students to concentrate in Public Relations. Students must complete at least 12 hours of study to establish the concentration in Public Relations. The degree requires a minimum of 128 credit hours with University Global Citizenship Program hours and electives.
Notables
What distinguishes Webster University from others? The institution is globally-focused, and it applies theory to real-life situations. Furthermore, Webster focuses on diversity and inclusion with students from more than 100 countries.
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National UniversityLocation
La Jolla, CA
Graduation Rate40%
National University was established in 1971. Its online educational platform is one of the most impressive among educational institutions. The school offers more than 70 degrees that are entirely online.
Features
Students interested in Public Relations at National University engage the concentration through an interdisciplinary approach. The online bachelor’s degree program blends concepts in “advertising, sales promotion, public relations, and direct marketing.” The school requires a minimum of 180 quarter units.
Notables
National University excels in its commitment to diversity. Diverse Issues in Higher Education ranks the school as one of the top degree-granting institutions for Hispanics and African Americans in California. Also, the school ranks highly for granting degrees to women nationally. National University is committed to helping all students do well in their academic goals.
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Pennsylvania State University-World CampusLocation
University Park, PA
Graduation Rate25%
Pennsylvania State University’s World Campus is the second largest school within the Pennsylvania State University system. The school has offered online education since 1998. Penn State World Campus offers more than 125 degrees and certificates.
Features
The Bachelor of Arts in Advertising/Public Relations with an option in Strategic Communications is a 120-credit interdisciplinary program. The online program helps students to develop skills in complex problem solving, oral, visual, and written communication, research and analytic techniques, creative thinking, and cultural and social awareness. The undergrad degree helps students get positions as public relations specialists and managers, media relations workers, and as public relations associates.
Notables
The online bachelor’s program at Pennsylvania State stands as one of the best in the United States. U.S. News and World Report regards Penn States’ online bachelor’s program as one of the best in the nation for 2017. When you graduate from the school’s online bachelor’s program, you will be able to “influence the public image of a person or an organization.”
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University of LouisvilleLocation
Louisville, KY
Graduation Rate54%
The University of Louisville (UofL) is a research university that joined the university system in 1970. UofL has six online, undergraduate degree programs. Students interested in careers in Public Relations take courses in the PR through the Bachelor of Arts in Communication or the Bachelor of Science in Communication degrees.
Features
UofL’s program prepares students to do “research, writing, editing, special events, fund raising, and administration” in careers in Public Relations. Whereas the B.A. degree requires more foreign language and liberal arts credits, the B.S. degree does not. Students take 21-hour core classes and 15 hours of communication courses.
Notables
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits the University of Louisville. UofL has 16 online learning programs with approximately 5,900 students taking one online course. The University of Louisville has more than 130,000 alumni.
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Southern New Hampshire UniversityLocation
Manchester, NH
Graduation Rate50%
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private institution founded in 1932. The physical campus is in Manchester, New Hampshire. The school has more than 80,000 online students. Faculty members who have practical experience in PR teach the online courses.
Features
SNHU offers courses like Public Relations, Writing for Public Relations, Electronic Public Relations, and Public Relations Campaign Planning Seminar. The Public Relations Campaign Planning Seminar is a capstone course where students develop and pitch a campaign for a real client. The program requires students to take general college courses at the College of Online and Continuing Education, Major Courses, and Electives.
Notables
GetEducated.com ranks Southern New Hampshire University as one of the best online schools and G.I. Jobs ranks it as a top military friendly university. The New England Association of Schools and Colleges accredits the university. With an online PR degree from SNHU, you will make yourself competitive in the marketplace.
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Arizona State UniversityLocation
Phoenix, AZ
Graduation Rate58%
Arizona State University (ASU) is a public research institution founded in 1885. The school recently partnered with Starbucks to create the “Pathway to Admission Program.” The program helps over 15,000 Starbucks employees qualify for admission to ASU.
