Make Your Voice Heard With a Public Relations Degree Program

From products to politicians, most of the messages you hear in the media can be traced to one source--public relations professionals. If you enjoy communicating and possibly want to leave your mark on American culture, consider an online degree in public relations.

Public Relations Career Prospects and Requirements

Growth in the public relations field is expected to be above average in the years ahead, but this is a high-profile occupation where competition for job openings is strong. The most attractive candidates are those who combine strong academic credentials with an internship or work experience in a relevant field. This could include journalism, advertising, marketing, or public relations. As with most business occupations, you probably need at least a bachelor's degree to get started.
While there are public relations specialty firms, most large corporations employ their own public relations professionals, as do high-profile individuals such as politicians. Advertising firms, academic institutions, and not-for-profit organizations also are prominent employers of public relations personnel. In short, not only is job growth expected to be strong, but you can choose from different types of working environments.
Public relations tends to be a financially rewarding field, with a median annual income of $49,800, which exceeds the national median of $31,410. With high-end incomes in excess of $90,000, this is also a field with even further upside for people who excel.

Using Online Degree Programs to Polish Your Credentials

Before you can start using your public relations skills to make others look good, you need to make yourself look good by earning a degree. Online education can help, by allowing you to overcome barriers of distance and time. Earning an online degree in public relations can be a good way to start a career, or a way to take an existing career in a new direction.

Richard Barrington is a freelance writer and novelist who previously spent over twenty years as an investment industry executive.