Individuals interested in pursuing a career in public relations (PR) can expect to be presented with a variety of educational options. Undergraduate degree programs in public relations are available, as well as graduate courses for those seeking a more advanced education. Students can choose a highly specialized study or obtain a more general education in a field such as communications, and then apply that knowledge to the field of public relations.
Both public and private colleges and universities offer public relations degree programs. Depending on the school’s offerings, this department may be grouped under a broader education category, such as liberal arts. Some schools offer a very specific public relations degree, which includes a focused course of study that is designed to prepare students for a career in public relations. Although the majority of the classes will be core and related to public relations, students should expect to complete other requirements such as physical education and mathematics in order to earn a degree.
Not all schools offer specialized public relations degrees; in some cases, students may have to settle for a more general education that is only tangentially related to the field. For example, it’s not uncommon for a university to lump public relations into a larger umbrella division like journalism or communications. While there are no specific public relations degree programs, this type of foundation will prepare students for the PR industry in the same way. Furthermore, because most public relations professionals work with journalists, the general public, and investors, a degree in communications or journalism is likely to help prepare aspiring professionals for the field.
Individuals may need to decide what type of public relations they want to practice before enrolling in public relations degree programs. In comparison to a program for public relations for online media and print publications, the way colleges and universities prepare students to perform PR for television or radio broadcast is likely to differ. More comprehensive public relations degree programs that prepare students to communicate with a variety of media outlets may also be available.
Selecting public relations degree programs at the graduate level may be beneficial for those interested in taking a leadership role in PR, such as as a chief communications officer or press secretary. Students must first complete an undergraduate program, but once they have that certification, they can move on to secondary school. Various postgraduate public relations degree programs can be found at journalism schools as well as colleges and universities with a strong communications program.