Public relations studies can be defined through its three main parts: communications and media, public relations theory and application, and writing for mass communications. With the advancement of technology and the growing presence of social networks as one of the now indispensable media and ways of communication, what was considered to be the area of studies and research of public studies 10, 20, and more years ago must now be raised to a far higher level. After public relations studies, employment opportunities are many and diverse: PR, journalism, project management, communications (and media), etc. Here, we will be looking at the best public relation schools in the world.

Top Public Relations Schools in the World

1. University of Amsterdam

The University of Amsterdam was founded in 1632 and has come a long way since then. Today, this university is known for its prestigious academic programs, among which one of the most known and highly-ranked in the undergraduate and graduate programs of communication and media studies.

On the website of the University of Amsterdam, you can easily find your way around the information about any program that interests you in just a few clicks. Besides its regular programs, the University of Amsterdam offers a variety of other courses, such as a Master’s program in Business Administration, Executive Master’s, and summer and winter courses.

2. University of Southern California

The Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism under the University of Southern California is one of the most highly-ranked schools when it comes to studying public relations. It offers both undergraduate and graduate public relations studies with bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees and also has a Career Development team that helps their students in pursuing their future dream careers.

The choice of programs that Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism offers is wide: you can choose between communication, journalism, communication management, even diplomacy – so it’s very likely that anyone would be able to find a program that suits them if they want to study public relations.

3. The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

The London School of Economics and Political Science, based in central London, is a top public relations school in the world – and no one can blame them for that because the quality of their studies speaks for itself.

As for its Department of Media and Communications, it describes itself as a “world-leading centre for education and research in communication and media studies” with an offer of over 10 programs related to public relations and communication studies, both master’s and PhD.

4. University of Texas at Austin

Moody College of Communication under the University of Texas at Austin is one of the best universities for public relations across the globe. It prides itself in attracting and retaining reputable, award-winning faculty, collaborative and creative community that involves students constantly interacting with the matter of their chosen programs and considers Communication its fundamental skill.

This college offers a variety of both undergraduate and graduate studies. It offers seven different bachelor’s degrees, majoring in different fields such as Advertising, Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, etc, and 17 graduate programs after which you can earn a master’s degree in fields such as Advertising, Communication Studies, Journalism and Media, etc.

5. Stanford University

A form of public relations studies at the Department of Communication at Stanford University dates back to the late 19th century. This department has a policy that implies that the knowledge and communication techniques that students learn are not only to be applied to the world around us but to also turn us towards ourselves and help us understand ourselves better through embracing diversity in all of its forms.

Stanford University and its Department of Communication offer both undergraduate and graduate studies related to public relations that can earn you either a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degree in Communication and/or Journalism.

6. Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

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  • Degrees offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD

Nanyang Technological University is a recognized university for public relations in the world and is a public university based in Singapore. This university offers both undergraduate and graduate studies in various fields, such as Business, Humanities, Engineering, etc. It also has some world-class autonomous institutes under its roof, such as the National Institute of Education, Earth Observatory of Singapore, and others. This university is a proud host to many international students who have decided to start or upgrade their studies right here, in one of the best on both the Asian continent and the world.

When it comes to public relations studies, you can earn a bachelor’s and/or a master’s degree in Business or Arts, depending on which path you want to direct your studies and your future career – whether you want to direct your communication skills towards a business, or you are more focused on the arts and media side, or maybe even the philosophical side.

7. New York University (NYU)

The NYU School of Professional Studies offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, including Business, Humanities, Social Science, Real Estate, etc, as well as Media studies, which is considered one of the best in the world when it comes to public relations studies.

Although this school does not offer a wide range of programs, it is undeniable that it offers high-quality studies, whether you choose undergraduate or graduate studies – after completing the media studies at this school you can either get a Bachelor’s degree in Digital Communications and Media or a Master’s degree in Public Relations and Corporate Communication.

8. Washington University in St. Louis

Washington University in St. Louis is a high-quality independent university that draws students from all over the United States and from over 100 countries. It is one of the top PR schools in the world, offering education in organizational, interpersonal, political, cultural, and digital communication.

In addition to studying various fields of communication, students choose a concentration to specialize in. These concentrations include Public Relations, Professional Writing, Integrated Marketing Communication, or Applied Media Practice. Graduates of this program often pursue careers as professional communicators in government, business and media organizations.

9. University of Florida

The University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications has an excellent Public Relations program. It was founded in 1972 as a response to the growing public relations industry and has been providing quality education ever since. It is one of the largest and highest-ranked public relations programs in the United States.

The public relations curriculum provides an in-depth study of communications skills and concepts. Some of the many courses available to students include Public Relations Research, Social Media Management, Public Relations Writing, and Sports Communication. Students are also given the opportunity to work in internships to expand their skills and experience.

