Public Relations Degree Completion at SIUE
The public relations online degree completion program will hone your writing, research and creative skills, allowing you to advance in your career in the field of communication. Students earn a degree in applied communication studies with a focus in public relations. This program teaches not only the mechanics of writing and design for various audiences, but asks students to think critically about current trends in public relations, marketing and advertising, and asks students to develop an ethical viewpoint from which to practice public relations professionally.
Our program is 100% online, taught primarily by published public relations experts, and is built for working professionals who need flexibility but demand a quality program at an affordable price.
Students will recognize the skills they have already built within the workforce and tailor them to the practices of public relations. Graduates will exit the program with skills and experience in writing, design, crisis communication practices, brand development, and knowledge of best practices in areas related to reputation management and repair. They will understand strategic processes used to reach measurable goals and have the capability to design and implement research used to evaluate programs and campaigns. Graduates leave the program with the confidence required to work in the field of public relations.
Degrees Available at SIUE
- Bachelor of Arts, Applied Communication Studies
- Bachelor of Science, Applied Communication Studies
What can I do with a degree in public relations?
Employment of public relations specialists is expected to grow 9% through 2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Public relations graduates often work in the following fields:
- Corporate Firms and Departments - entertainment, tourism, sports
- Non-profit Departments - healthcare, education
- Politics and Government
- Global/International Arenas
Examples of job responsibilities/titles:
- Brand journalism
- Content creation
- Marketing communication
- Advertising
- Public affairs/lobbying
- Sales and customer relations
- Crisis communication
- Event planning
- Internal communication
- Media relations
- Reputation management
- Social media management
- Non-profit management
- Community relations
- Campaign planning
- Speech writing
- Program planning
Program Format
Courses are fully online and offered in three-, five- and eight-week terms. Students will have a consistent learning platform and format to ensure seamless transition from course to course. Instructors and professors are readily available and experienced in their field of expertise and online learning practices. Courses will build in content and concepts and are structured in a purposeful sequence. The program concludes with a capstone project.
What do students say about the public relations degree completion program?
"I always wanted to finish my degree, but with bills, kids and all the other responsibilities and limitations of a middle-aged adult, as well as a significant disability, that desire seemed like a fantasy. I knew there were online degree completion programs, but I thought they were expensive and many of them seemed like a generic alternative. Then I learned about the online degree completion program at SIUE. It was here where my fantasy became reality. The program is affordable, the process is streamlined and the faculty actually care. None of my limitations are an impediment. If I can do it, you can too!"
-Adam Hahs
Student Support
Students will have support in various ways to ensure success. Support includes assistance with technical and learning platform issues, writing and APA formats, textbook/publisher help, and a response from all educators within 24 hours of email communication. Online students will have access to SIUE support systems, as well as program specific support.
Contact
Call 618-650-5832 or complete the "contact us" form on this page to learn more. We look forward to working with you as you pursue a bachelor's degree. Students without an associate degree or 60 credit hours are encouraged to contact us, so we can develop a plan for meeting degree requirements.
