Online Schools with Public Relations Programs: How to Choose

Students choosing an online public relations school should first decide whether they want to specialize or just enroll in a standard public relations program. Other important deciding factors include degree level and internship options and availability.

How to Select an Online Public Relations School

Coursework

Online public relations programs are offered either as a separate degree or alongside a related discipline, such as marketing or advertising. Students who want to specialize in a particular area, such as speechwriting or crisis management, should look for programs that emphasize coursework relevant to their chosen specialization. Those who do not wish to specialize may consider standard public relations programs. Students interested in public relations for new media should look for programs that provide training in blogging, podcasting and streaming video.

Job Requirements

According to the College Board (www.collegeboard.com), students need a portfolio of work in order to land a first job. Therefore, a program that assigns projects that showcase a student's skills and that are relevant to his or her specialization area may be a good choice.
Internship experience is also important and stressed by many employers, but every online public relations program may not offer or require them. Whether or not to complete an internship is another factor that figures into one's choice of a program.

List of Online Public Relations Programs

Certificate Programs

Certificate programs are available at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The graduate certificate is typically designed for individuals who have already earned a bachelor's degree. Course topics at the undergraduate level may include media and freelance writing, event planning, strategic communications, media relations, marketing, advertising, promotion and ethics.
Course topics at the graduate level may include writing, campaign laws, leadership, ethics, marketing, advertising and public relations theory. Students need to be equipped with a computer that has either the Windows XP or higher or a Macintosh 10.2 or 10.3 operating system. Their browser must be compatible with the school's content delivery system.

Bachelor's Programs

Programs at the bachelor's level are available as Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees and may be offered along with another discipline. Students generally can choose specializations at this level.
Course topics may include marketing, advertising, project management, consumer behavior, communication ethics, motivation, media research, psychology, economics, sociology, statistics and natural sciences. Students wishing to take their courses online need the standard computer setup: computer, monitor, DVD drive, speakers, sound card, printer, headset and microphone along with high speed Internet connection.

Master's Programs

Master's programs are usually offered as a Master of Arts degree and may be available in an accelerated format. The program may also be available as a Master of Professional Studies degree. Common course topics may include public relations budgeting and practices, media relations in new media, public affairs research, international communications, speechwriting and culture.
To study online, one needs either a Windows or Mac computer with a connection to the Internet, preferably high speed. Possible software applications required are Adobe Acrobat Reader, Microsoft Office along with various plugins, such as Flash, Java and QuickTime.