Edited By Charlotte Sears
Review & Contribution By Alan Summers
Learn about research, theory, and advanced practice in communication with a Ph.D. in Public Relations and pursue careers in academia, research, and high-level consultancy, shaping the future of public relations.
A Ph.D. in public relations helps individuals learn advanced knowledge of creating a favorable image of an individual, organization, and business. A doctorate program gives students a broad scope for job roles in the domains of investment corporations, banks, trade, manufacturing, the public sector, political parties, and much more. A typical degree length of a Ph.D. is around four years and comprises coursework and around 2.5 years of dissertation work and research. Students will have the opportunity to promote, create, and evaluate different communication initiatives and media projects. The coursework is focused on building expertise and anchoring their research interests in the field of public relations. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the Job outlook for professionals in the field of Public Relations and Fundraising Managers to be around 8%, which is much faster than the average for other occupations [1].
Table Of Contents
Featured Online Programs
FindBestDegrees.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Southern New Hampshire University
PROGRAM: MBA with concentration in Engineering Management
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with more than 3,000 on campus students, over 170,000 online students, making it one of the fastest growing universities in the nation. Founded in 1932, we’ve been relentlessly reinventing higher education ever since and have gained national recognition for our dedication to helping students transform their lives and the lives of those around them.
We’re proud to provide affordable, accessible education that students can pursue on our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH, or via our innovative online platform.
SNHU has earned the GetEducated.com Best Buy and Best of Business – Best Online Degree awards and is consistently ranked as a top Military Friendly® School by G.I Jobs®.
FindBestDegrees.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
National University
PROGRAM: Find Best Degree
National University, headquartered in San Diego, California, was founded in 1971 to provide educational opportunities for adult learners and working professionals. It offers over 190 degree programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, with flexible online and on-campus courses. Serving around 40,000 students and over 240,000 alumni, the university is recognized for its support of U.S. military members. Accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), National University is committed to accessible and transformative higher education.
Find the Best Ph.D. in Public Relations Programs
The doctoral program in Public Relations is dynamic and inclusive, requiring full commitment from applicants pursuing the degree. A Ph.D. from a top-notch school can help make a big difference in academic and professional choices. FBD teams have evaluated many degrees and institutions from all over the country and using our exclusive ranking system, prepared a list of colleges offering the best Ph.D. in public relations programs.
| Univ | Address | Tuition | Grad Rate |
| Liberty University | 1971 University Blvd, Lynchburg, Virginia 24515 | $7,740 | 63% |
Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page.
What to Expect from a Ph.D. in Public Relations
Ph.D. in public relations integrates social science and humanities fields, including anthropology, political science, sociology, linguistics, rhetoric, and media studies. It is designed to prepare students for teaching careers and university research. The coursework is around 60 to 120 credit hours and takes an average of four years to complete. It allows students to research creatively, enhance social media strategy, and develop writing abilities. Colleges offer this degree on-campus, off-campus, and in hybrid modes of learning. They can benefit from the experienced faculty and peers who can strengthen your expertise, develop a unique viewpoint through field experiences, and learn to position yourself as an emerging leader.
Program Structure, Coursework, and Dissertation
The public relations coursework in a doctoral program is generally very comprehensive, providing a flexible framework for students to complete their degrees timely. Generally, they are expected to complete around 2 to 2 ½ years of coursework, 1 to 1 ½ years to write a dissertation, and around a semester to complete a preliminary examination.
Students are expected to complete some prerequisites Like Rhetorical Criticism, communication theory, media theory, and more. Candidates with a master’s in public relations may already have completed these courses as part of their graduate curriculum. However, those with master’s degrees in a different domain may have to take all the prerequisites during their doctoral coursework.
Typically, the doctoral program structure differs from institution to institution; however, students may find some common elements to most Ph.D. in public relations degrees, including:
Advanced Writing
All of the public relations degrees have courses that help their graduates write competitively in both academic and professional languages. The courses provide instruction in professional and academic writing and adapting the information gained by scholars in a manner that makes sense to the audience through different mediums like scholarly blogging, digital engagement, public scholarship, and more.
Elective courses
Doctoral students can choose graduate electives from within their departments after consultation with their advisors. They are typically needed to choose electives from more than one domain of study. Candidates can also take courses outside their department, but it is generally not counted towards your departmental study requirements.
Preliminary Examination
The doctoral preliminary examination is generally an examination that all graduates take to prove their capability and preparedness to synthesize and apply the knowledge and skills during the master’s program. Candidates need to pass this examination to continue their further Ph.D. requirements.
