Public Relations Degree Online
Working in the field of public relations requires an individual to be able to seamlessly blend communication skills with salesmanship, and most quality online public relations degree programs can help aspiring professionals do just that. This growing industry has even been recognized by US News & World Reports as one of their “hot track” professions. It is a rewarding yet highly competitive field, but earning a public relations online degree can help give you the edge over other job seekers.
Public Relations Degree Online Description
There are many different types of online public relations degree programs available for those pursuing a career in the field. Associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s level degrees in public relations are offered by many quality post-secondary institutions via the Internet. These are usually arts degrees, often handled out of the communications department, though some schools offer Bachelor of Science public relations online degree programs out of their business colleges. Either option should adequately prepare individuals for future employment in the PR industry.
The specific coursework of an individual public relations online degree can vary based on institution and the type of degree being earned. Students choosing to enroll in online public relations degree programs should expect to complete classes on interpersonal communications, public speaking, marketing principles, communication research methods, political communications, social media, technical writing, persuasive writing, consumer behavior, and media law and ethics. On top of that, the employee-in-training should educate themself on the basics of the industry they’re planning to enter.
Public Relations Careers
After earning their public relations online degree, most individuals find employment as a PR specialist with a corporation, nonprofit agency, educational institution, hospital, entertainment agency, or dedicated public relations firm. Their mission is to serve as the mouthpiece for others, passing along important information from their employer or client to the mass media or the community at large. Typical tasks include writing press releases, holding press conferences, conducting interviews, doing research, and preparing material for other (non-PR) employees to use during presentations.
This can be a difficult job and often requires employees to work full-time hours in busy offices, under tight deadlines, while facing unexpected events and problems frequently. It should come as no surprise then, that those who successfully complete online public relations degree programs and become PR specialists are well compensated for their efforts. According to the 2010-11 Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, the median salary for public relations workers is about $51,000, but earnings of over $90,000 are certainly achievable for those who truly excel at what they do.
Other career options available to public relations online degree recipients include public affairs specialist, public relations manager, and press secretary. Public affairs specialists and press secretaries are PR workers who ply their trade within the government, keeping the public up-to-date about the activities of different individuals or agencies. Public relations managers are usually hired by large businesses or corporations, and oversee the activities of an entire PR staff. It is also worth noting that many graduates of online public relations degree programs decide to focus instead on related career fields such as journalism or marketing.