Features
The online Bachelor of Science in Communication degree gives students the tools they need to be successful in a career in public relations. The program’s classes last for approximately seven and a half weeks. There is a total of 40 online courses for the major and the undergrad program is fast track eligible. With the degree, graduates will be equipped to be Public Relations Specialists.
Notables
At ASU Online students learn from some of the top academic professionals in the field. Professors from the university are recipients of Nobel Laureates, Fulbright scholar fellowships, and the Pulitzer Prize. Online students have access to the same professors who teach on campus. This means that they learn from the best of the best. U.S. News and World Report ranks ASU as the #1 school for innovation and the #4 school in the country for online bachelor’s degree programs.
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University of MemphisLocation
Memphis, TN
Graduation Rate44%
The Department of Journalism and Strategic Media at the University of Memphis houses the online B.A. in Public Relations. Critical thinking, writing, professionalism, multimedia, and media literacy embody the department’s pillars of education in journalism and strategic media.
Features
Although the University of Memphis offers the B.A. in Public Relations on campus, it also provides the degree 100% online. The program emphasizes practical experience through hands-on opportunities. PR students intern with companies like Archer Malmo, Obsidian PR, St. Jude, and FedEx.
Notables
Public Relations students at the University of Memphis create opportunities and experiences within their degree program. For example, students helped a local chapter of Habitat for Humanity start a young professionals group. Students also initiated a “public relations campaign for the University of Memphis football team to inspire school spirit and student attendance at home games.
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Grand Canyon UniversityLocation
Phoenix, AZ
Graduation Rate28%
Grand Canyon University (GCU) was founded as a liberal arts college in 1949. The Christian University is affiliated with the Baptist tradition. The school is committed to its Christian faith and to existing as a missional community.
Features
Grand Canyon’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences offers its online B.A. of Arts in Communications. The program brings together Christian principles and communication skills applicable to public relations. Incoming students can transfer up to 90 credits. The program requires a total of 120 credits. The Principles of Public Relations class “examines the relationships between the public relations practitioner and clients, consumers, employees, and media.”
Notables
The Higher Learning Commission accredits GCU’s degree programs. At GCU you will be part of a tradition that cares about social responsibility. The University supports community programs like Phoenix Dream Center, Hopefest, the American Cancer Society and many other organizations. Grand Canyon University is also a Division I school.
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University of Alabama at BirminghamLocation
Birmingham, AL
Graduation Rate56%
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is one of three schools within The University of Alabama system. UAB’s Collat School of Business allows students to focus on Public Relations through its online Bachelor of Science in Marketing.
Features
The value of studying public relations through the online B.A. through the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s business school is that it gives you a diverse set of schools. While some schools focus exclusively on PR, UAB connects PR with Marketing and principles of business. UAB is an ideal school for students wishing to take their PR skills to the corporate sector.
Notables
At UAB award-winning faculty members teach your online classes. The elite program is AACSB-Accredited. U.S. News and World Report names the school among the top of the “Best Online Bachelor’s Programs.” The Princeton Review also acknowledges UAB among the nation’s “Best Business Schools.” The school has over 115,000 graduates.
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University of North DakotaLocation
Grand Forks, ND
Graduation Rate55%
The University of North Dakota (UND) was founded in 1883. UND has more than 11,500 undergraduate students and a student body with representing 50 states and 85 countries. The communication degree is one of UND’s most popular degree.
Features
Students in the online bachelor of arts in communication program can focus on public relations. The degree is 100% online and encompasses 125 credits. Writing for Public Relations, AD/PR Campaigns, Social Media Strategy, and Organizational Communication exemplify courses available for online students.
Notables
Some of the notable features of the University of North Dakota’s program include in-state tuition even if you do not live in North Dakota. Online Colleges ranks the online school as the best in the state of North Dakota and TheBestSchools.org names it as one of the top 25 best online colleges. Also, affordablecollegesonline.org regards the UND’s online degree among the top 35.
