Accredited Online Public Relations Degree

Elevate Your Career With a 100% Online Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations

Lifelong Learning for a Lifetime of Success

Prepare for Success in the Expanding PR Field

Program Details: 2-4 years | $650 Cost per Credit | 120 Credit Hours

Program Benefits

    • Expert Faculty
    • Fully Online Courses
    • No Application Fee
    • Transfer Credits Accepted
    • Customizable Curriculum

One of only 50 programs accredited by the Certification for Education in Public Relations, our online BA in Journalism and Mass Communication in Public Relations is a top choice for those seeking to become highly qualified candidates in this market.

Our accredited online communications program will prepare you with the skills most in demand for a career in public relations. As a student, you’ll experience a relevant, real-world education and have the opportunity to gain real work experience as you pursue your online degree in public relations. If you enter the program after earning an associate degree, you may complete your online bachelor’s degree in public relations in as little as two years. For other candidates, the average duration is four years.

Customize Your Drake Experience

The online degree in public relations is designed for maximum flexibility and convenience with asynchronous courses that equip students with skills in strategy, multicultural communication, consumer behavior, and global branding. Graduates will complete the program with their chosen specialization in public relations:

  • Global and Multicultural Communication – Learn to successfully communicate across the globe and engage with different cultures. Skills gained include crisis communication.
  • Corporate Public Relations – Gain skills and experience in one of the fastest-growing segments of PR. Learn event planning, communication leadership, crisis communication, data visualization, and other essential abilities.
  • Nonprofit and Advocacy Communication – Increase your competencies and capabilities in support of public affairs and advocacy, fundraising and development, and strategic communication. You will learn event planning, DEI in communication, and how to communicate in the world of nonprofit organizations.
View CurriculumView Faculty

Program Outcomes

In our online BA in Journalism and Mass Communication in Public Relations program, you will:

  • Examine the breadth of public relations work across industries.
  • Identify industries you are most passionate about working in (such as fashion, sports, entertainment, business, and agency-side).
  • Carve out and clear a pathway to your professional happiness.
  • Develop portfolio pieces that can help you sustain success in your career.

Admission Requirements

  • Complete the online application.
  • Submit your official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities.
  • Once the application is received, our admissions may ask you to submit your ACT or SAT score or a one-page essay if the admissions team needs additional information.

Explore our admissions requirements here.

Tuition Details

Drake University takes pride in delivering the best value education possible to our students. Our fully online public relations program costs $650 per credit hour and prepares you to pursue your career goals with skill, knowledge, and confidence.
Explore our tuition details here.

Career Outlook in Media and Communications

With 6% growth expected in media and communications jobs from 2021 to 2031,1 your degree in public relations will be in high demand. After completion of your online bachelor’s in public relations, you will qualify for multiple occupations in the PR and mass communication field. You could work in business communication, government bodies, nonprofit organizations, and marketing agencies.

  • Fundraising Manager: $125,620 per year2
  • Media Planners: $76,585 per year3
  • Public Relations Specialist: $67,440 per year4
  • Event Planner: $52,560 per year5
  • Special Events Coordinator: $44,246 per year6

Faculty Spotlight

Kelly Bruhn, Professor, Public Relations — Dr. Bruhn teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in public relations strategy, PR campaigns, and research. She earned her doctorate from Michigan State University, a master’s degree from Ball State University, and an undergraduate degree in communications from Valparaiso University. She is accredited by the Public Relations Society of America. Prior to joining the Drake faculty in 2009, Bruhn created award-winning campaigns for Verizon Wireless and various nonprofit organizations. In 2013, she was recognized by the Des Moines chapter of the Public Relations Society of America as an outstanding chapter member, and she served as the 2018 Central Iowa PRSA Chapter president. Her research interests include public relations pedagogy and agency-client relationships.

About the School of Journalism & Mass Communication

The School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Drake University couples hands-on training in professional skills with a strong liberal arts education to prepare students to become leaders in their fields. Drake’s SJMC is committed to developing educated, successful professionals poised to start exciting careers in the fields of journalism and mass communication. Close to 100% of SJMC graduates in recent years have reported working in jobs within their fields, other professional jobs of their choice, or attending graduate school within six months of graduation.

Drake’s SJMC is accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications. Drake is among 119 accredited programs worldwide, is the only accredited program in a private institution in the Midwest, and is one of only 18 in the nation. To earn accreditation, schools meet eight standards, which address such issues as class size and diversity within the faculty and curriculum. Accreditation reviews occur every six years. Drake’s program has been continuously accredited since 1972, most recently in 2017.

Sources

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Media and Communication Occupations.” Retrieved on January 25, 2023, from https://www.bls.gov/.
  2. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Public Relations and Fundraising Managers.” Retrieved on November 28, 2023, from https://www.bls.gov/.
  3. Salary: Media Planner in the United States 2023. Glassdoor. Retrieved on December 6, 2023, from https://www.glassdoor.com/.
  4. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Public Relations Specialists.” Retrieved on November 28, 2023, from https://www.bls.gov/.
  5. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners.” Retrieved on November 28, 2023, from https://www.bls.gov/.
  6. Payscale. “Average Special Events Coordinator Salary.” Retrieved on January 11, 2023, from https://www.payscale.com/.