Best institutions to study Public Relations/Image Management
A program that focuses on the theories and methods for managing the media image of a business, organization, or individual and the communication process with stakeholders, constituencies, audiences, and the general public; and that prepares individuals to function as public relations assistants, technicians, and managers.
144 U.S. institutions graduated 4,001 Public Relations/Image Management students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 09.0902, a specialization of Public Relations (CIP 09.09), and leads most directly to the Public Relations Managers occupation (BLS SOC 11-2032).
About Public Relations/Image Management programs
A program that focuses on the theories and methods for managing the media image of a business, organization, or individual and the communication process with stakeholders, constituencies, audiences, and the general public; and that prepares individuals to function as public relations assistants, technicians, and managers. Includes instruction in public relations theory; related principles of advertising, marketing, and journalism; message/image design; image management; special event management; media relations; community relations; public affairs; and internal communications.
See also: 09.0900 - Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Public Relations/Image Management program focuses on the theories and methods necessary for managing the media image of businesses, organizations, or individuals. It is designed for students interested in communication strategies and stakeholder engagement, preparing them for various roles in public relations and image management.
Students in this program will gain knowledge in public relations theory, message and image design, media relations, community relations, and crisis communication. Coursework often includes principles of advertising, marketing, and journalism, equipping graduates with the skills needed to effectively communicate with diverse audiences.
Credentials awarded
What Public Relations/Image Management graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Bachelor's degree3,411 graduates / yr · 111 institutions85%
- Master's degree393 graduates / yr · 24 institutions9.8%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year75 graduates / yr · 13 institutions1.9%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years43 graduates / yr · 2 institutions1.1%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate36 graduates / yr · 6 institutions0.9%
- Associate's degree30 graduates / yr · 7 institutions0.7%
- Award of less than 12 weeks13 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.3%
Graduates over time
Public Relations/Image Management completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 4,861 |
| 2013 | 5,081 |
| 2014 | 5,443 |
| 2015 | 5,707 |
| 2016 | 5,562 |
| 2017 | 5,723 |
| 2018 | 5,778 |
| 2019 | 5,474 |
| 2020 | 5,112 |
| 2021 | 4,966 |
| 2022 | 4,822 |
| 2023 | 4,362 |
| 2024 | 3,880 |
| 2025 | 4,001 |
Top 50 institutions for Public Relations/Image Management, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, ALPublicBachelor's | 228 | 73% | — | $42,445 |
| 2 | Boston University Boston, MAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 198 | 89% | $21,956 | — |
| 3 | University of Florida Gainesville, FLPublicBachelor'sAward of less than 12 weeks | 183 | 91% | — | $42,099 |
| 4 | Texas State University San Marcos, TXPublicBachelor's | 172 | 55% | — | $40,411 |
| 5 | The University of Texas at Austin Austin, TXPublicBachelor's | 152 | 89% | — | $47,972 |
| 6 | University of Oregon Eugene, ORPublicBachelor's | 150 | 72% | — | $42,159 |
| 7 | University of Georgia Athens, GAPublicBachelor's | 149 | 90% | — | $45,326 |
| 8 | Texas Tech University Lubbock, TXPublicBachelor'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 148 | 69% | — | $41,023 |
| 9 | University of South Carolina - Columbia Columbia, SCPublicBachelor's | 101 | 79% | — | $42,974 |
| 10 | University of Maryland Global Campus Adelphi, MDPublicMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 97 | 33% | — | — |
| 11 | Syracuse University Syracuse, NYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 87 | 84% | $28,851 | $54,934 |
| 12 | University of Rhode Island Kingston, RIPublicBachelor's | 85 | 73% | — | $42,181 |
| 13 | The University of Tennessee - Knoxville Knoxville, TNPublicBachelor's | 85 | 74% | — | $42,173 |
| 14 | American University Washington, DCPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 82 | 75% | $30,225 | $50,026 |
