Best Online Master's In Public Relations Degrees

Learn about the best online master's in public relations degrees to enhance your career in the field of communication.
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Updated June 15, 2023

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What kind of Online Public Relations degree should you get?

Below are the most elite communications and public relations programs in the country. They are housed in large, research universities and small, interdisciplinary liberal arts college alike.

And while some of these programs emphasize international communications and others media relations, they each share some things in common. For one, they are all delivered online. Additionally, they are the best at training leaders in public relations, management, and strategic communication.

How much do people make with an Online Public Relations degree?

We've got good news for folks in public relations! In the next few years it is estimated that PR jobs will jump up by 6 percent, with at least 15k new jobs opening up.

And while those with just a bachelor’s degree can find work in public relations, those with master’s degrees are much more likely to land managing roles, making on average 51k a year. You can look forward to a long and lucrative career!

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If you're thinking about pursuing a master's degree online, take a look at our list of the best online colleges to help make your decision.

What can you do with an Online Public Relations degree?

PR managers are in high demand, as they are needed in most fields and industries to help craft company vision, implement branding tactics, and analyze customer response.

Not only are public relations jobs stable, in demand, and high-paying, but they’re versatile. So, even if you begin your career in the corporate office, navigating customer and company demands, you will find you can translate that experience to a range of other industries, such as nonprofit work, healthcare administration, and education. The possibilities for PR managers are limitless!

What are the Best Online Master’s in Public Relations degrees?

We looked at the academic reputation of every school offering an online MA or MS in Public Relations degree then refined those schools to include credit hour cost, retention rate (a marker of student satisfaction), and early annual salary of graduates.

What we arrived at is a list that reflects the most academically rigorous programs in the country that are also, simultaneously, some of the most affordable, and those that ensure vocationally success after graduation. Our figures and information come from the university and colleges’ websites, PayScale, and nationally recognized U.S. News & World Report and The National Center for Education Statistics.

Best Online Master's in Public Relations Degrees

See our rankings methodology page.

#1 Best Online Master’s In Public Relations Degrees

University of Florida-Online

  • Gainesville, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online

The University of Florida-Online offers premier online degrees for students looking for a competitive program. Degree-seekers interested in public relations get a rigorous, industry-relevant education through the bachelor of science in public relations program.

Enrollees can take advantage of the program's supportive virtual learning community by connecting with peers and faculty in a remote classroom environment. Degree candidates attend classes that cover both foundational and advanced topics, giving them relevant knowledge for a future public relations career. Learners gain hands-on practice through internships, research projects, and other experiential learning opportunities. Academic advising and career counseling are just some of the resources focused on student success that the institution offers.

Students can defray degree costs through funding opportunities found with the help of a financial aid officer. The college's funding opportunities include numerous scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid options. Of all enrollees, 90% receive some kind of financial aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,358
Out-of-state
$15,000
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
63%
Acceptance Rate
32%
Students Enrolled
3,926
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#2 Best Online Master’s In Public Relations Degrees

Purdue University-Main Campus

  • West Lafayette, IN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Trying to find a flexible education to prepare you for a public relations career? Look at the bachelor of science in communication program from Purdue University-Main Campus .

The program provides students with the tools they need for a successful career in public relations or communications. Enrollees learn about both foundational concepts and advanced topics through a variety of classes. Depending on their career aspirations, degree-seekers can complete hands-on learning experiences to increase their industry knowledge. Learners can benefit from internships and externships, or industry-specific research projects. During the program, students can talk to their academic advisor and career counselor to receive guidance.

Qualifying applicants can reduce their degree costs with internal and external funding opportunities like scholarships and fellowships. A remote education leader, the college awards financial aid to 65% of enrollees to support them on their academic journey.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,208
Out-of-state
$28,010
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,208
Out-of-state
$28,010
Retention Rate
91%
Acceptance Rate
60%
Students Enrolled
45,500
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
22% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#3 Best Online Master’s In Public Relations Degrees

Drexel University

  • Philadelphia, PA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Learners wanting a flexible remote education in public relations should check out the bachelor's in communication program at Drexel University. The private institution provides industry-relevant education to 9,300 remote degree-seekers, offering eight of its bachelor's programs online. Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the college supports its distance learners by offering institutional resources, including a tight-knit online community.

Public relations students learn industry knowledge through hands-on classes. The curriculum includes courses on general education and advanced topics, with the option to individualize classes and choose electives. Enrollees add to their education with experiential learning experiences. Degree-seekers who complete internships, externships, or research projects get first-hand experience of what it's like to work in the public relations field.

Prospective students can learn about enrollment criteria by talking to the admissions office. Of all enrollees, 100% receive some form of financial aid. Incoming degree-seekers should meet with the financial aid office to discuss whether they qualify for any funding opportunities. Learners meeting the proper criteria can use scholarships, fellowships, and other types of aid to lower the price of their degree.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$52,146
Out-of-state
$52,146
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$35,181
Out-of-state
$35,181
Retention Rate
89%
Acceptance Rate
75%
Students Enrolled
24,205
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
38% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#4 Best Online Master’s In Public Relations Degrees

Southern New Hampshire University

  • Manchester, NH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Manchester-based Southern New Hampshire University offers premier online degrees for students looking for a competitive program. A total of 106,762 distance learners attend the private institution, which offers 35 online bachelor's programs. The bachelor of arts in communication with a concentration in public relations provides a rigorous education for learners interested in pursuing a career in public relations.

The program's online learning environment connects participants with colleagues and instructors, allowing them to fully benefit from a supportive remote community. Classes cover foundational and advanced topics, preparing enrollees with relevant knowledge for their future careers in public relations. Degree candidates boost their knowledge through hands-on practice and experiential learning opportunities like research projects and internships. Academic advising and career counseling are just some of the resources the institution provides degree-seekers to support their success.

Financial aid officers can help learners find funding opportunities to help lower degree costs. The college offers many fellowships, scholarships, and federal aid opportunities. Of all enrollees, 77% receive some kind of financial aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$30,756
Out-of-state
$30,756
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$18,810
Out-of-state
$18,810
Retention Rate
65%
Acceptance Rate
88%
Students Enrolled
113,514
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
94% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

#5 Best Online Master’s In Public Relations Degrees

West Virginia University

  • Morgantown, WV
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

For students seeking a flexible education to prepare them for the public relations field, the bachelor's in advertising and public relations at West Virginia University is a great choice. A total of 9,196 remote learners get a top education from the public college, which offers four online bachelor's programs.

Students gain the tools needed for a successful career in the public relations field. Enrollees benefit from a variety of coursework, participating in classes that provide foundational and advanced knowledge. Hands-on learning experiences let degree-seekers deepen their knowledge of the industry to help their career aspirations. Internships, externships, and applied research projects benefit learners. During the program, students can talk to their academic advisor and career counselor to receive guidance.

To offset degree costs, eligible students can pursue external and internal funding opportunities, such as scholarships and fellowships. A leader in distance learning, the college supports degree-seekers' educational endeavors with financial assistance, awarding aid to 94% of enrollees.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,976
Out-of-state
$25,320
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,134
Out-of-state
$26,154
Retention Rate
79%
Acceptance Rate
84%
Students Enrolled
26,839
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
34% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

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