We've compiled the most up-to-date information on these fully or mostly online Online Public Relations degree programs across the U.S. This data is accurate as of March 21, 2025. We carefully reviewed quality, affordability, and student outcomes to bring you the best options. Explore our updated rankings below to find the program that's right for you.
The bachelor’s degree program focused on public relations and advertising allows students to take courses in both public relations and advertising disciplines as well as other types of communication (public speaking, communication studies, and digital media). As a public relations and advertising student, you will learn to develop critical thinking and strategic communication skills for both a local and global landscape. After graduation, you can find exciting professional opportunities such as content creation, communications specialists, public relations specialists, and much more. Students from both around the corner and around the globe can earn their degrees through this fully online program.
["Critical thinking", "Strategic communication skills"]
This online Communication Studies degree program helps you become a communications expert with the skills to lead. Through every course, you’ll complete projects you can reference with potential employers, including writing samples for a variety of styles and media, as well as research papers, annotated bibliographies, audience analyses, and public relations plans. The program emphasizes practical application, allowing students to tailor messaging in digital and traditional platforms and social media, and approach messaging strategies with a mind for diversity, inclusion and intercultural communication. Clear, engaging public speaking skills are a must for communications professionals, and this program provides opportunities to craft speeches in various formats. Students can also apply prior life and work experience toward their degree.
["Deliver persuasive and engaging presentations", "Tailor messaging in digital and traditional platforms and social media", "Approach messaging strategies with a mind for diversity, inclusion and intercultural communication"]
CBU's online Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communication degree program is a broad-based course of study designed to deepen students’ understanding of the historical, cultural, social, global and political dimensions of communication. Coursework in CBU's online BA in Strategic Communication will equip students with the tools to examine the role of communication in all areas of life while challenging them to integrate biblical thought within contemporary cultural concepts.
["Explain, analyze and evaluate communication traditions, contexts and theories.", "Implement strategic communication principles and theories to influence mass communication.", "Explain and analyze communication research methods and concepts.", "Utilize concepts of public relations and strategic communication to develop comprehensive communications programs.", "Apply philosophical and theoretical components of ethics to the legal, ethical and social foundations of communication and public relations from a Christian perspective."]
The Bachelor of Arts in Communications at Grand Canyon University (GCU) explores the principles and best practices of communication exchanges. The program examines interpersonal and organizational communications, with an emphasis on the latter to prepare students for their professional objectives. The curriculum fosters an academically stimulating learning environment where students can tackle communication challenges and work toward personal and professional growth. It examines effective communication strategies across different settings and situations while addressing professional ethics. The program integrates a research-based approach and provides a framework for achieving personal and professional goals. Students develop skills in argumentation, advocacy, public relations, conflict resolution, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making. GCU emphasizes the role of ethics in decision-making and business leadership, encouraging students to explore the Christian worldview and its application to everyday situations.
["Effective communicator and presenter of ideas", "Advocacy", "Conflict-resolution", "Critical thinking", "Ethical decision-making", "Improve relational quality through communications", "Analyze the effectiveness of a communications campaign", "Implementation of communications theories", "Development of leadership skills"]
The Online Strategic Communications Bachelor of Arts Degree program teaches you how to create powerful strategic communications through modern research techniques, messaging construction, and post-campaign analysis. The program provides a solid foundation for effective communication for any company or organization by studying psychology, statistics, law, research, and other relevant disciplines. You'll learn to use critical thinking and complex problem-solving to select the best communication channels for proper message distribution and retention. The curriculum focuses on cultivating an organization's image and reputation based on analysis of the political, economic, technological, digital media, and social environments to increase its revenues and foster goodwill. Students will learn to evaluate communication efforts against established goals and benchmarks and conduct organized communications campaigns to influence the public image of a person or organization, or to promote a product or initiative with maximum efficiency. You will also sharpen your creative thinking in addition to your oral, visual, and written communication skills.