| 15 | Auburn University Auburn, ALPublicBachelor's | 81 | 82% | — | $41,458 |
| 16 | Georgetown University Washington, DCPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 77 | 95% | $22,242 | — |
| 17 | University of Miami Coral Gables, FLPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 77 | 84% | $26,589 | $43,917 |
| 18 | Brigham Young University Provo, UTPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 71 | 81% | $13,712 | $51,436 |
| 19 | Washington State University Pullman, WAPublicBachelor's | 66 | 60% | — | $45,820 |
| 20 | California State University - Long Beach Long Beach, CAPublicBachelor's | 64 | 69% | — | $28,226 |
| 21 | University of Southern California Los Angeles, CAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 64 | 92% | $26,873 | $50,041 |
| 22 | University of Cincinnati - Main Campus Cincinnati, OHPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsBachelor's | 61 | 75% | — | — |
| 23 | Rowan University Glassboro, NJPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 53 | 67% | — | $35,116 |
| 24 | Illinois State University Normal, ILPublicBachelor's | 48 | 65% | — | $43,874 |
| 25 | Appalachian State University Boone, NCPublicBachelor's | 48 | 75% | — | $36,559 |
| 26 | California State University - Dominguez Hills Carson, CAPublicBachelor's | 47 | 43% | — | $38,798 |
| 27 | Temple University Philadelphia, PAPublicBachelor'sPost-degree cert. | 45 | 75% | — | $41,165 |
| 28 | Full Sail University Winter Park, FLPrivate for-profitMaster's | 41 | 44% | $32,163 | $26,728 |
| 29 | Iowa State University Ames, IAPublicBachelor's | 41 | 75% | — | $42,530 |
| 30 | Georgia Southern University Statesboro, GAPublicBachelor's | 39 | 55% | — | $35,649 |
| 31 | Kent State University at Kent Kent, OHPublicBachelor's | 37 | 64% | — | $40,867 |
| 32 | University of Puerto Rico - Rio Piedras San Juan, PRPublicBachelor's | 37 | 50% | — | — |
| 33 | State University of New York at Oswego Oswego, NYPublicBachelor's | 36 | 60% | — | $37,203 |
| 34 | Quinnipiac University Hamden, CTPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 35 | 76% | $36,137 | $43,591 |
| 35 | University of Florida - Online Gainesville, FLPublicBachelor's | 32 | 85% | — | $42,099 |
| 36 | Hofstra University Hempstead, NYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 31 | 69% | $34,539 | $42,030 |
| 37 | Marquette University Milwaukee, WIPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 31 | 83% | $25,376 | $40,583 |
| 38 | San Jose State University San Jose, CAPublicBachelor's | 30 | 69% | — | — |
| 39 | University of Northern Iowa Cedar Falls, IAPublicBachelor's | 29 | 68% | — | $43,755 |
| 40 | Southern Methodist University Dallas, TXPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 29 | 84% | $33,246 | $51,828 |
| 41 | Drake University Des Moines, IAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 28 | 74% | $28,855 | $44,492 |
| 42 | Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Tallahassee, FLPublicBachelor's | 26 | 53% | — | $28,516 |
| 43 | Boise State University Boise, IDPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 25 | 60% | — | $43,876 |
| 44 | Suffolk University Boston, MAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 25 | 61% | $28,895 | $44,863 |
| 45 | Valencia College Orlando, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 24 | 48% | — | — |
| 46 | Pennsylvania State University - World Campus University Park, PAPublicMaster's | 24 | 34% | — | $50,587 |
| 47 | Western Kentucky University Bowling Green, KYPublicBachelor's | 20 | 56% | — | $35,534 |
| 48 | Hood College Frederick, MDPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 19 | 57% | $23,244 | — |
| 49 | Northern Michigan University Marquette, MIPublicBachelor's | 19 | 52% | — | $34,319 |
| 50 | Gonzaga University Spokane, WAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 19 | 86% | $30,006 | $39,013 |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Public Relations field (CIP 09.09) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 39 states & territories
Where Public Relations/Image Management graduates come from. Each state links to all Public Relations programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 11-2032, Public Relations Managers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Public Relations/Image Management program can pursue careers as Public Relations Managers, Public Relations Specialists, and Fundraisers, among others. With an annual growth rate of 5% and approximately 6,600 job openings each year, the median wage for public relations professionals is $138,520, typically requiring a Bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 09.0902
