Best Online Public Relations Programs

An online bachelor’s in public relations from a top online school prepares students to develop and maintain a positive image for companies, organizations, and individuals. Participants learn how to utilize press releases, social media, and broadcast media to influence public opinion, whether to mitigate a crisis or increase a brand’s awareness.

Graduates can pursue positions with numerous employers, including schools, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, healthcare providers, and other private or public businesses. Some work with one individual business, while others work for public relations firms, helping numerous brands. According to Payscale, individuals holding a BS public relations earned an average annual salary of $63,000, as of April 2024.

Like most business degree programs, a bachelor’s in public relations takes about four years of full-time study to complete. However, online accelerated options can reduce completion times. The National Center for Education Statistics reports that the average annual tuition at four-year institutions ranged from $9,700-$38,800 during the 2021-22 school year, depending on the type of school and resident status. Some online programs offer reduced tuition rates and no out-of-state fees.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

An online bachelor’s in public relations program teaches students how to structure public relations campaigns and communicate with the press to receive positive media coverage. This role requires strong communication skills and the ability to persuade public opinion. These professionals also regularly engage in public speaking and require well-developed interpersonal skills.

Public relations bachelor’s programs require about 120 credits and take four years of full-time study to complete. However, accelerated online tracks can reduce completion times. Schools may award a bachelor’s of arts (BA) or a bachelor’s of science (BS) in public relations.

BA tracks tend to focus more on the humanities and may require more foreign language classes. In contrast, BS pathways may lean more toward research and administration. However, both options tend to feature a lot of similar courses.

Most online bachelor’s in public relations programs end in a capstone project or practicum. This could include working with an agency to develop a client’s campaign or with the campus newspaper. Additionally, some programs offer optional internships that include hands-on training at a public relations firm, newspaper, TV station, or nonprofit organization.

Many programs also offer concentrations or electives that enable students to direct their education toward their career goals. Common specializations include business communication, social media and digital marketing, and event management. Some schools also offer a marketing or communication degree with a concentration in public relations.

This course teaches the techniques and principles used to create comprehensive public relations campaigns. Covered topics may include determining appropriate media to use in a project and relationship-building strategies.

This class delves into the persuasive writing skills required to find success in public relations. Covered topics include message-based writing strategies and preparing information for television, electronic media, newspapers, and magazines.

This course focuses on the impact social media plays on public awareness and how it can fundamentally change the perception of companies, government agencies, and/or individuals. Students develop practical tools needed to build and maintain an online community.

Students explore how to develop targeted markets and use persuasive communication to reach these personas. Covered topics include the link between advertising strategies and public relations and their contribution to an organization’s growth.

Students learn about ethical persuasive strategies in public speaking and practice delivering effective oral presentations for different audiences. Covered topics may include subject selection, argument development, and delivery skills.

Public relations experts can find careers in just about every economic sector, including education, healthcare, and tech. As digital communications expand, individuals and businesses need these specialists more than ever to maintain a positive public image, sway consumer sentiment, and influence or change public policy.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 6% for public relations specialists and public relations managers from 2022 to 2032, which is higher than the projected average for all occupations over this time frame (3%).

Public relations graduates, as well as a few other popular college majors like communications and business, can also pursue in-demand careers as technical writers (7% projected job growth) and marketing managers (6% projected job growth).

Salaries vary widely in the many careers public relations graduates pursue. For example, as of May 2023, public relations specialists earned a median annual wage of $66,750, while public relations managers made $134,760.

See where a bachelor’s in public relations can take you. Learn more about public relations careers.

Public relations specialists cultivate public interest and positive sentiment for a corporation, nonprofit organization, or individual. They do this by writing news releases, arranging interviews, acting as a spokesperson, writing speeches, and keeping abreast of social media platforms. When working for the government, they are referred to as press secretaries.

Median Annual Salary (May 2023): $66,750

After gaining several years of work experience, public relations professionals may pursue managerial roles. These professionals may coordinate their clients’ public relations campaigns, including targeting media outlets and communications with investors. Public relations managers also supervise and assign projects to staff members and assist an organization’s spokespeople and executives.

Median Annual Salary (May 2023): $134,760

A communications specialist manages an organization’s external and internal communications. Their roles vary depending on the company’s size and type. Tasks may include preparing press releases, conducting media events and press conferences, and managing online content. After gaining experience, these professionals often pursue roles as communications and corporate communications managers.

Average Annual Salary (April 2024): $59,150

A campaign manager may work for a political organization or candidate, coordinating fundraising activities and advertising, arranging media visits, and overseeing all aspects of the campaign. These professionals may also work as advertising campaign managers, leading campaigns for clients and working for advertising agencies or large organizations that require an in-house advertising and promotions team.

Average Annual Salary (April 2024): $68,520

Content managers create written content for marketing materials, including advertisements, articles, and social media. They may oversee a staff of writers and track online metrics to determine the success of specific campaigns. In addition, these professionals may identify target markets, select types of content, and create editorial calendars.

Average Annual Salary (April 2024): $75,140

Students considering managerial roles or specialized positions may continue their education, pursuing options like a master’s in public relations, a master’s in communication, or an MBA in marketing. These degrees enable students to obtain mastery in their area of interest, pursuing specializations like political communication, digital strategies, crisis management, and public relations in healthcare.

Though not required, public relations professionals can earn the widely recognized accreditation in public relations (APR) credential. This requires an undergraduate degree and passing scores on a national exam. Candidates must also undergo an interview and portfolio review. Additionally, an APR military communications credential is available for active military personnel and civilians employed by the U.S. Department of Defense.

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