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Point Park UniversityLocation
Pittsburgh, PA
Graduation Rate58%
Point Park University is in Downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The University was founded in 1960. Its online program has “small class sizes, convenient scheduling, and affordable tuition.” Middle States Commission on Higher Education Accredits the school.
Features
Point Park offers a bachelor of arts degree in public relations and advertising. Even though the degree is entirely online, students still gain hands-on experience. Participants in the program work with real agencies for their capstone project. Undergrads must complete 125 credit hours. Each course is eight weeks in length.
Notables
According to The Best Schools, Point Park’s online bachelor’s degrees in Communications and Public Relations ranks as one of The 25 Most Affordable degrees. One of the distinguishing marks about the online program at Point Park University is that professionals create the PR and advertising program. In this way, you do not have to worry about learning theory that you will not use in your profession.
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University of FloridaLocation
Gainesville, FL
Graduation Rate88%
If you are interested in a career as an account coordinator, account executive, communications specialist, or public relations specialist, then you should check out the University of Florida Online. The University of Florida launched UF Online in 2014. UF Online exists to “offer high-quality, fully online baccalaureate degree programs at an affordable cost.”
Features
The University of Florida’s Journalism and Communications College offers the Bachelor of Science in Public Relations online. The program focuses on communication skills, writing, social media, public policy, public-issue analysis, media relations and more. UF’s PR students have won the most Bateman Case Study Competitions at the Public Relations Student Society of America, among U.S. universities.
Notables
UF Online offers courses for $129 per credit. Affordable Colleges ranks the school as the number one most affordable online bachelor’s degrees. U.S. News and World Report ranks its online bachelor’s program as number 11 in the nation. The school has over 400,000 Gator alumni.
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West Virginia UniversityLocation
Morgantown, WV
Graduation Rate57%
West Virginia University (WVU) is in Morgantown, West Virginia. WVU Online offers classes throughout the state, nation, and globe. The institution’s mission aims to provide universal education, create the highest quality of online courses, and “ensure seamless access to West Virginia University services.”
Features
Undergraduate students in the online PR program take classes like Applied Public Relations, IMC for Public Relations, Writing for Public Relations, and Media, Ethics and Law. The program consists of 120 credit hours. Before undergrads can begin classes in PR, they must take the Media and Society course and the Introduction to Public Relations course. Students may enroll in the fall, spring, or summer.
Notables
WVU understands the obstacles that online students encounter. The school helps with these barriers by offering student family resources. The university provides childcare facilities, financial assistance for child care programs, and other resources to help professionals be successful in the program. WVU is one of the only online PR programs that supports student parents in this way.
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Regent UniversityLocation
Virginia Beach, VA
Graduation Rate50%
Regent University is in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Dr. M.G. Pat Robertson established the university in 1978. Regent is a Christian institution that serves more than 10,000 students. The student to faculty ration is 19 to 1. The school values excellence, innovation, and integrity.
Features
Regent offers the Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies with a concentration in Advertising/Public Relations. The program offers classes in Public Relations, Advertising and Promotion, and Communication Theory. The Christian university also requires students to take Old Testament Studies, New Testament Studies, and Christian Thought courses. Regent’s College of Arts and Sciences offers the online PR program.
Notables
Regent University has one of the top online bachelor degree programs. U.S. News and World Report ranks Regent as the Best Online Bachelor Program in Virginia. President and CEO of Forbes, Inc., Steve Forbes is a graduate of Regent University.
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Concordia University-TexasLocation
Austin, TX
Graduation Rate32%
If you are interested in becoming Advertising sales agent, market research analyst, public relations manager, or public relations specialist, Concordia University Texas has the online PR program for you. The university was founded in 1926 under the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. The school offers the online Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a Public Relations concentration.
Features
The online program has rolling enrollment. Undergraduates must fulfill a total of 128 credit hours. Students have 18 credit requirements in the Public Relations concentration. The concentration encompasses courses in Public Relations, Persuasive Communication, and Principles of Marketing. Each class is eight weeks long.