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Public Relations Managersprimary SOC 11-2032 | $146,910 | +5.0% Faster than average | ~6,600 | Bachelor's degree |
Public Relations Specialists SOC 27-3031 | $74,750 | +4.8% About as fast as average | ~27,600 | Bachelor's degree |
Fundraisers SOC 13-1131 | $72,550 | +4.3% About as fast as average | ~10,200 | Bachelor's degree |
Fundraising Managers SOC 11-2033 | $125,470 | +4.2% About as fast as average | ~3,600 | Bachelor's degree |
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1122 | $78,580 | +2.1% About as fast as average | ~2,700 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Advertising and Promotions Managers SOC 11-2011 | $133,660 | -2.2% Decline | ~2,100 | Bachelor's degree |
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Public Relations/Image Management programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
What graduates do on the job
- Assign, supervise, and review the activities of public relations staff.
- Confer with labor relations managers to develop internal communications that keep employees informed of company activities.
- Design and edit promotional publications, such as brochures.
- Develop and maintain the company's corporate image and identity, which includes the use of logos and signage.
- Develop, implement, or maintain crisis communication plans.
- Direct activities of external agencies, establishments, or departments that develop and implement communication strategies and information programs.
Tools and technology used
Other Public Relations specializations
The 10 other 6-digit CIP codes under Public Relations (CIP 09.09).
- AdvertisingCIP 09.09034,542 graduates / yr90 institutions
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied CommunicationCIP 09.09004,140 graduates / yr164 institutions
- Communication Management and Strategic CommunicationsCIP 09.09092,014 graduates / yr64 institutions
- Organizational CommunicationCIP 09.09011,805 graduates / yr79 institutions
- Sports CommunicationCIP 09.09061,470 graduates / yr88 institutions
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied CommunicationCIP 09.09991,142 graduates / yr42 institutions
- Health CommunicationCIP 09.0905361 graduates / yr51 institutions
- Political CommunicationCIP 09.0904partial data190 graduates / yr9 institutions
- Technical and Scientific CommunicationCIP 09.0908168 graduates / yr25 institutions
- International and Intercultural CommunicationCIP 09.0907157 graduates / yr17 institutions
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in this program?+
You can earn a Bachelor's degree, a Master's degree, or shorter awards.
What types of courses will I take?+
Courses include public relations theory, media relations, and crisis communication.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook is faster than average, with 6,600 annual openings.
What careers can I pursue after graduation?+
You can work as a Public Relations Manager, Specialist, or in fundraising roles.
What is the CIP code for Public Relations/Image Management?+
Public Relations/Image Management is CIP 09.0902 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Public Relations (CIP 09.09). NCES defines it as: A program that focuses on the theories and methods for managing the media image of a business, organization, or individual and the communication process with stakeholders, constituencies, audiences, and the general public; and that prepares individuals to function as public relations assistants, technicians, and managers. Includes instruction in public relations theory; related principles of advertising, marketing, and journalism; message/image design; image management; special event management; media relations; community relations; public affairs; and internal communications.
How many institutions offer Public Relations/Image Management programs?+
144 U.S. institutions reported Public Relations/Image Management graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 39 states & territories, awarding 4,001 credentials in the year. That is 20.0% of all Public Relations graduates.
How much do Public Relations/Image Management graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Public Relations Managers occupation, which Public Relations/Image Management most directly leads to, pays a median of $146,910 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Public Relations field report median earnings of $40,938 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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