Dissertation
This is also a doctoral thesis, the final and most important component of completing a doctoral study. It is undertaken after coursework completion and passes the comprehensive exam. In a dissertation, the student is expected to contribute innovatively and genuinely to the study and demonstrate their expertise in public relations.
Conference submission or department Colloquia
This requirement enhances the personal and professional outlook in public relations. They must submit their research and engage in professional development activities at conferences arranged for scholars. Some institutions require candidates to participate in conference preparation sessions and departmental research colloquia.
Since a dissertation is one of the most critical components of a Ph.D. program, students can research a range of topics, some of which include:
- Impact of artificial intelligence on public relations strategies
- Marketing and social media influence
- Invisible marketing and its impact
- Lack of diversity in public relations
- Paid PR
- Crisis and reputation management on social media
- Brand infiltration for small and medium enterprises
- Effectiveness of traditional media
- OTT Platforms and the latest PR tools
- PR and inbound marketing
To understand more about the requirements for a Ph.D. in public relations, refer to the guide to Ph.D. programs.
Learning Outcomes and Skills Gained
A Ph.D. in Public Relations is worth it for those who want to work in marketing, communications, academia, and much more. The doctoral coursework prepares students for all these domains to help them keep pace with the fast-changing domain of public relations. The interdisciplinary curriculum develops both the research and teaching skills of graduates. It provides in-depth information about communication research, the history of communications, theology, applied methods in public relations, and much more.
Students of this program are well-versed in various components of public relations that can help them advance their professional qualifications and explore the industry. Some of the skills that students develop after finishing the coursework include the ability to
- communicate with the public and media efficiently, creating a favorable image for their clients or organization;
- demonstrate excellent coordinating arrangements by handling different events of communications simultaneously;
- handle sensitive issues of clients or company and use their judgment in reporting about the challenges in a manner favorable to developing a positive public image;
- negotiate based on their organization or clients and explain their position effectively;
- write clear and well-organized press releases, social media posts, and speeches;
- communicate key messages through verbal or written formats in a way that engages audiences;
- demonstrate leadership and manage a large team of fundraisers or specialists and guide their activities;
- build rapport and receive support from various stakeholders of communication while building the image of their clients.
Areas of Specialization for Public Relations Ph.D. Students
Specialization enhances understanding of a specific field of the subject. In general, there are many concentrations in the field of public relations, which directly correspond to the field you may work in; however, it may be difficult to find various kinds of specialties in Ph.D. in public relations in this domain. Nevertheless, some such concentrations available in the field of public relations include:
| Area of Specialization | Description | Career Options |
|---|---|---|
| Media Relations and Writing | This specialization enhances a student’s understanding of who a target audience is and what publications the media consumes in general. It includes learning about proactive and positive tactics in media relations to generate coverage and respond to challenges like ethics issues, product fails, and others. | Various roles include publicist, social media manager, editor, and communications coordinator. |
| Organizational Communication | This specialization focuses on the public opinions and issues faced during organization management. It offers context to build and manage understanding, reputation, and engagement amongst critical stakeholders. The concentration gives coverage of government affairs, community relations, advocacy communications, investor relations, and more. | Various careers in marketing, political communication, journalism, technology, communication, health care administration, and more. |
| Broadcasting | This concentration gives graduates a foundation in print media, radio, and television media, maximized by the interactivity of these fields on the web. It also provides insight into integrated domains of ethnic and socio-economic components. | Various roles in non-profit, ministry-related, mission audience, corporates, and other fields. |
| Digital Marketing | This specialization focuses on expanding traditional marketing theories and practices to the digital space by analyzing current market issues. It equips students to adapt to the market and stay updated with digital marketing tools and strategies. | Various roles in social media marketing, advertising, or digital communications. |
| Event Management | Event management concentration expands understanding of hosting and planning various public and private events for business and social purposes. The knowledge gained through the specialization makes learners adept at interacting with different stakeholders. | Various roles as events manager, wedding planner, event venue manager, event social media coordinator, etc. |
Full-Time and Part-Time Ph.D. Programs
A doctoral program in public relations generally takes 3 to 5 years to complete; however, this would depend on the number of credits completed and the duration to finish the dissertation. Generally, most doctoral programs will require a dissertation; but if the dissertation is not required, students can complete the program within three years of full-time study. Those opting for accelerated and online programs can complete more courses in less time, completing the degree in three years or less. Some students may have more personal and work responsibilities and want to complete the program part-time. In that case, it will require more than five years to finish the coursework. Here is a summary of the timeline for online public relations Ph.D. programs:
- Full-time: it takes four years to complete the public relations Ph.D.