["Critical thinking", "Complex problem-solving", "Strategic communication channel selection", "Message distribution and retention", "Organization image and reputation cultivation", "Communication effort evaluation", "Organized communications campaign conduct", "Creative thinking", "Oral communication", "Visual communication", "Written communication"]
The University of Florida’s Online Public Relations degree prepares future professionals with strong writing and analytical skills to best succeed in their careers. With training in persuasive and strategic communications, UF Online PR graduates are ready upon graduation to play important roles both within an organization and between the organization and its external environment. This program offers a focus on fundamental disciplines, such as writing, research, strategy, mass communication law and visual communication that will prepare students to engage with the media and diverse communities. Public relations responsibilities include anticipating, analyzing and interpreting public opinion; counseling management; developing programs that improve public understanding; and planning and implementing an organization’s efforts to influence or change public policy. The public relations curriculum at UF is one of the most in-depth curricula in the country, with a balance between skills and conceptual courses, and ranks among the best in the nation. UF Online’s Public Relations program places a nationally ranked degree at your convenience, for a fraction of the cost of comparable degree programs, making graduates attractive candidates for graduate degree programs ranging from public relations to business and international relations.
["Communication skills across multiple media platforms including writing, social media, information management, and video.", "Knowledge of public policy, social psychology, political science, economics and the principles of management and ethics.", "Technical skills in opinion research, public-issue analysis, media relations, community engagement, publications, and audiovisual productions."]
The University of Alabama’s online Bachelor of Arts in Communication & Information Sciences (BACIS) with a major in Public Relations and a concentration in Digital Communication equips students with the skills necessary for creating persuasive messaging across digital platforms to build awareness, interaction and engagement with stakeholders. The curriculum will give you an understanding of the social and digital media landscape and its evolving role in advertising and public relations. You’ll learn how to conduct research to measure program needs, develop objectives and focused strategies, implement state-of-the-art tactics and identify and measure campaign success. The online coursework lets you build a strong foundation for your public relations career from a premier university, wherever you are.
null
The 100 percent online Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations program prepares you to play a key role in helping organizations effectively communicate with target audiences. Coursework is designed to help you become a strategic planner who can execute engaging communications campaigns focused on achieving company goals. Through an exploration of integrated marketing tactics, crisis and reputation management, social media communication, and corporate social responsibility, you will graduate qualified to pursue in-demand professional positions in any industry. This affordable bachelor’s in public relations online program readies you for a dynamic career in a variety of areas including digital marketing, advertising, entertainment, sports, travel and hospitality, and publishing. Graduate equipped with a professional portfolio and the following resume-enhancing certifications: Brandwatch, Hootsuite Platform/Social Marketing, Muck Rack, Google Analytics/Google, Public Relations, and HubSpot.
["Strategic and tactical components of public relations", "PR programming", "Internal and external communication", "Social media planning", "Crisis and issues management", "Advocacy", "Diversity", "Civic engagement", "Research based proposal development", "Analytical skills", "Cross platform strategic writing skills", "Multicultural communication skills"]
The Bachelor of Arts in Communication – Public Relations (PR) degree program will teach you to help organizations build and maintain beneficial relationships with their audiences. You will learn the history, theory and techniques of PR, developing important skills in writing and design, research and planning, critical thinking, ethical decision making, and public speaking. PR professionals help organizations of all kinds communicate with internal and external stakeholders. They craft news releases, newsletters, annual reports and social media messages for clients and businesses. You will learn skills that are applicable to various fields and industries. While many PR professionals work at PR agencies, others enjoy careers in marketing, journalism, politics, financial relations, crisis management, reputation consulting and so much more. This program can also prepare you for a master’s degree in communication, business administration and other disciplines. The diverse curriculum — with its focus on writing, critical thinking, problem solving and public speaking — is also good preparation for law school.
["Writing and design", "Research and planning", "Critical thinking", "Ethical decision making", "Public speaking"]
The online Bachelor’s in Public Relations program at San José State University (SJSU) is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of how to apply adaptable, creative, strategic, and ethical solutions for individuals, brands, or organizations. The program is taught by renowned SJSU faculty in collaboration with expert instructional designers. Graduates earn the same quality degree as all SJSU graduates and have the opportunity to participate in the SJSU commencement ceremony. The curriculum prepares students for integrated strategic communication, covering paid (advertising), earned (media relations), owned (content creation), and shared (social media). Graduates are prepared to excel in various public relations jobs in Silicon Valley and beyond. The program includes core and elective courses, as well as a public relations internship to apply knowledge and skills.
