Public relations focuses on the art of communication, whether it's crafting an effective political campaign or spreading the word about a new product or company. PR specialists work in all forms of media, including television, print, and digital. PR can offer a challenging yet rewarding career path for individuals with a sense of creativity and a knack for written and verbal communication.
If you're interested in management careers with high salary potential, an MBA in public relations could be a perfect fit. The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) reported a 34% increase in demand for business school graduates in 2021, and earning an MBA can help you stand out in a competitive job market.
Check out our guide to MBAs in PR for information on admission requirements, common courses, and job options after graduation. You can also find our ranking of the best MBA in public relations programs, which prioritizes academic quality and affordability.
Popular Online Public Relations Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top PR MBA Programs
Why Get a Public Relations MBA Degree?
Increased Job Prospects While not all business jobs require you to hold an MBA, the degree is standard for many advanced career paths. An MBA shows employers that you've worked to develop your business expertise and management skills. In general, you're likely to find more employment opportunities after completing an MBA, particularly in career paths related to PR.
Increased Salary Potential On average, MBA graduates earn significantly higher salaries than bachelor's graduates. GMAC reports that MBAs can expect to earn an average salary of $125,000 as of 2023, while bachelor's degree-holders earn $75,000, on average. That's nearly a 67% increase in pay.
Networking Opportunities Earning an MBA is about more than just education. Enrolling in a program allows you to meet other ambitious business students and make valuable connections for the future. You'll also learn from expert professors who are leaders in public relations. These connections can lead to internships, job opportunities, and other professional benefits before and after graduation.
What to Expect From a PR MBA Degree
An MBA in public relations focuses on communications practices for all types of organizations. In general, courses highlight topics in business, public relations, and the intersection of these disciplines.
The degree usually requires 36-45 credits and takes two years of full-time study to complete. Most of the curriculum focuses on general business knowledge, similar to any MBA. However, you'll specialize your studies by completing 3-4 courses in public relations and digital communications.
As long as you attend an accredited program, your credits should transfer to any other accredited college. However, credit equivalencies vary among institutions, so you should always consult an academic counselor if you plan to transfer to another program.
Degree and Format Options
You have plenty of options for degree type and enrollment format when it comes to choosing an MBA. Online programs give you greater flexibility, which can make it easier to work while you're in school. Alternatively, accelerated programs let you take a heavier course load to graduate faster — often as quickly as one year.
Depending on your professional interests, the best MBA in public relations might not be an MBA at all. An MA or MS degree in public relations or corporate communications will cover similar subject matter, though with less of a focus on business leadership compared to the MBA. You can also pursue an MBA in corporate communications, which operates similarly to an MBA in PR.
Should You Get a PR MBA or a General MBA?
If you're considering an MBA in public relations, you may wonder how the degree differs from a general MBA. The simplest answer is that a general MBA focuses on business broadly, while an MBA in PR covers business and public relations.
A general MBA and an MBA in PR include the same core curriculum that builds business knowledge in areas such as finance, management, and economics. However, while a general MBA may allow you to complete various business electives, an MBA in PR includes specialized classes in public relations.
The best MBA in public relations programs give you broad business knowledge and specialized public relations skills. As the chart below indicates, the two degrees aren't radically different. However, an MBA in PR might be a better choice if you already work in PR or know you want to pursue a career in the field.
| Key Factor | Public Relations MBA | General MBA |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Focus | Business management, leadership, and communications/public relations | Business management and leadership |
| Admissions Requirements | Bachelor's degree (may require undergraduate business courses) | Bachelor's degree (may require undergraduate business courses) |
| Time to Complete | Two years full time | Two years full time |
| Type of Classes | General business and public relations | General business |
| Course Load | 2-3 classes per semester (full time) | 2-3 classes per semester (full time) |
Sources: Liberty University, Concordia University-Wisconsin, Concordia University-Ann Arbor
Read MoreLearn more about MBA concentrations
Admissions Process
To apply to the best MBA in public relations programs, you'll need to complete a standard online application for each school, which typically includes a fee. All programs require you to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college, and you may need certain business course prerequisites. Most programs maintain a minimum undergraduate GPA requirement, which is often 2.5-3.0.
Along with undergraduate transcripts, you may need to submit test scores from a graduate exam such as the GMAT or GRE. Many programs also ask for a statement of purpose and at least 1-2 letters of recommendation. You may also need to demonstrate relevant professional experience, though this requirement varies among programs.
Read MoreReview our admissions guide
Popular Public Relations MBA Courses
An MBA in public relations builds specialized PR skills and general business knowledge through core, concentration, and/or elective classes. This list highlights four courses commonly found in public relations MBA programs.