10. EU Business School

As one of the best schools for PR in the world, EU Business School is renowned for its Communication and Public Relations degree, offered on three campuses: Barcelona, Geneva, and Munich. It is a three-year bachelor’s program taught in English. This program is also offered as hybrid learning, with classes both in-person and online, or can be studied completely online.

This degree is finished over seven semesters, with the addition of an optional eighth semester in which students can earn a diploma of advanced studies. A few of the classes offered include Business Management, Event Management, and Marketing Across Cultures.

11. Boston University

Boston University was the first American university to offer a degree in public relations. Since 1947, they have been one of the strongest institutions in this field. As a leader in public relations education, they started PRLab, the longest-running public relations agency run by university students, which has won numerous regional and national awards.

Boston University offers both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. Both undergraduate and graduate students develop a broad understanding of public relations and learn to write for various audiences through digital formats. They have opportunities to work in PRLab and in internships to practice and deepen their skills. The school is in a perfect location, as Boston is home to many leading media companies and agencies.

12. Tulane University

Tulane University’s School of Professional Advancement gives classes at its campuses in New Orleans and Elmwood, Louisiana, as well as online classes. It offers a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations that gives students an excellent overview and practice of the fundamentals of this field.

Students study many facets of public relations, such as how organizations manage and promote their brands and products, how they establish and maintain reputations, and how they navigate crises. Through classes, students become experts in Public Relations and upon graduation are ready to excel in their careers.

13. Regent’s University London

Regent’s University London is located in the heart of London, in Regent’s Park. With students from over 140 countries, it is beautifully diverse and gives students the opportunity to meet people from many different cultures and from all walks of life. This university is best known for having one of the best public relations programs in the world.

The Public Relations program is a full-time course of study at the bachelor’s level that takes three years. Students study media relations, writing, and crisis management, and also have the opportunity to study abroad to gain an international view of public relations. This program is composed of some core modules, with the opportunity for students to choose from many other elective modules as well as obtain an optional minor.

14. University of Georgia

The Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Georgia is a top school for journalism and research education. Many of its faculty are recognized internationally and several of its alumni have gone on to win awards such as Pulitzer Prizes or Emmy Awards, and have become CEOs of prominent companies.

The University of Georgia offers a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, and students learn essential communication skills in traditional and modern media. The university’s research labs include the Brain, Body, and Media Lab, the Digital Media and Cognition Lab, and the Games and Virtual Environments Lab. Students are given wide exposure to the world of advertising and public relations and go on to build highly successful careers.

15. Universidad CEU San Pablo

Universidad CEU San Pablo is a Catholic university in Madrid, Spain. It has a large population of international students from over 50 countries. In its school of Humanities and Communication Sciences, it offers a Bachelor’s degree in Advertising and Public Relations. Instruction is given in both English and Spanish. If the student has not achieved at least a B2 level of Spanish, they are given further Spanish language instruction.

Students in this program are trained to become successful professionals in advertising and public relations and practice such roles as designers, brand managers, and event organizers. Students have the option to pursue a double degree over a five-year program with the choice to also study Digital Communication, Journalism, Humanities and Law, Audiovisual Communication, or Marketing and Commerical Management.

16. Pepperdine University

Pepperdine University, located in Malibu, California, is one of the top Universities in the USA and offers one of the longest-running public relations degrees in the country. Students receive top-notch instruction from its faculty and enjoy a 13:1 teacher-to-student ratio, so each student receives the individual attention that they need. It is no surprise why they are often named as one of the best public relations schools in the world.

In addition to coursework in the public relations program, students are given the opportunity to explore experiential learning, also referred to as “co-curricular programs.” Students are given the tools to produce their own internet, television, or radio shows or contribute to the university-run newspaper and magazine. Students may also work in internships with businesses like television and radio stations, public relations and advertising agencies, or newspapers.

17. Auckland University of Technology

The Auckland University of Technology in New Zealand is one of the highest-ranked modern universities in the world. With 250 available programs, it is one of the largest universities in New Zealand and its research receives global recognition.

In the public relations major, students delve into subjects such as strategic communication, internal communication, social media strategies, persuasion and negotiation, and moral philosophy. It is a three-year program that offers students opportunities for internships with various companies and networking through the Public Relations Institute of New Zealand. Some of the careers that graduates pursue include public relations consultant, media relations manager, or corporate communications executive.

18. University of Miami

The University of Miami was founded in 1925 during a real estate boom in Florida. It has 17,000 students and is one of the top research institutions in the United States. It is made up of 12 schools and has over 350 programs of study.

The University of Miami is known as one of the top schools for public relations in the world. It offers an excellent undergraduate program with two different tracks. The first is Public Relations Practice and is geared towards students who want to work in the field of public relations. They study writing, design, message development, and campaign development. The other is a general public relations track and is designed for students who want to apply principles of public relations in other fields, such as law or marketing.

19. Lee University

Lee University is a private Christian institution in Cleveland, Tennessee. It began in 1918 as a small bible school and has since grown to become one of the top-rated universities in America. It has over 4,500 students and has 52 majors available.

