Best Public Relations and Image Management Programs

On-Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | $2,137
Out-of-State | $2,137

Credits to Graduate
44 in the major (128 total)

Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A

In USC's bachelor's in public relations, students complete courses in effective writing for strategic communications, media and content, and business and economic foundations. The program also features internship opportunities.

In addition to the coursework and internships, learners can benefit from practical experience within the school's media center and digital lounge. Prospective students need a high school diploma or a GED for admission. 

On-Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Year
In-State | $6,380
Out-of-State | $22,278

Credits to Graduate
124

Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A

UF's BS in public relations provides degree-seekers with communication skills, experience using relevant technologies, and an ethical and professional framework. They take courses in the law of mass communication, consumer and audience analytics, and public relations writing. 

Public relations students can pursue for-credit and noncredit internships. For admission, prospective students need a high school diploma or a GED and a minimum 2.0 GPA, plus the appropriate prerequisites.

On-Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | $323-$646
Out-of-State | $323-$646

Credits to Graduate
46 in the major (120 total)

Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A

BYU's bachelor's in public relations features core courses in public relations strategy, campaigns, and research. Learners also complete an internship, plus an advanced writing and oral communication course. 

The school's public relations intelligence lab provides students with more intimate and hands-on experiences. Prospective students need a high school diploma or a GED for school admission. For the major, they need communications course prerequisites and a completed strategic planning case study.

On-Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Semester
In-State | $5,615
Out-of-State | $19,878

Credits to Graduate
120

Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A

Students in UT Austin's BS in public relations receive a well-rounded education with courses in writing, cultural diversity, ethics, global cultures, independent inquiry, and quantitative reasoning. They also take core public relations strategies, marketing principles, and integrated communications management. 

UT Austin learners also complete an internship and 12 business course hours. Prospective students need a high diploma or a GED for admission.

On-Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Year
In-State | $9,790
Out-of-State | $28,830

Credits to Graduate
120

Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A

The BA in public relations at UGA equips students to plan, design, and analyze public relations campaigns and communications. The program features core courses in research insights and analytics, graphic communications, and public relations ethics. 

UGA also hosts public relations student organizations and study abroad opportunities. Prospective students need a high school diploma or a GED, good grades, and the proper prerequisites for admission. For entry into the bachelor's in public relations, applicants need a minimum 2.8 GPA.

100% Online | Self-Paced Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | $129
Out-of-State | $553

Credits to Graduate
124

Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A

UF Online's BS in public relations focuses on mass and visual communication and provides students with the strategies and skills to engage in both fields. The program includes courses in reporting, writing fundamentals, and ethics and problems in mass communications. 

Online classes run asynchronously, and students can customize their course load to fit their scheduling needs. Prospective students need a high school diploma or a GED and a minimum 2.5 GPA for admission. They may also need SAT or ACT scores.

On-Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | $750
Out-of-State | $750

Credits to Graduate
128

Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A

Harding's bachelor's in public relations combines theoretical and practical learning to help students pursue communications positions in various industries. Degree-seekers take 12 credit hours in communications, plus core courses in digital media strategies, public relations tactics, and multimedia storytelling. 

The program also features a professional internship and a five-part research project requirement. For unconditional admission, prospective students need a high school diploma, the necessary prerequisites, and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

On-Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | $1,768
Out-of-State | $1,768

Credits to Graduate
120

Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications

The BA in public relations and strategic communication from American University features specializations in political, lifestyle and culture, corporate, and social change and advocacy communication. Other options include digital communication content and analytics and diversity and multicultural communication.

The programs include core courses in understanding media, communication, and society, plus a public relations portfolio requirement. For admission, prospective students need a high school diploma or a GED, plus prerequisites. For entry to the major, applicants need a minimum of 60 credits and a minimum 2.5 GPA.

On-Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Year
In-State | $58,540
Out-of-State | $58,540

Credits to Graduate
42 in the major (120 total)

Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A

Syracuse's BS in public relations prepares students to help organizations manage their images and strategic communications. The program includes courses in the ethics of advocacy, public relations law, and writing public relations in a digital age. Learners complete an online portfolio capstone project as well.

Syracuse students also enjoy access to the on-campus public relations firm, networking events, and more than 15 campus publications. For admission, prospective students need a high school diploma or a GED.

On-Campus | Scheduled Classes 

Avg. Cost per Year
In-State | $61,980
Out-of-State | $61,980

Credits to Graduate
37 in the major (120 total)

Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A

In SMU's BA in public relations and strategic communication, students take core courses in communication theory, data analytics, and free speech and first amendment. The program also has an ethics, international communication, and internship requirement. Students complete a campaign leadership practicum as well.

Prospective students need a high school diploma or a GED for admission to the school. To declare the major, applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA in the appropriate communications prerequisite courses.