Business Leadership: Often included as part of the MBA core, many programs offer at least one course focused on business leadership. This course may introduce fundamental theories of leadership and examine their relationship to organizational change. Many classes place leadership in the context of business ethics, highlighting practices for ethical management.
Digital and Social Media Strategies: As part of a public relations concentration, most programs include a course on digital media communications. This class explores the influence of technology on public relations and new strategies for communicating with audiences through digital media. Other topics may include technology tools and methods for measuring digital engagement.
Internship: Many programs offer an experiential component, such as a practicum or internship. This real-world experience occurs at approved public relations organizations, connecting classroom learning with professional practice. An internship gives you hands-on experience and allows you to learn from skilled PR professionals. If you're taking courses online, you may be able to complete an internship locally.
Capstone: Many programs end with a capstone course, which evaluates your overall understanding of course topics. Capstones can take many forms, such as a business simulation or a research project. In general, a capstone takes program learning and applies it to real-world PR practice, preparing you for life after graduation.
How Much Do Public Relations MBA Programs Cost?
The National Center for Education Statistics reports that MBA students paid an annual average tuition of $31,300 in 2020 — which comes to $62,600 for a two-year program. However, costs vary depending on the type of school and program. In general, public colleges are more affordable than private colleges, and you can find the cheapest tuition paying the in-state rate at a public school.
The most common options for funding your MBA are scholarships and loans. Scholarships never need to be repaid, while federal and private loans offer various repayment options — with interest. Be sure to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which determines your eligibility for financial aid, and check out our guides to MBA scholarships and affordable MBAs below.
Read MoreCheck out our FAFSA guideLearn more about MBA scholarshipsCheck out the top affordable MBAs
Jobs for MBAs in Public Relations
With an MBA in public relations, you can pursue jobs in marketing, advertising, PR, and more. Public relations careers often feature competitive salaries and strong job growth projections. Management positions typically offer average salaries in the low six figures.
This table highlights four popular careers for public relations graduates. While none of these jobs specifically require an MBA, a graduate degree makes you more competitive for management positions and almost always results in a higher starting salary.
Public Relations Manager
Public relations managers develop and maintain an organization's public image. They commonly determine the best ways to reach audiences for a brand, product, or service. They may also coordinate publicity campaigns, oversee promotional programs, and help their organizations communicate with the public. PR managers often supervise other PR staff and evaluate the effectiveness of PR campaigns.
Job Outlook (2022-32): +6%
Median Annual Salary: $130,480
Source: BLS
Public Relations Specialist
Public relations specialists maintain a positive image for businesses and other organizations. They may develop social media strategies, write press releases, and provide media training to public-facing company members. Compared to PR managers, specialists may take responsibility for smaller individual aspects of PR campaigns rather than overseeing organization-wide strategy.
Job Outlook (2022-32): +6%
Median Annual Salary: $66,750
Source: BLS
Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Manager
Advertising and marketing managers build interest in companies' products and services. They may take responsibility for coordinating advertising campaigns, conducting market research, and negotiating advertising contracts. They often supervise other employees, including art directors and advertising agents. In general, advertising managers focus on promotion, while public relations managers maintain an organization's overall image.
Job Outlook (2022-32): +6%
Median Annual Salary: $156,580
Source: BLS
Market Research Analyst
Market research analysts interpret consumer data to help businesses market products more effectively. Common duties include forecasting marketing trends, gathering marketing data, and assessing the effectiveness of existing marketing strategies. In management positions, which may require an MBA, market researchers often oversee a company's overall strategy for gathering and evaluating market data.
Job Outlook (2022-32): +13%
Median Annual Salary: $74,680
Source: BLS
Selecting the Right Concentration
You have many factors to consider when choosing a quality MBA program, and your choice may come down to more than just academics. Some of the most common considerations when selecting the best MBA in public relations include:
Staff Credentials/Diversity: Do faculty have the same professional interests as you? Do they share the same values? Always research professors to see if a school seems like a good fit.
Cost/Financial Aid: Tuition is typically a primary concern for students. Always research financial aid options and determine the actual price of school — which often includes more than just tuition.
Delivery Method: If you're a working student, delivery method can make a huge difference. Online programs usually offer greater flexibility, while traditional in-person programs can make it harder to fit classes into your weekly schedule.
Professional Development Opportunities: Does a program offer internship opportunities or career resources? The best MBA programs can help you develop your skills inside and outside of the classroom.
Common Questions About PR MBA Degrees
Many degrees can prepare you for a public relations career, but an MBA in public relations offers comprehensive training in PR and general business skills. An MBA is a great choice if you're looking for a well-rounded business education. You can also pursue an MA or MS in public relations, communications, or corporate communications.