Notables
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges accredits Concordia University Texas. The school is “recognized for integrity, academic excellence, and Lutheran ethos.” Concordia University, Texas’ faculty members, prepare their students to be competitive in the marketplace by giving them practical experiences in the curriculum.
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University of Texas Permian BasinLocation
Odessa, TX
Graduation Rate34%
The University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB) is a reputable school that is part of the University of Texas System. The institution is in Odessa, Texas. UTPB Online is one of the top online programs in the nation and exists to go beyond geographic, time, and financial barriers.
Features
The online program at UTPB is 120 credit hours, which includes 42 credit hours of general courses, 36 credits in communication core courses, 18 minor credits, and 24 credits of electives. As a student you will be “introduced to the history and development of public relations,” responsibilities of PR professionals, and significant issues within the field. You may take courses in PR, Public Messages, or Topics in Media Writing.
Notables
You can get an online bachelor’s degree at a very inexpensive cost at the University of Texas Permian Basin. Annual tuition is $5,774. The U.S. News and World Report places UTPB’s online bachelor degree programs as #3 in Texas public universities and among the top 50 in the entire nation. The same superb faculty members who teach on-campus courses teach online courses.
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Montana State University-BillingsLocation
Billings, MT
Graduation Rate24%
Montana State University Billings (MSU Billings) is a public state university established in 1927. The university’s online PR program is affordable and flexible for students who are working professionals. Undergrads build their degree schedule around their calendar so that their program is tailor-made for their experience.
Features
MSU Billings’ online bachelor degree program in public relations models itself after the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). PRSA is the largest professional organization serving the communications community in the United States. The organization has over 30,000 members. With the Bachelor of Science in Public Relations from MSU Billings, you will be able to obtain a job as a public relations manager, employment relations representative, community developer, or media director.
Notables
MSUB Online is AACSB-accredited and is entirely online. The school’s Advising and Career Services assists online students with internship opportunities with top companies in the industry. Some programs within MSU Billing’s online program have experienced 100% job placement success.
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Franklin UniversityLocation
Columbus, OH
Graduation Rate14%
Franklin University is in Columbus, Ohio. The private, non-profit school was founded in 1902. More than 80% of the university’s students take classes online. “Franklin University was chosen as one of the original 29 institutions to participate in the delivery of online education to eligible enlisted soldiers.”
Features
Franklin offers the Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations. The online program requires 124 semester hours with courses in Public Relations and Promotional Strategy, Media and Crisis Communication, and Client Engagement. The school also offers a public relations B.A. for students who already have an undergraduate degree in another discipline.
Notables
Franklin University has professional organizations and associations to support its online public relations students beyond the classroom. These groups include Public Relations Society of America, The Institutes Charted Property Casualty Underwriter exam, National Association of Health Underwriters, and the Society of Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriters.
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Arkansas State UniversityLocation
Beebe, AR
Graduation Rate39%
Arkansas State University (- State) is in Jonesboro, Arkansas and was founded in 1909 as an agricultural school. The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools accredits A-State. A-State Online is a top producer of elementary – high school administrators and teachers in the state of Arkansas.
Features
Arkansas State provides students with the opportunity to study public relations through its Online Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies program. In the Principles of Public Relations course, students study the nature and theoretical foundations of public relations, “its role in society, and practitioners and dynamics of the process.” Other courses include Crisis Communication, Promotional Writing and Electronic Media, and Intercultural Communication.
Notables
Arkansas State University’s annual online tuition is about $6,990. The school is also a member of Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges which provides online education for military personnel and their families. As a military-friendly university, the school offers other incentives like tuition reimbursement.
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Mid-America Christian UniversityLocation
Oklahoma City, OK
Graduation Rate31%
Mid-America Christian University is in Oklahoma City and is affiliated with the Church of God religious tradition. Its mission is to prepare students “to create, collaborate, and innovate to solve local and global problems for the glory of Go through Jesus Christ and the good of society.”
