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Public Relations Manager Education Requirements
Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
There are several educational requirements to become a public relations manager. Public relations managers usually study communication, journalism, or public relations. 79% of public relations managers hold a bachelor's degree, and 11% hold an master's degree. We analyzed 9,283 real public relations manager resumes to see exactly what public relations manager education sections show.
The most common colleges for public relations managers are the New York University and the New York University.
There are also many online public relations manager courses to help get the education required to be a public relations manager.
There are certain public relations manager certifications that you should consider. These public relations manager certifications include Accreditation in Public Relations (PR) and Professional Certified Marketer (PCM).
What education do you need to become a public relations manager?
What degree do you need to be a public relations manager?
- Bachelor's, 79%
- Master's, 11%
- Associate, 6%
- High School Diploma, 2%
- Other Degrees, 2%
What should I major in to become a public relations manager?
- Communication, 21%
- Journalism, 13%
- Public Relations, 11%
- Business, 11%
- Other Majors, 44%
Most common colleges for public relations managers
Public Relations Manager Common College  | Percentages |
|---|---|
| New York University | 7.43% |
| Florida State University | 6.50% |
| Boston University | 6.04% |
| Syracuse University | 5.92% |
| American University | 5.46% |
Best majors for public relations managers
| Rank | Major | Percentages |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Communication | 20.9% |
| 2 | Journalism | 12.6% |
| 3 | Public Relations | 11.3% |
| 4 | Business | 10.6% |
| 5 | English | 7.7% |
Best colleges for public relations managers
The best colleges for public relations managers are Northwestern University, University of Southern California, and Boston University.
A public relations manager with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for public relations managers. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become public relations managers.
1. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
In-State Tuition
$54,568
Enrollment
8,451
2. University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA • Private
In-State Tuition
$56,225
Enrollment
19,548
3. San Diego State University
San Diego, CA • Private
In-State Tuition
$7,488
Enrollment
30,018
4. Boston University
Boston, MA • Private
In-State Tuition
$53,948
Enrollment
17,238
5. University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN • Private
In-State Tuition
$14,760
Enrollment
31,451
20 best online courses for public relations managers
Advertising Disclosure
1. Introduction to Public Relations and the Media
This specialization is ideal for learners interested in how to practice public relations and branding communication. You will learn how to use different tools to manage your company’s reputation. You will learn about different forms of media, how to work with journalists, and how to plan strategic communication to enhance your company. And you will emerge from this specialization with several portfolio pieces, including a media contact list, press release, pitch, and crisis communication plan...
2. Communicating with the Public
Rooted in theater, journalism and humanities practices, this course presents tools and techniques that help you improve your public-facing communication skills, particularly when describing your work to a lay audience. Whether it’s a 30-second elevator pitch or speaking to a large organization, “Communicating with the Public” will boost your confidence in any speech-communication scenario...
3. Public Relations: Media Crisis Communications
Public Relations: You Can Shape and Control Your Media Messages at The Worst Possible Times...
4. Press Coverage, Publicity & Public Relations For Branding
Public relations to reach 100,000+ people with influencer marketing, publicity, and press coverage for personal branding...
5. Integrated Marketing Communications: Advertising, Public Relations, Digital Marketing and more
Just how familiar are you with a marketing communication campaign? Learn more about this key pillar in the marketing mix and use it to give the push your product or service needs. Through this course you will understand the most important issues when planning and evaluating marketing communications strategies and executions in order to create valuable brands and win consumers. You'll be able to combine the appropriate theories and models with practical information to make better marketing...
6. The Ultimate Public Relations Masterclass
Everything you need to know to be successful at PR in a digital world...
7. Communication Skills Masterclass - Your Communication Guide
Communication Skill For Business Communication & Effective Communication In Workplace & Relationships...
8. Advanced Product Management: Leadership & Communication
Accelerate your Product Management career. Master communication, people management, & leadership...
9. Executive Communication Training
Being a great leader without being a great communicator is nearly impossible...
10. Communication Skills for Beginners
Start Building Your Communication Skills Now...
Top 10 most affordable universities for public relations managers
The most affordable schools for public relations managers are University of Florida, baruch college of the city university of new york, and brigham young university.
If the best universities for public relations managers are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for public relations managers.
1. University of Florida
Gainesville, FL • Private
In-State Tuition
$6,381
Cost of Attendance
21,034
2. Baruch College of the City University of New York
New York, NY • Private
In-State Tuition
$7,262
Cost of Attendance
14,046
3. Brigham Young University
Provo, UT • Private
In-State Tuition
$5,620
Cost of Attendance
18,136
4. California State University - Dominguez Hills
Carson, CA • Private
In-State Tuition
$6,942
Cost of Attendance
14,469
5. California State University - Long Beach
Long Beach, CA • Private
In-State Tuition
$6,798
Cost of Attendance
18,306
Top 10 hardest universities to get into for public relations managers
The hardest universities for public relations managers to get into are Northwestern University, University of Southern California, and Boston University.
Some great schools for public relations managers are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for public relations managers based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.
1. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
Admissions Rate
8%
SAT Average
1,508
2. University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA • Private
Admissions Rate
13%
SAT Average
1,445
3. Boston University
Boston, MA • Private
Admissions Rate
22%
SAT Average
1,420
4. Northeastern University
Boston, MA • Private
Admissions Rate
19%
SAT Average
1,466
5. Stanford University
Stanford, CA • Private
Admissions Rate
4%
SAT Average
1,497
Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for public relations managers
The easiest schools for public relations managers to get into are Oklahoma Wesleyan University, barry university, and notre dame college.
Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a public relations manager without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for public relations managers.
1. Oklahoma Wesleyan University
Bartlesville, OK • Private
Admissions Rate
68%
SAT Average
964
2. Barry University
Miami, FL • Private
Admissions Rate
91%
SAT Average
1,006
3. Notre Dame College
Cleveland, OH • Private
Admissions Rate
90%
SAT Average
994
4. Gwynedd Mercy University
Gwynedd Valley, PA • Private
Admissions Rate
92%
SAT Average
1,031
5. Mount Saint Mary's University
Los Angeles, CA • Private
Admissions Rate
84%
SAT Average
1,031
Average public relations manager salary by education level
| Public Relations Manager education level | Public Relations Manager salary |
|---|---|
| Master's Degree | $103,616 |
| Bachelor's Degree | $93,694 |
Public Relations Manager Education FAQs
Have more questions? See all answers to common executive management questions.
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Updated January 8, 2025
Updated January 8, 2025