- Part-time: it takes more than five years to complete the public relations Ph.D.
- Accelerated: takes three or fewer years to complete the public relations Ph.D.
Accelerated Public Relations Ph.D. Programs
Earning an accelerated Ph.D. in public relations can help you earn an advanced degree quicker than traditional on-campus and off-campus programs. In such a learning format, students may be expected to take classes all year, including during the summer. Credit requirements for these degrees vary from program to program. Such accelerated degrees are taken by those seeking high-paying jobs quicker; individuals have full-time work or responsibilities at home. Students can also accelerate their programs by taking more credits in a particular semester and completing their dissertation requirements quicker; they can speak to their faculty advisor about it. In the U.S., public relations accelerated doctoral programs may be rare.
Requirements for Getting into an Online Public Relations Ph.D. Program
The doctoral program in public relations is generally considered competitive; therefore, students need to understand all the admissions requirements efficiently. The application submitted by students is expected to be top-notch to complete with the many candidates applying for the program. Some institutions may ask to submit a research proposal, while others may ask to pass an entrance exam. Most schools accept applicants with bachelor’s degrees; however, some might prefer candidates with a master’s in public relations or related areas. Generally, the requirements for a doctoral program differ from school to school, but here are some standard admission requirements for Ph.D. in public relations programs, including:
- Application form and fees
- Official transcripts from all previous institutions attended
- Bachelor in public relations or related degree (some colleges accept students from different disciplines)
- Minimum GPA requirement of 3.5 or higher (some colleges accept students with a lower GPA)
- Two or three letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Resume (especially note experiences in public relations or related fields)
- Some colleges require GRE or GMAT scores
No GRE Ph.D. in Public Relations
The Graduate Record Examination or GRE is a score that demonstrates an individual’s capability in their academic domain. Keeping in mind the evolving educational domain, many institutions are doing away with the requirements of the GRE. Many admissions boards consider other factors like work experience, personal essays, etc., to judge the caliber of applicants. Some colleges providing a Ph.D. in public relations no gre include Regent University [2], The University of Alabama [3], and more.
How to Ensure a Ph.D. in Public Relations is Accredited
Accreditation ensures that colleges provide an esteemed, high-quality education meeting relevant education standards. There is programmatic accreditation for specific programs and types of degrees. For the field of public relations, the Public Relations Society of America[4] offers accreditation to graduate and undergraduate programs; it does not accredit doctorate degrees. Studying at an accredited college ensures that you receive good financial aid, find a job, and can transfer your credits to the next program.
The Council for Higher Education Accreditation[5] and the U.S. Department of Education Database[6] are legitimate sources to understand the accreditation requirements and which body has accredited your program. Most of the online public relations Ph.D. programs get regional accreditation from bodies, including:
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
To understand more details about this process, refer to the guide to college accreditation.
Where to Find Free Online Courses for Ph.D. in Public Relations Students
Free online courses enhance your knowledge about the subject you are studying. It will help you get an insight into the professional competency that your field requires; this also includes learning about the ethical principles and moral standards required to be upheld by a professional in public relations. Some of the free public relations courses you can pursue include:
| Course | Description | Provided by |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated Marketing Communications: Advertising, Public Relations, Digital Marketing, and more | This course gives you many real-life examples, making you equipped with the knowledge to ensure that you make correct decisions regarding the placement of advertising, communications, and digital marketing. It will enhance your advertising, marketing communications, and integrated marketing communications skills. | Coursera [7] |
| Principles of Public Relations | This course provides an overview of working conditions in the field of public relations and how various tenets and theories of persuasion are used in this domain. It addresses many ethical implications of the field of public relations. | Class Central [8] |
| Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content | This course helps you examine how social influence will shape everything people do and the products they buy. It will help you discover principles of conformity and how some products or ideas get talked about more than others. | Coursera [9] |
Ways to Pay for a Ph.D. in Public Relations
Students getting accepted into the Ph.D. in public relations programs may ask, “How do you pay for college?” In the current scenario, the prices of college tuition are pretty high. Since a doctorate education is an advanced degree, the tuition costs more, along with additional expenses like boarding, housing, etc. Even though some programs are fully funded, students should be aware of all kinds of funding to understand the best ways to pay for college, some of which include:
Scholarships
Candidates receive This financial award for their talents, academic contributions, interest in a particular subject, and more. It can be based on a specific domain of study, qualification, achievement, or interest. Various funding sources, including companies, churches, clubs, and other organizations, can support it. To understand more, look up how to find scholarships.