Features
If you are interested in getting an online PR degree at Mid-America Christian University, the school has just what you need. Mid-America has the Bachelor of Science in Communication with a major in Public Relations and Ethics. The program consists of 124 hours of 42 hours of major requirements, 46 hours of the university core, and 33 hours of elective courses. The Advanced Public Relations course immerses students in strategic messaging; corporate communication, and campaign planning and management.
Notables
There are many reasons for students to choose Mid-America Christian University to obtain an online degree in PR. Affordablecollegesonline.org ranks the University as one of the best online Christian Colleges. The Higher Learning Commission also accredits Mid-America Christian.
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University of Maryland-University CollegeLocation
Adelphi, MD
Graduation Rate8%
The University of Maryland University College (UMUC) began in 1947. The university allows students to take classes online or at more than 20 locations in the United States. UMUC has more than 140 locations throughout the world.
Features
The Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies allows students to focus on public relations through a multidisciplinary approach. The Public Relations Theory course studies the “evolution, scope, and contemporary practice of public relations and its strategic value in business, nonprofits, government, associations, and other organizations.” The program is 100% online with hybrid options for some classes.
Notables
The Middle States Commission on Higher Education accredits the University of Maryland University College. The school grants flexibility for students by allowing them to start on multiple dates and customize their academic experience. Also, UMUV is a military and- veteran-friendly school.
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Wilmington UniversityLocation
New Castle, DE
Graduation Rate35%
Wilmington University has more than 20,000 students with a student to faculty ratio of 17:1. Wilmington has six locations in Delaware, five locations in New Jersey, and one in Maryland. On top of that, students can enroll in the university’s 100% online degree programs.
Features
Wilmington students pursue studies in PR through the online B.S. in Communication degree program. Within the Integrated Marketing concentration, students participate in courses in Public Relations, Integrated Marketing Communications, and Principles of Advertising. The degree requires 27 credits within the Integrated Marketing concentration.
Notables
Middle States Commission on Higher Education accredits Wilmington University. Professors who are leaders in their academic field teach Wilmington’s online courses. Tuition is affordable, the online format is convenient, and the eight-week frame for classes makes the process fast.
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Arkansas Tech UniversityLocation
Russellville, AR
Graduation Rate45%
If you want to be a publications editor, radio and TV news commentator, editor, or public relations editor, then you should check out the Bachelor of Professional Studies degree in Public Relations program at Arkansas Tech University (ATU). The institution is a public university that was established in 1909. ATU is in Russellville, Arkansas.
Features
The Bachelor of Professional Studies in Public Relations functions to assist professionals in advancing in their career. The curriculum has many courses that focus on journalism and public relations. The degree requires 120 hours of credits. Students take courses geared towards the PR option during their fifth semester.
Notables
In ATUs online program you will learn become proficient in public presentation and written communication skills, research and problem-solving strategies, and leadership in professional environments. The school has many resources like Norman Career Services, Doc Bryan Tutoring Center, and the Ross Pendergraft Library and Technology Center.
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University of Minnesota - CrookstonLocation
Crookston, MN
Graduation Rate48%
The University of Minnesota Crookston (UMC) is a public institution within the University of Minnesota system. It was first established in 1906 as a residential high school. UMC values experiential learning and research, learner-centeredness, technology, leadership, and diversity and global perspectives.
Features
UMC offers to Bachelor of Science in Communication with an emphasis in Public Relations. The program develops students through its attention to writing, presentation, and interpersonal skills. Undergrads get the advantage of creation portfolio materials that they can use beyond the classroom. While focusing on Public Relations, you still have the freedom to pursue a minor area of study.
Notables
What distinguishes the University of Minnesota Crookston’s online PR program? At UMC, you will have one on one access and mentorship by some of the most talented and experienced professors. Another unique aspect of the program is the opportunity to study abroad. There are more than 300 opportunities to study in over 60 countries.
