Public Relations

Today's consumers are a savvy bunch who pay close attention to details when it comes to making decisions. The advent of the Internet has made it possible for buyers to keep close tabs on the companies and businesses they care about, so it's more important than ever before for brands to carefully manage their reputations.

That's where public relations professionals come in. These agents act as a buffer between the public and the high-profile celebrities, companies, politicians, or groups they represent, helping to handle difficult situations and devising and carrying out strategic plans to protect and maintain their client's positive public image.

Education & Career Opportunities in Public Relations

Public relations jobs can be competitive--especially for entry-level positions. Although job growth is expected to be strong (the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 24 percent growth from 2008 to 2018) job seekers are expected to outnumber job openings.

Public relations degree programs may include coursework in journalism, communications, and marketing. Additionally, as the Web plays an ever greater role in marketing, individuals with social media training should be more competitive for many public relations jobs.

Individuals with degrees in public relations may work as public relations specialists, press secretaries, communication specialists, or consultants. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual income for public relations specialists in 2009 was $51,960.

Online Results

Campus Results

Ashford University

Balance your job with online coursework as you earn your Bachelor's or Master's degree. You'll find Ashford University®, founded in 1918, is an ideal choice for you whether you're a working adult or haven't yet completed your degree.

BA/Communication Studies
BA/Organizational Management - Communications
BA/Social Science - Communications

BA/Organizational Management - Marketing
BA/Health Marketing and Communications

University of Phoenix

As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.

B.S. in Communication/Culture and Communication
B.S. in Communication/Communication and Technology

A.A. in Communications
B.S. in Communication/Marketing and Sales Communication

Western International University Interactive Online

Get an education that fits your life at Western International University. Study online, on campus, or both, and prepare for a career in business, behavioral science, or IT.

Bachelor of Science in Business / Minor in Business Communications

Kaplan University

Advance your career and get the distinct competitive advantage you need with an online degree from Kaplan University. And do it without missing a day of work.

BS in Communication

Post University

Getting your Online degree does not have to be impersonal. At Post University Online, you will engage in meaningful career-oriented programs with like-minded students and receive personal attention from our dedicated faculty within a caring and supportive learning environment. Earn your bachelor's degree, associate's degree, or certificate in one of the many programs offered by Post University entirely online.

A.S. in Marketing

Walden University

Balance your personal and professional commitments while earning a respected Ph.D., master's degree, or bachelor's degree online at Walden University. Programs offered in management, education, psychology and health and human services.

B.S. in Communication

Golden Gate University

For more than 110 years, non-profit Golden Gate University (GGU) has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing undergraduate and graduate education in Accounting, Law, Taxation, Business and related areas.

Marketing - Masters

Harrison College

Get started on your career with an education from Harrison College. We offer more than 30 degree, certificate, and diploma programs in the fields of health sciences, veterinary technology, information technology, criminal justice, and business, in addition to our culinary arts academy.

Business Marketing

Lindenwood University

Start your path to a degree with Lindenwood University. We offer a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and master's degrees in nonprofit administration, business administration, writing, and educational technology, design, and telecommunications.