Grants
It is financial funding provided to individuals with special needs by nonprofit organizations, foundations, the federal government, etc.; they need not repay them. They can also use grant money to defray education expenses like housing, tuition, books, research materials, etc.
Graduate Assistantships
This is an excellent opportunity to fund education. It is invaluable as it helps to get academic or work experience; students also meet many experts and build a strong network. Many graduate assistantships also offer a tuition waiver along with a monetary stipend.
Private Loans
Besides the federal government’s funding, private institutions like credit unions, banks, and private lenders offer educational loans. Students can borrow up to 100% of their full attendance cost, including fees and living expenses.
FAFSA
Filling out the FAFSA or Free Application for Federal Student Aid is one of the first things students must complete to understand which aid they qualify for and how they will pay for college. This form assesses the applicant’s eligibility for financial aid, including grants, work-study benefits, merit-based scholarships, and federal loans. Refer to the FAFSA student aid for more details.
To understand more details, refer to the financial aid guide.
Fully Funded Ph.D. in Public Relations
It is usual for universities in the U.S. to provide fully-funded Ph.D. programs in many academic disciplines. Many doctorate degrees are fully aided, covering tuition costs, transportation and boarding, resources, and more. There are some fully funded Ph.D. in public relations students can apply for are:
| University | Description |
|---|---|
| Colorado State University[10] | This university provides full tuition remission for four years, including a monthly stipend of around $2,398 for nine months. These expenses include housing, books, fees, and more. During the summer, they don’t provide funding; however, they provide research assistant stipends on a competitive basis. |
| The University of Alabama[11] | The university gives a full tuition scholarship, complete health insurance coverage, and a stipend of around $20,000 annually. They also provide funding for students to attend conferences and research. There are options for graduate assistantships that candidates can apply for. |
| Indiana University of Pennsylvania[12] | The university provides around $1000 in housing scholarships for those living on campus and covers the expenses of tuition, resources, and more. They offer graduate assistantships that help you reduce the cost of your doctoral degree. There are also research fellowships offered to those leading research in public relations. |
Career Opportunities and Salaries After Graduating With a Ph.D. in Public Relations
The business management, administration, communications, and marketing fields are potential domains where public relations professionals can work. Someone with a doctorate in public relations can find high-paying positions in this field. There are many roles available to individuals; however, some of the roles they can take on include:
- PR Manager
- PR officer
- Public information specialist
- Public Affairs manager
- Agency Director
- Chief of Staff
- Public & Media Relations Executive
Those pursuing a Ph.D. in public relations can take up after graduation include:
| Occupation | Skills Required | Median Annual Salary | Job Growth (up to 2031) | Job Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialists[13] | Interpersonal, organizational, problem-solving, writing, speaking skills | $62,800 | 8% (faster than average) | Public relations specialists draft speeches, arrange interviews with top executives, and evaluate the public opinion of clients through various social media platforms. They also assess promotion and advertising programs to determine if they are compatible with the efforts made by public relations organizations. |
| Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers[14] | Analytical, communication, decision-making, interpersonal, organization, creativity skills | $133,380 | 10% (faster than average) | These professionals direct the hiring of promotions, marketing staff, and advertising. They also evaluate the feel and look of websites used in layouts or campaigns, sketches or designs for an advertisement, and negotiate advertising contracts. |
| Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners[15] | Communication, interpersonal, negotiation, organizational, and problem-solving skills | $49,470 | 18% (much faster than average) | These professionals review bills of events, approve payments, and monitor event activities to ensure that attendees and clients are satisfied. They will also handle logistics during the events, like organizing audiovisual equipment and registering as guests. |
| Fundraisers[16] | Communication, detail-oriented, interpersonal, and organizational skills | $60,660 | 11% (much faster than average) | Fundraisers create strong and positive fundraising messaging appealing to potential donors. They work for political campaigns, ensure that all records are examined well, and use online platforms to raise donations in different forms. |
| Public Relations and Fundraising Managers [17] | Interpersonal, leadership, organizational, speaking, writing, problem-solving skills | $119,860 | 8% (faster than average) | Public relations and fundraising managers will direct and plan an organization’s communication with the public, including investors, media outlets, and consumers. They will also supervise, review, and assign the activities of staff. |
| Market Research Analysts[18] | Analytical, detail-oriented, critical thinking, communication skills | $63,920 | 19% (much faster than average) | Market research analysts analyze and gather data on competitors and consumers. They prepare report and present results to the clients, business, and management. They also cover data and findings in graphs, written reports, and tables. |
Certifications and Licensing for Ph.D. in Public Relations Graduates
Professional certifications are generally earned from educational providers or professional societies, and not necessarily the government. It demonstrates your knowledge or ability required by the law before being allowed to perform a particular job. In the field of public relations, there are no mandated certifications; however, graduates should take up these credentials to become adept in their domain. Those with a public relations Ph.D. program can take up the following certifications:
Advancing Your Communication Strategy in DE&I Certificate Program[19]
This certification is designed to build effective outreach and programming and evaluate the program’s outcomes. It will also help understand how to ask for inputs efficiently and give feedback to shape better planning in public relations.
