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Online Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations

public relations student presenting plan to class of students

Develop Real-World Public Relations Skills and Launch a Successful Career

Learn Social Media Management

B.S. or B.A. degree pathways

CPR exam preparation

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Complete the form to learn more about this program.

  • Duration 2–4 years
  • Cost per Credit $286.40
  • Credit Hours 180

Program Benefits

  • Asynchronous, 100% online coursework
  • Full-time and part-time scheduling options
  • 11-week courses
  • Interdisciplinary, experiential learning opportunities

*Price reflects tuition for Oregon residents. Non-resident tuition is $329.60/credit hour. Speak to an enrollment counselor for more information.

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Shape Media and Communications Strategy in Any Organization

With EOU’s online bachelor’s degree in public relations, you will build in-demand expertise in social media management, market research and data analysis to gain a competitive edge in the job market. This flexible program combines 100% online coursework with in-person field experiences and project-based learning, preparing you to create social media campaigns and public-facing messaging with clarity and authenticity.

You will gain a deep understanding of the essential role public relations plays in our democratic society and digitally-driven world. When you graduate, you will be ready to use media platforms to share information with a wide range of consumers and audiences.

Throughout your studies, you will build a portfolio to showcase your expertise to future employers. The program culminates in practicum and capstone courses that give you the opportunity to work with public relations agencies and organizations in your community, apply your skills in real-world settings and prepare for the workplace.

students writing on board in classroom

Excel as a Public Relations Leader

Earning an online public relations degree will set you up for long-term success in a growing and rewarding field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in media and communication occupations is projected to increase 14 percent from 2020 to 2030, with about 151,500 new jobs added to the market during the same time period.1

The skills you gain in this program will help you stand out to employers as an experienced and ethical PR professional. When you graduate, you can sit for the Certified Public Relations exam and pursue roles like public relations specialist, market research analyst, social media manager and marketing manager.

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Interdisciplinary Skills for Professional Success

10 core courses

7 electives

The online Bachelor’s in Public Relations provides a broad-based education that combines topics from psychology, sociology, statistics, communication studies, the humanities, business and public administration. Because our program is offered through the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, you will develop professional PR competencies within a context that considers the human condition, ethical messaging and advocacy.

EOU’s public relations curriculum is grounded in experiential learning and practical skill sets. Throughout the program, you will study current campaigns, case studies, academic essays and more to gain a comprehensive understanding of the modern PR field and build your portfolio. We have also partnered with cutting-edge publishers to design course assignments that simulate real situations for crisis management.

View Complete Curriculum

Achieve Your Goals with EOU’s B.S./B.A. in Public Relations

135 transfer credits accepted

No work experience required

To apply for admission to the online Bachelor’s in Public Relations degree program, you will need:

A completed online application
Official transcripts/GED scores
View the Application Process

*Test scores are only needed for students transferring fewer than 30 credit hours, fewer than three years after high school graduation.

Tuition and Aid

$286.40 per credit hour**

$51,552 total tuition**

EOU is committed to providing an affordable education to all students. About 92 percent of our online students utilize financial aid and scholarships to cover part of these costs.

E O U $5,155 versus Average Competitor $10,933

Per Term: Based on 18 credits. Costs for average competitors are estimations of state schools found on public university websites.

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**Price reflects tuition for Oregon residents. Non-resident tuition is $320/credit hour. Speak to an enrollment counselor for more information.

Learn More About Your Financial Aid Options

Your education is an investment in your future. We take your commitment seriously and are here to support you in finding ways to pay for your degree.

Options to consider are:

  • Loans
  • Grants
  • Scholarships
  • Employer Benefits
Explore Financial Aid

What You’ll Learn

The skills you gain in EOU’s online public relations degree will prepare you to communicate clearly and effectively to diverse audiences and stakeholders across multiple platforms. Our focus on ethical advocacy means you will have the expertise and cultural sensitivity required to manage narratives and frame issues for the common good in our interconnected world.

Program Outcomes

  • Excellent writing, message development and media production skills
  • Expertise in social media development and management
  • Competencies in research and data analysis
  • Strong ethical awareness

What It’s Like to Study Online

Earning your degree online from Eastern Oregon University is a great opportunity because there are no on-campus requirements. You will have access to the same professors, content and opportunities as on-campus students while learning online in a creative digital format. Our professors work on campus and are experts trained to deliver innovative, engaging online education.

Explore the Online Experience

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore answers to common questions about the online Bachelor’s in Public Relations online program. For information not covered here, you can visit our FAQ page.

The online program is designed for professionals who work full-time and is offered part-time with two classes every 11 weeks. To see the curriculum, view our courses page.

EOU offers numerous scholarships to incoming freshmen, continuing students and U.S. military service members and veterans. Learn more on our tuition and financial aid page.

The first step is to start your application. Find out more about applying on our program admissions page.

High school and college transcripts are considered for applicants with fewer than 30 quarter college credits. GPA requirements include a 2.75 high school GPA and a 2.25 college GPA.

For students transferring more than 30 quarter college credits, a 2.25 college GPA is required. For students with an AAOT and ASOT, a 2.0 college GPA is required. Review our complete admission policies on the program page.

You’ll complete 17 program-specific courses to earn the Bachelor’s in Public Relations degree. You can learn more about coursework on the curriculum page.

You can pursue careers like public relations specialist, advertising, promotions and marketing manager, PR and fundraising manager, and communications specialist in for-profit, government, NGO and non-profit settings. Graduates of this program are also prepared to sit for the Certified Public Relations (CPR) exam. Learn more on our career outcomes page.

Visit our FAQ page

Sources

  1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Media and Communication Occupations. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/home.htm.