The public relations program at Lee University gives students knowledge, skills, and experience to work with the public and establish successful careers. Students can go on to work in corporate, nonprofit, or agency workplaces. Its graduates go on to work as event coordinators, copywriters, copy editors, digital content creators, public information officers, and more. Capstone courses help students to blend their religion classes with the public relations coursework, giving them a well-rounded faith-based education.

20. London Metropolitan University

London Metropolitan University originally started in 1848 as the Metropolitan Evening Classes for Young Men. It has since grown into a modern and well-respected progressive university.

The Advertising, Marketing Communications, and Public Relations program is recognized by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations and ranks first in London for student satisfaction. All students have the opportunity to do a work placement experience during their studies. Students also have the opportunity to become accredited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

21. Western New England University

Western New England University began in 1919 as a part of Northeastern College. It has grown over the past 100 years to become a respected and award-winning university with over 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students. It has also established a strong reputation as one of the world’s best schools to study public relations.

Western New England University offers both a graduate and undergraduate public relations program. Students complete both required and elective courses to learn the central principles of public relations. Students enjoy small class sizes, online learning, expert faculty, and the ability to customize their learning and research to their personal interests.

22. Pennsylvania State University

Penn State is ranked among the top 25 research universities in America and is ranked the second university for producing CEOs. It has 24 campuses throughout the state of Pennsylvania and offers online education accessible to anyone in the world.

The advertising and public relations program at Penn State helps students to research and study how public relations plays a role in business, political, and social fields. The University Park campus offers both an advertising and a public relations degree. Penn State recommends advertising and public relations to students who enjoy sharing information, talking and writing, and working in social media.

23. University of Sydney

The University of Sydney is ranked among the top 50 universities in the world and ranks 1st in Australia and 4th in the world for graduate employability. It receives world recognition for its research and education in the fields of Medicine, Arts and Humanities, Management, Oncology, and Nursing.

It offers a master’s degree for international students in Strategic Public Relations, which is accredited by the Public Relations Institute of Australia. It is a 1.5-year program available as face-to-face instruction on the Camperdown/Darlington campus. The University of Sydney recommends this program to postgraduate students wishing to make a career change to public relations or to existing professionals who want to enhance their skills.

24. Southern Methodist University

Southern Methodist University, located in Dallas, Texas, has been rated among the top 20% of Best National Universities. It offers over 100 majors and an average class size of 22 students. Its location is ideal for young professionals, as Dallas is considered one of the best American cities for business and careers.

Public Relations and Strategic Communication is available as a Bachelor’s degree program at Southern Methodist University’s Meadows School of the Arts. It features a unique and excellent curriculum which led the university to be recognized as one of the best schools for public relations in the world. Among the courses available to students are Communication Theory, Principles of Public Relations, Public Speaking in Context, and Women and Minorities in the Media.

25. Brigham Young University

Brigham Young University was founded and continues to be guided by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Faith is directly tied in with its mission and is at the root of all its education. It prides itself on its affordability, at $3,060 a semester for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and $6,120 for all other students.

The Public Relations program at Brigham Young University is a 45-credit hour program. Before beginning this course of study, all students must pass a writing class. Students then study the foundations of public relations and communication and later fulfill a more hands-on project such as an academic internship, a mentored research practicum, projects in communications, or student media labs. Students are also highly encouraged to take various writing classes to further their skills.

26. Oklahoma State University

Oklahoma State University was founded in 1890 and has over 500 undergraduate and graduate programs of study, as well as professional programs in medicine and veterinary medicine. It has over 33,000 students from the United States and around the world.

One of its many available degrees is a Bachelor’s in Strategic Communication: Advertising and Public Relations. In addition to the university’s general education requirements, students take courses in media, writing, design, advertising, and more.

27. University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati is another one of the world’s top universities for studies in public relations. It is a public research university in Cincinnati, Ohio with over 46,000 students. It has been ranked the 4th in the nation by U.S. News and World Report for co-ops and internships. It has 414 available degree programs.

Public Relations at the University of Cincinnati is available as a Bachelor’s degree and in addition to coursework, gives learning opportunities to students such as internships and co-ops, team-based projects, service and experiential learning, and collaboration with organizations in the community. This degree program is ideal for students who wish to work in for-profit, non-profit, and government organizations. They develop competent skills in interpersonal, writing, and critical thinking skills.

 

We hope that this article on Best Universities for Public Relations in the World was helpful. To know more information on studying abroad, check out the Available Programs for International Students.

About the Author: Hyun Lee

Hyun is the founder at Global Scholarships. He has received a full-tuition scholarship at Birmingham-Southern College as well as $1,000 Burger King Scholarship for his undergraduate degree and has been offered a fully funded scholarship consisting of tuition, living stipend, and health insurance for computer science Ph.D. program at North Carolina State University. Read more about his scholarship journey here.

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