["Communicate knowledge of the diversity of groups in a global society in relationship to communications.", "Demonstrate the ability to think critically, creatively, and independently.", "Write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the communication professions, audiences, and purposes they serve.", "Use tools and technologies appropriate for the communications profession in which they work."]
SUNY Oswego's online public relations program prepares students for success in corporate, government, agency, or nonprofit public relations. The program focuses on building expertise in persuasive writing, research, and campaign development, with electives in areas like social media and crisis management. It's designed for both first-year and transfer students, offering the flexibility to balance education with personal and professional commitments. Students will collaborate with award-winning faculty to gain in-depth knowledge of public relations principles, ethics, and research. The program builds a strong foundation in campaign development, execution, and evaluation.
["Apply critical research methods for solving public relations problems", "Plan, strategize and implement public relations writing skills in a variety of public relations materials and channels including print, broadcasting, digital and social media", "Demonstrate an understanding of the process of public relations program development and implementation", "Demonstrate an understanding of the nature and role of public relations, the history and development of the field, ethics and legal consideration, theories and principles underlying public relations practices and the societal forces affecting the profession and its practice", "Apply graphic design skills for developing creative online and offline public relations program materials."]
The Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication with a concentration in Public Relations equips graduates with the skills to plan and implement strategic communication aimed at improving relationships between individuals, organizations, or companies and their key constituents. As communication platforms expand, the program focuses on developing innovative strategies for engaging diverse audiences, creating tailored content, and fostering sustainable relationships. Graduates are prepared for roles in businesses or non-profit organizations, such as public information officers, communication/marketing directors, events coordinators, press secretaries, and public relations agents. The curriculum covers writing, grammar, media design, digital branding, media law, ethics, public relations theory, and research methods, ensuring students are well-versed in both traditional and emerging media strategies.
["Writing, grammar, style and information gathering for mass media", "Strategies for the design, development and production of media programs", "Digital, mobile and social media expertise", "Understanding media law and ethics", "Public relations theory and current communication strategies", "Public relations research methodologies"]
The Bachelor of Science in Public Relations, Advertising and Applied Communications is an in-demand major for those interested in pursuing careers as public relations, advertising, and/or applied communication officers in fields such as business, government, non-profit organizations, or education. This degree explores a number of disciplines needed for developing and delivering effective content. Students from both around the corner and around the globe can earn their degrees through this fully online program. Through analyzing communication campaigns in corporate and public media, students can develop and promote creative strategies and creative execution, and employ effective and clear communication in this diverse and customizable program. Throughout the program, students build skills in persuasive communication that can be used in a wide range of professional settings. Students will study the successes and failures of communication within organizations and their relations to the public. The customizable course work blends communication, public relations, advertising, and marketing. Students have the option of choosing classes that enhance professional writing, speaking, and presenting. Other topics include communication theory, digital communications, and applied research.
["Persuasive communication", "Communication campaign analysis", "Creative strategy development", "Effective content delivery"]
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations at Southern New Hampshire University teaches you how to support individuals, organizations, and modern movements in their efforts to maintain a positive brand identity. Designed by industry experts, the bachelor's in communications and PR degree program focuses on competencies needed to be a successful communicator in today's workplace. Through major courses, general education classes and free electives, you'll gain essential tools, knowledge and skills you need to succeed in public relations and beyond. Through 4 concentration courses, you'll learn how to cultivate, monitor and maintain relationships to promote a positive public image for clients.
["Communication development and delivery", "Strategic planning and execution", "Stakeholder collaboration skills", "Ethical communication approaches"]
The Online Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations & Strategic Communication Management (PRSC) program at Texas Tech University is designed for working professionals seeking to enhance their skills and advance their careers. Beginning Fall 2022, students can complete the program entirely online, following the same rigorous course requirements as the on-campus program. Classes are taught by the same world-class TTU faculty, ensuring a high-quality educational experience. The program is structured to be flexible and accessible, with asynchronous classes that allow students to fit their studies around their schedules. Students also have access to resources such as individual advising, the TTU library system, and faculty office hours.