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Columbia CollegeLocation
Columbia, MO
Graduation Rate38%
Columbia College is in Columbia, Missouri. The school was founded in 1851 and was originally the Christian Female College. The school is affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The Higher Learning Commission accredits Columbia College.
Features
The Business Administration Department at Columbia College offers the Public Relations and Advertising major through its online Business Administration degree. The PR track includes courses in Consumer Behavior, Public Relations Writing, Mass Communication in Society, and Advertising and Sales Promotion.
Notables
U.S. News and World Reports names Columbia College as a top school for its online bachelor’s programs. GetEducated.com ranks the school as a “Best Buy” and OnlineU also names it as one of the “Most Affordable” schools. The school is also military-friendly school.
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New England CollegeLocation
Henniker, NH
Graduation Rate36%
New England College (NEC) began in 1946 and is in Henniker, New Hampshire. The school has about 1,130 undergraduate students and a 13:1 student to faculty ratio. NEC emphasizes hands-on experience through experiential learning throughout its curriculum and coursework.
Features
New England’s BA in Communication/Public Relations and Advertising program is 100% online. Advertising and Promotion, Principles of Public Relations, Cross-Cultural Communication, and Advertising: History and Criticism are the program’s featured courses. Each course within the program takes seven weeks to complete, and there is a total of 30 courses.
Notables
The New England Association of Schools and Colleges accredits New England College. NEC is one of the best schools for online learning and is a military-friendly school. Military Advanced Education, Victory Media, the Yellow Ribbon Program, and U.S. News and World Report ranked the school among the top in the nation.
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Colorado State University-Global CampusLocation
Aurora, CO
Colorado State University – Global Campus is “the first independent, fully-accredited, 100% online state university in the country.” CSU-Global is part of the Colorado State University system. The school has more than 200,000 alumni.
Features
Colorado State allows students to apply the Public Relations Studies degree specialization to over ten of its online bachelor degrees. Although the specialization often accompanies the B.S. in Communication, students can implement it to other programs. The PR specialization trains students in Media Relations, Event Planning, International Relations, Internal Relations, and Social Media Management.
Notables
Not only is CSU-Global the first independent, online state university in the U.S., but the school is one of the best when it comes to online colleges. Best Colleges names it the fifth best online college for 2017. Nonprofit Colleges Online, The Best Colleges, and Best Value Schools heralds the school’s Communication as one of the best.
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Walden UniversityLocation
Minneapolis, MN
Graduation Rate33%
Walden University was established in 1970. The school is a for-profit institution in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Higher Learning Commission accredits Walden University. The university’s mission is to provide “a diverse community of career professionals with the opportunity to transform themselves as scholar-practitioners so that they can effect positive social change.”
Features
Walden University offers the B.S. in Communications with a specialization in Public Relations. The degree requires a total of 181 quarter credits composed of courses in general education, core courses, concentration courses, elective courses, and a capstone course. Students can transfer up to 135 credits to Walden. Undergrads learn the basics of PR in the Principles of Public Relations course.
Notables
The capstone course at the end of the B.S. degree gives students the unique opportunity to bring their studies in communications and PR together. “Students create a comprehensive communications plan” which challenges them to assess audiences and markets.
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Ottawa UniversityLocation
Jeffersonville, IN
Ottawa University was established in 1865 in Ottawa, Kansas. The university is a private, nonprofit educational institution. Ottawa has a history of the Baptist faith and continues to implement the ideals of faith and learning. The school honors Christian values, exemplary service, leadership, and personal growth.
Features
Ottawa’s Communication program houses grants students the opportunity to study PR. The coursework for the Public Relations concentration focuses on newsgathering, reporting, advertising strategies and design. Courses include Advanced Intercollegiate Forensics, Public Relations, and Public Relations Writing.
Notables
The university allows students to earn college credit through prior college credit, military service, examination, work and life experience, and the national registry. Professors at Ottawa University are professionals with real-world experience. The program gives you the ability to contribute to the curriculum as well as learn from others.
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