Communication Professional Certifications[20]
This certification aims to provide a generalist and specialist level of communication and professional expertise in public relations. It helps elevate an individual’s career and provides a structure to keep theur skills relevant and applicable to the domain.
Certified Fund Raising Executive program[21]
This certification is voluntary and is awarded to those who demonstrate a level of professional competency to prospective employers. To gain this certification, applicants need to meet certain professional practices, educational criteria, and professional performance requirements.
Accreditation in Public Relations[22]
This credential leads to professional advancement in the field. It is administered by the Universal Accreditation Board, signifying the candidate’s experience and competence in the domain.
Practitioners in the field of public relations face some unique challenges while dealing with the media and their clients. As a PR professional, they may be coerced to distort the facts to change the negative perceptions of their clients. Even if there is no professional licensing or regulations that students need to follow to practice ethical PR in the U.S., they can follow the Public Relations Society of [23]America’s code of ethics and hold high standards as a professional.
Additional Resources for Ph.D. in Public Relations Graduates
It is essential to be relevant and updated with the field of public relations, as it is ever-evolving. To stay current with the news and information of the domain, graduates can join public relations and communications organizations to gain trustworthy resources. Some resources that individuals pursuing a public relations doctoral program can avail include:
| Title/Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Public Relations Society of America[23] | PRSA aims to advocate emerging issues and helps members engage in public policy issues that strengthen the position of professionals in the public relations domain. They also speak against willful misrepresentations about communications professions. |
| International Association of Business Communicators[24] | This organization helps you to establish networking opportunities with other communications professionals and discover how the job market of this field works. Members can access the many case studies, webinars, articles, and other resources they provide to get fresh insights into communications and related disciplines. |
| Global Alliance for Public Relations[25] | This organization aims to increase members’ professionalism and professional standards in public relations. They support their members by providing them with a global voice and resources that enhance their collaborative professionalism in the industry. |
| Association for Women in Communications[26] | This organization provides many resources to its members, like monthly webinars, national professional development conferences, networking opportunities, and more. It will help advance their communication skills and learn about the latest trends to help them incorporate communications practice in the professional domain. |
| Institute for Public Relations[27] | This organization aims to power research-based knowledge in public relations. They deliver evidence to formulate efficient strategies and scientific methods to measure results. They offer many networking opportunities to empower professionals in the field. |
FAQs About Ph.D. in Public Relations
Why should you do a Ph.D. in public relations?
The doctoral program in Public Relations offers the flexibility needed to reach your goals and is offered to both full-or part-time students. You can pursue a doctoral degree while in a supportive environment, helping them gain skills in quantitative and qualitative research, content production, and instruction in communication theory.
Can a doctorate in public relations help advance a professional career?
How much does a Ph.D. in Public Relations cost in the U.S.?
Is a Ph.D. in public relations worth it?
Are Public Relations in demand?
What can you do with a Ph.D. in Public Relations?
Citations:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlooks for Public Relations Specialists
Public Relations Society of America
Council for Higher Education Accreditation
U.S. Department of Education Database
Coursera–Integrated Marketing Communications: Advertising, Public Relations, and Digital Marketing
Class Central-Principles of Public Relations
Coursera-Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlooks for Public Relations Specialists
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlooks for Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlooks for Fundraisers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlooks for Public Relations and Fundraising Managers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlooks for Market Research Analysts
Advancing Your Communication Strategy in DE&I Certificate Program
Communication Professional Certifications
Certified Fund Raising Executive program
Accreditation in Public Relations
Public Relations Society of America
International Association of Business Communicators
Global Alliance for Public Relations