null
The public relations online degree program will hone your writing, research and creative skills, allowing you to advance in your career in the field of communication. This program teaches not only the mechanics of writing and design for various audiences, but asks students to think critically about current trends in public relations, marketing and advertising, and asks students to develop an ethical viewpoint from which to practice public relations professionally. Our program is 100% online, taught primarily by published public relations experts, and is built for working professionals who need flexibility but demand a quality program at an affordable price. Students will recognize the skills they have already built within the workforce and tailor them to the practices of public relations. Graduates will exit the program with skills and experience in writing, design, crisis communication practices, brand development, and knowledge of best practices in areas related to reputation management and repair. Students will also understand strategic processes used to reach measurable goals and have the capability to design and implement research used to evaluate programs and campaigns. Graduates leave the program with the confidence required to work in the field of public relations.
["Writing", "Design", "Crisis communication practices", "Brand development", "Knowledge of best practices in areas related to reputation management and repair", "Strategic processes used to reach measurable goals"]
The 100% online Bachelor of Science in Public Relations program from Northwest Missouri State University helps you grow your expertise as a persuasive communicator. The curriculum develops your public relations and communication skills across multiple media platforms, focusing on key aspects such as writing, social media, and information management. You'll gain foundational knowledge of public relations techniques and expand your skills in both written and verbal communication. The experiential learning format prepares you with the relevant knowledge and skills to effectively contribute to the workforce upon graduating. The undergraduate-level curriculum goes beyond theory and encourages you to think critically and act decisively. The profession-based learning aspect, influenced by the Professional Advisory Board at Northwest, allows you to apply your studies to real-life contexts.
["Manage social media campaigns, leveraging tools to track and measure success (Facebook, Twitter)", "Gain a general understanding of Google Analytics", "Develop the power of persuasion", "Be adept in crisis communication and learn to protect and restore an organizational or professional image", "Be able to defend a position through well-thought-out research", "Know how to write and distribute press releases"]
The Public Relations concentration broadly explores the strategic process of communication through various channels to establish and maintain relationships with an organization’s many audiences. The program incorporates scholarship with practical application that aids your development of skills in critical thinking, research, strategic planning, goal making, problem-solving and effective written and oral communication. Students interested in media planning, crisis and reputation management, social media coordination, sports communication, entertainment, government relations and leadership would be well-suited to this degree. Your online bachelor's degree in communication involves taking at least 124 credit hours total, including 42 in the Communication department and 19 elective hours.
["Critical thinking", "Research", "Strategic planning", "Goal making", "Problem-solving", "Effective written and oral communication"]
The 100% online Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication program at Texas State University provides a broad framework of advertising, digital media, journalism, and public relations. Students learn how messages affect human behavior. The curriculum covers research and writing for media and public relations applicable to various fields, visual communication, freelancing, media law, and content design, editing, and management. The program enables students to choose a minor aligning with their goals and engage in collaborative projects with diverse peers. Industry-leading faculty impart cutting-edge knowledge, emphasizing real-world applications. This accredited program equips students with the ability to storytell strategically and purposefully.
["Understand the foundations and major principles of mass communication and the laws governing journalism, advertising, electronic media, and public relations", "Create media messages that address all major forms of media, including electronic, journalism, public relations, and digital", "Comprehend the effects of the internet and related technologies on the fields of journalism, interactive advertising and public relations, search engines, personal branding, social networking, and mobile platforms"]
The online bachelor's in communication studies brings together the world of communication and the convenience of online learning. Our program offers a dynamic and comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare students for success in today's rapidly evolving digital landscape. At the heart of our program is the commitment to providing students with the flexibility and accessibility they need to pursue their academic goals. With all courses delivered entirely online, students have the freedom to learn anytime, anywhere, fitting their studies seamlessly into their busy lives.
["Strong communication", "Critical thinking", "Problem-solving skills"]
The online communications program teaches a broad range of skills to help your career thrive. It features small online class sizes and award-winning faculty with a wide range of experience. Students can choose from majors in Communication Studies, Media Studies, Strategic Communication and Journalism, and Professional Communication. When you graduate, you will earn a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Communication. Note: Only the Bachelor of Science is available as a full program online. If you have prior credits, you can apply them toward either the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Science degree-completion programs.
null
Regent’s Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies—Advertising-Public Relations can give you an edge in this highly competitive industry. From theories and practices to branding and marketing, you can learn how to make your message count. The program focuses on crafting messages, managing brands, and marketing products with excellence. It builds knowledge and skills on Christian principles and values, and provides access to faculty expertise.
