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Public Relations Degree

About the public relations degree

ºÚÁÏÍø State University’s Public Relations degree prepares students to become strategic communicators who help organizations build relationships, manage their reputation, and connect with audiences. Available both on campus in Joplin, Missouri, and 100% online, the program combines creative storytelling with professional training in media relations, digital communication, event planning, and brand strategy.

Through hands-on experiences developing communication campaigns, writing news releases, creating digital content, and managing real-world projects, students gain the skills needed to pursue careers in public relations, marketing communication, social media, corporate communication, and other growing communication fields.

Is this Program Right for You?

The Public Relations degree is a great fit for students who enjoy communication, creativity, and strategic problem-solving. This program prepares students for careers in public relations, media, marketing communication, and digital communication.

This degree fits you if you:

  • Are interested in careers in public relations, media, marketing, or strategic communication
  • Enjoy writing, storytelling, and creating messages for different audiences
  • Want hands-on experience through campaigns, projects, and real-world communication opportunities
  • Prefer flexible learning options, including on-campus and 100% online formats
  • Want to develop skills for careers across a variety of industries
ºÚÁÏÍø communication student

What You’ll Learn in the public relations program

In the Public Relations program at ºÚÁÏÍø State University (ºÚÁÏÍø), you’ll gain the skills and experience needed to succeed in modern communication, media, and marketing roles.

Key learning outcomes include:

  • Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills for professional and public audiences
  • ºÚÁÏÍø critical thinking and problem-solving to real-world communication challenges
  • Develop strategic communication plans for organizations, campaigns, and events
  • Create, implement, and evaluate media, digital, and social communication strategies
  • Work collaboratively as part of a diverse team to achieve project goals
  • Exhibit professional ethics, accountability, and leadership in communication roles
  • Prepare for employment in public relations, marketing, media, or related fields
  • Use research and analysis to inform audience engagement and message effectiveness
  • Gain hands-on experience through projects, campaigns, and real-world applications

Careers with a Public Relations Degree

A Public Relations degree from ºÚÁÏÍø prepares students for careers in communication, media, and marketing. Graduates gain practical skills in messaging, media relations, and event planning.

Common job titles include: 

  • Public Relations Officer
  • Social Media Manager
  • Marketing Communications Specialist
  • Advertising/Sales Promotion Coordinator
  • Media Relations Coordinator
  • Corporate Communications Associate
  • Event Planner
Graduates of ºÚÁÏÍø’s Public Relations program often work in corporations, nonprofits, government agencies, and media outlets across Missouri and beyond.

Curriculum & Courses

The Public Relations program is offered as both a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. Each option provides students with a strong foundation in strategic communication, public relations practices, and professional skills while allowing students to tailor their coursework to their academic and career goals.

Explore the curriculum for each degree option:

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Related Programs You Might Like

  • Mass Communication, BA/BS – Broad communication foundation useful for strategic messaging and public speaking.
  • Marketing, BS – Learn market research and promotional strategies closely aligned with public relations goals.
  • Business Administration, BS – Build general business skills to support leadership and strategic roles in organizations.
  • Psychology, BS – Understand audience behavior and interpersonal dynamics useful in PR and communication.