1. Public Relations Degree: Requirements to Earn a Public...
  2. >
  3. Advertising and PR Degree...
  4. >
  5. Communications and...
  6. >
  7. Degree and Career Details...

Public Relations Degree: Requirements to Earn a Public Relations Degree

Published Sep 09, 2009

RSS Feed

A degree in Public Relations qualifies graduates for careers in such fields as media relations and mass communication. Students can pursue Public Relations at the associate's, bachelor's and master's degree levels. This article explains the requirements to earn a Public Relations degree.

Requirements to Earn an Associate's Degree in Public Relations

Full-time students take two years to complete an associate's degree program in Public Relations. Students typically complete a few general education classes before focusing on Public Relations courses. Some topics covered in many Public Relations programs include public speaking, media relations and ethics, public relations campaigns and persuasive writing. Many programs also require students to take a couple courses related to topics in contemporary avenues of media communications, like website design and online journalism.

Requirements to Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations

Many schools offer 4-year bachelor's degree programs in Public Relations that prepare graduates for careers in fields like consulting, politics and media relations. Students in Public Relations bachelor's degree programs usually spend their first two years exploring general education subjects, as well as taking some introductory Public Relations topics. Some common subjects covered in upper-division Public Relations courses are public relations writing, mass communication, organizational communication, graphic design and layout, and public relations campaign management.

Requirements to Earn a Master's Degree in Public Relations

Master's degree programs in Public Relations take two years to complete, in addition to the time taken to earn a bachelor's degree. Public Relations master's degree programs provide in-depth information on topics like ethics and laws in media relations, Public Relations theory and history, advanced media relations techniques, and strategic public communication. Postgraduate students can also specialize in particular areas of Public Relations, such as international media communication, Public Relations management or corporate communication.

Featured School Choices: