Best institutions to study Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
A general program that focuses on organizational communication, public relations, and advertising; and that prepares individuals to function in a wide range of public and private sector positions requiring the skills of persuasive communication.
164 U.S. institutions graduated 4,140 Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 09.0900, a specialization of Public Relations (CIP 09.09), and leads most directly to the Public Relations Specialists occupation (BLS SOC 27-3031).
About Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication programs
A general program that focuses on organizational communication, public relations, and advertising; and that prepares individuals to function in a wide range of public and private sector positions requiring the skills of persuasive communication. Includes instruction in communications, public relations, and advertising theory; principles and techniques of persuasion; message/image design; marketing strategy; professional writing; public speaking and multi-media presentation skills; digital communications; and applied research.
See also: 09.0903 - Advertising., 09.0902 - Public Relations/Image Management.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Public Relations program, officially titled Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication, focuses on the essential skills needed for effective organizational communication and public relations. This program is designed for individuals interested in pursuing careers in both public and private sectors, where persuasive communication is vital.
Learn more about Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication →
Students in this program will gain knowledge in communications, public relations, advertising theory, and the principles of persuasion. Coursework typically includes professional writing, public speaking, digital communications, and applied research, equipping graduates with the skills necessary for success in the field.
Credentials awarded
What Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Bachelor's degree3,165 graduates / yr · 119 institutions76%
- Master's degree754 graduates / yr · 34 institutions18%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year112 graduates / yr · 18 institutions2.7%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate65 graduates / yr · 7 institutions1.6%
- Associate's degree34 graduates / yr · 8 institutions0.8%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship9 graduates / yr · 2 institutions0.2%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years1 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.0%
Graduates over time
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 1,074 |
| 2013 | 1,193 |
| 2014 | 1,359 |
| 2015 | 1,759 |
| 2016 | 2,003 |
| 2017 | 2,399 |
| 2018 | 2,882 |
| 2019 | 3,586 |
| 2020 | 3,720 |
| 2021 | 4,106 |
| 2022 | 4,386 |
| 2023 | 4,123 |
| 2024 | 3,973 |
| 2025 | 4,140 |
Top 50 institutions for Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication, 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 | University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, COPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 317 | 74% | — | $42,218 |
| 2 | University of South Florida Tampa, FLPublicBachelor's | 200 | 77% | — | $34,105 |
| 3 | Florida International University Miami, FLPublicBachelor's | 192 | 74% | — | $34,435 |
| 4 | Utah Valley University Orem, UTPublicBachelor's | 177 | 45% | — | — |
| 5 | Florida State University Tallahassee, FLPublicMaster'sBachelor's | 163 | 86% | — | $41,060 |
| 6 | University of Houston Houston, TXPublicBachelor's | 159 | 65% | — | $42,472 |
| 7 | Texas Christian University Fort Worth, TXPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 147 | 86% | $25,823 | $48,053 |
| 8 | University of Southern California Los Angeles, CAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 128 | 92% | $26,873 | $50,041 |
| 9 | University of Arkansas Fayetteville, ARPublicBachelor's | 122 | 71% | — | — |
| 10 | University of Nebraska - Lincoln Lincoln, NEPublicBachelor's | 117 | 67% | — | $42,168 |
| 11 | The University of Tampa Tampa, FLPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 114 | 64% | $33,070 | $36,977 |
| 12 | Grand Valley State University Allendale, MIPublicBachelor's | 110 | 67% | — | $38,172 |
| 13 | Kennesaw State University Kennesaw, GAPublicBachelor's | 106 | 52% | — | $41,460 |
| 14 | Universidad del Sagrado Corazon Santurce, PRPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 105 | 52% | $15,525 | $13,085 |
| 15 | Georgetown University Washington, DCPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 96 | 95% | $22,242 | — |
| 16 | Howard University Washington, DCPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 94 | 70% | $48,194 | $39,120 |
| 17 | Texas Tech University Lubbock, TXPublicMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 80 | 69% | — | $41,023 |
| 18 | Syracuse University Syracuse, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 69 | 84% | $28,851 | $54,934 |
| 19 | Michigan State University East Lansing, MIPublicBachelor's | 64 | 81% | — | $45,158 |
| 20 | Washington State University Pullman, WAPublicBachelor's | 61 | 60% | — | $45,820 |
| 21 | University of Mississippi University, MSPublicMaster's | 44 | 72% | — | — |
| 22 | Drexel University Philadelphia, PAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sPost-degree cert.Master's | 42 | 78% | $36,004 | $37,125 |
| 23 | University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh Oshkosh, WIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearBachelor's | 42 | 46% | — | $46,039 |
| 24 | University of Delaware Newark, DEPublicMaster's | 41 | 81% | — | — |
| 25 | University of Louisiana at Lafayette Lafayette, LAPublicBachelor's | 40 | 53% | — | $34,434 |
| 26 | Central Connecticut State University New Britain, CTPublicBachelor's | 39 | 48% | — | $35,444 |
| 27 | Chapman University Orange, CAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 37 | 82% | $42,965 | $40,141 |
| 28 | Ithaca College Ithaca, NYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 37 | 76% | $28,970 | $39,446 |
| 29 | University of Wisconsin - River Falls River Falls, WIPublicBachelor's | 37 | 57% | — | — |
| 30 | Marist University Poughkeepsie, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 34 | 80% | $33,867 | — |
| 31 | Ball State University Muncie, INPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 31 | 62% | — | $38,020 |
| 32 | Pennsylvania State University - World Campus University Park, PAPublicBachelor's | 31 | 34% | — | $50,587 |
| 33 | University of Central Oklahoma Edmond, OKPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 30 | 37% | — | $36,388 |
| 34 | Missouri State University - Springfield Springfield, MOPublicPost-degree cert.Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 28 | 58% | — | $40,178 |
| 35 | Loyola University New Orleans New Orleans, LAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 27 | 59% | $22,906 | $36,004 |
| 36 | Pepperdine University Malibu, CAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 26 | 83% | $41,986 | $45,988 |
| 37 | North Dakota State University - Main Campus Fargo, NDPublicBachelor's | 26 | 64% | — | $39,223 |
| 38 | University of North Florida Jacksonville, FLPublicMaster's | 23 | 69% | — | — |
| 39 | University of South Alabama Mobile, ALPublicBachelor's | 22 | 53% | — | — |
| 40 | Harding University Searcy, ARPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 21 | 69% | $19,423 | $33,577 |
| 41 | Midway University Midway, KYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 21 | 41% | $23,658 | — |
| 42 | Endicott College Beverly, MAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 21 | 76% | $34,195 | $47,903 |
| 43 | National University San Diego, CAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 20 | 43% | $31,817 | $50,070 |
| 44 | Minnesota State University - Mankato Mankato, MNPublicBachelor's | 19 | 54% | — | — |
| 45 | SUNY Buffalo State University Buffalo, NYPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 19 | 33% | — | — |
| 46 | Flagler College Saint Augustine, FLPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 17 | 56% | $28,070 | $32,713 |
| 47 | Emerson College Boston, MAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 17 | 77% | $40,982 | $28,606 |
| 48 | Webber International University Babson Park, FLPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 16 | 28% | $30,614 | — |
| 49 | University of West Florida Pensacola, FLPublicMaster's | 16 | 59% | — | — |
| 50 | Point Park University Pittsburgh, PAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 16 | 59% | $23,704 | $32,495 |
* 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 42 states & territories
Where Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication graduates come from. Each state links to all Public Relations programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 27-3031, Public Relations Specialists, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Public Relations program can pursue various careers, including Public Relations Specialists and Fundraisers. The job outlook for these roles is about as fast as average, with an estimated growth of 4.8% and approximately 27,600 annual openings. The median wage for professionals in this field is $69,780, and a Bachelor's degree is typically required.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 09.0900
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 Specialistsprimary 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 |
Public Relations Managers SOC 11-2032 | $146,910 | +5.0% Faster than average | ~6,600 | 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, Advertising, and Applied Communication programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Respond to requests for information from the media or designate an appropriate spokesperson or information source.
- Plan or direct development or communication of programs to maintain favorable public or stockholder perceptions of an organization's accomplishments, agenda, or environmental responsibility.
- Post and update content on the company's Web site and social media outlets.
- Write press releases or other media communications to promote clients.
- Establish or maintain cooperative relationships with representatives of community, consumer, employee, or public interest groups.
- Confer with other managers to identify trends or key group interests or concerns or to provide advice on business decisions.
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/CIP 09.0902
Image Management 4,001 graduates / yr144 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, Master's degree, or a postbaccalaureate certificate.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop skills in active listening, speaking, writing, and critical thinking.
What types of jobs can I get after graduation?+
You can work as a Public Relations Specialist, Fundraiser, or Public Relations Manager, among other roles.
What is the job outlook for Public Relations graduates?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with a growth rate of 4.8% and around 27,600 openings each year.
What is the CIP code for Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication?+
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication is CIP 09.0900 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Public Relations (CIP 09.09). NCES defines it as: A general program that focuses on organizational communication, public relations, and advertising; and that prepares individuals to function in a wide range of public and private sector positions requiring the skills of persuasive communication. Includes instruction in communications, public relations, and advertising theory; principles and techniques of persuasion; message/image design; marketing strategy; professional writing; public speaking and multi-media presentation skills; digital communications; and applied research.
How many institutions offer Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication programs?+
164 U.S. institutions reported Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 42 states & territories, awarding 4,140 credentials in the year. That is 20.7% of all Public Relations graduates.
How much do Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Public Relations Specialists occupation, which Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication most directly leads to, pays a median of $74,750 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Public Relations field report median earnings of $39,198 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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