["Understand marketing communication campaigns, media choice, creative development, and media analysis.", "Structure public relations pieces that serve as strategic support for marketing plans.", "Design communications to maintain favorable public or stockholder perceptions of an organization\u2019s accomplishments, mission, products, or services."]
The Public Relations programs (B.A. and B.S.) teach students to understand and meet the needs of target audiences while protecting the image or reputation of a client. Faculty focus on oral, written and verbal communication skills as well as problem-solving skills needed to be successful in the real world! The online Bachelor of Science in Communication – Public Relations is designed for students seeking a flexible way to earn their bachelor's degree.
["Oral communication", "Written communication", "Verbal communication", "Problem-solving", "Understanding target audiences", "Protecting image/reputation of a client"]
Boise State’s strategic communications online degree offers students the opportunity to explore their interests, meet their goals and develop new skills–100% online. Strategic communications is a critical part of nearly every industry.
null
The online BA in Communication and Media degree program offers an interdisciplinary curriculum focused on critical issues related to communications, with special emphasis on new and traditional media. Students examine how social and organizational cultures influence how people communicate, envision ethical principles, empower and motivate actions, resolve conflict, and interact with others through the scope of mass media. The program aims to develop communication strategies that are responsive to cultural and audience differences and the requirements of new media. It also emphasizes understanding the global reach of communication and media and how they serve as powerful links between and among the world’s cultures. Additionally, students explore ethical issues of journalism, advertising, and public relations. Web design, information architecture, page layouts, and user research are also examined.
null
Weber State University’s fully online, accredited communication degree teaches the essential communication, research, and campaign design skills to empower you to thrive as an independent thinker, creative problem solver and ethical practitioner in a rapidly changing industry. The program focuses on providing down-to-earth classroom instruction in a format where you can log in to class any time. Students learn through doing by interacting with real public relations clients. Clients who have worked with students in the past include Midtown Community Health Center, the Utah Transit Authority, the Weber-Morgan Chamber of Commerce, the United Way of Northern Utah, Ogden Made, the Treehouse Children’s Museum, Leavitt’s Mortuary, and Americorps.
["Communication", "Research", "Campaign design", "Problem-solving", "Ethical practice"]
The online corporate communication degree program offered through UTEP Connect is a contemporary blend of the humanistic and applied directions of the field, and students will also gain exposure to multicultural aspects of communication. Our faculty includes a number of experts who are well versed in the art of effective organizational and corporate communication and are focused on teaching students effective communication in mediated, societal, organizational, and interpersonal contexts. This is an excellent degree for those seeking entry into the world of media relations or public relations, though graduates of our online corporate communication degree program are not restricted to these fields alone. Most organizations in both public and private sectors require communication at all levels, and graduates of this program will find themselves equipped with excellent oral and written communication skills that can help them succeed in any position.
["Leadership", "Critical Thinking", "Communication", "Confidence", "Problem Solving", "Teamwork"]
The online Public Relations degree program at MSSU is designed for individuals seeking to enhance their skills in promoting and showcasing businesses, corporations, schools, venues, non-profit agencies, or any other ventures. The program focuses on teaching students how to effectively create feature stories, news conferences, community events, news releases, and advertisements. With the flexibility of online courses, students can complete their degree while maintaining their current work and life commitments. Graduates will be prepared for various roles in the media field, marketing, public relations, and sales promotion, equipped with the knowledge of communication and audience engagement.
["Effective verbal communication", "Critical thinking", "Writing skills", "Problem-solving skills", "Ability to work in a diverse team", "Communication strategy development and implementation"]
Find answers to common questions about Online Public Relations degrees, career paths, and more.
Explore FAQsDiscover helpful tools, guides, and materials to enhance your Online Public Relations education.
View ResourcesExplore potential career paths, job outlooks, and opportunities in Online Public Relations.
Explore CareersFind the best Online Public Relations degree programs and training options in your state