HBCUs have a long-standing reputation for elevating the educational experiences of Black students, and public relations programs are no exception. These degrees cultivate essential skills in communication, media strategy, and brand management, preparing graduates to thrive in the dynamic world of PR.
Undergraduate students will gain the necessary skills for careers like PR specialist, social media coordinator, and event planner, while graduate students will be prepared for leadership roles such as PR or marketing manager.
In this article, we’ll break down the benefits of attending an HBCU, what students can expect from these degree programs, potential courses, and career outlooks for some of the most promising jobs in the industry. Later, we’ll provide tips on selecting your ideal program and answers to your most pressing questions.
Why Attend an HBCU Public Relations Program?
Black students may prefer attending an HBCU over a predominantly white institution because HBCUs offer a culturally affirming environment that fosters a strong sense of community and belonging. According to a 2015 Gallup-Purdue poll, while few college graduates thrive in their well-being (including purpose, social, financial, and physical well-being), Black students graduating from HBCUs are significantly more likely to thrive in their sense of purpose and economic well-being than those from predominantly white institutions. HBCUs prioritize networking, mentorship, and support, helping students build lifelong connections that boost their success and well-being during and after graduation.
Top HBCU Public Relations Programs
How we rank schools
This list features some of the best HBCU public relations programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for postsecondary education.
We evaluated each school’s program on admission, retention, and graduation rates as well as tuition costs, faculty, reputation, and student resources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of HBCU public relations programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like U.S. News & World Report, among others, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
What to Expect from an HBCU Public Relations Program
By enrolling in a public relations program at an HBCU, you can expect a learning experience emphasizing communication, media strategy, and community engagement in a culturally inclusive educational environment.
At the associate level, students gain foundational skills in writing, media relations, and digital communications. Bachelor’s programs take these skills a level further, teaching students advanced PR strategies, social media management, crisis communication, and brand building. Master’s degree programs often offer students the opportunity to specialize in certain areas – such as strategic communication, leadership, and global PR trends – preparing them for executive roles or further academic research.
Across all levels, HBCUs provide a supportive, inclusive environment where students learn to amplify diverse voices in the media.
Potential courses you’ll take in an HBCU public relations program
- Introduction to Public Relations: In this foundational course, students learn the basics of PR, including media relations, writing press releases, and managing public perception.
- Crisis Communication: This course, typically more common in bachelor’s programs, teaches strategies for effectively managing communication during crises to protect and rebuild an organization’s reputation.
- Social Media Strategy: A core requirement in most modern curriculums, this course encourages students to explore leveraging social media platforms for brand engagement, reputation management, and audience growth.
- Strategic Communication and Leadership: Often deemed a graduate-level course, this class focuses on high-level PR leadership, teaching students to develop and execute communication strategies in global environments.
What Can I Do with a Public Relations Degree?
With your PR degree, you can pursue roles like PR specialist, PR manager, copywriter, market research analyst, and special events coordinator, all of which leverage strong communication and strategic thinking skills. This field is expected to experience faster-than-average growth, with PR specialists alone projected to add over 27,000 new jobs annually. It’s also worth noting that PR professionals often earn salaries that surpass the national median, mainly due to the field’s increasing importance in today’s media-centered world.
Career outlook
- Public Relations Specialist — This entry-level role manages and promotes the public image of individuals, organizations, or companies by communicating strategically, engaging with the media, and maintaining positive relationships with the public.
- Median annual salary: $66,750
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 6%
- New jobs projected: 27,100
- Public Relations Manager — With additional work experience or a master’s degree, graduates can become PR managers, overseeing the development and execution of public relations strategies and managing communication teams.
- Median annual salary: $134,760
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 7%
- New jobs projected: 8,900
- Copywriter — A PR degree can also prepare students for copywriter roles, where they create strategic written content such as press releases, speeches, and marketing materials.
- Median annual salary: $73,690
- Project employment growth (through 2032): 5%
- New jobs projected: 15,100
How to Choose the HBCU Public Relations Program That’s Right For You
Consider your needs and goals
Choosing a public relations program can be a life-changing decision, making it quite intimidating for some students. If you’re in a similar situation, start by asking yourself these questions:
- What is my current education level?
- Which degree level aligns with my career goals?
- Which specialization interests me most?
- Do I need full-time or part-time study?
- Is asynchronous or synchronous learning better for my needs?
Specializations such as media relations, corporate communications, or event planning can shape your career path, whether you’re seeking a future as a PR specialist, corporate communicator, or event coordinator.
Additionally, think about your schedule and preferred learning style. Full-time, synchronous programs are ideal for students seeking immersive, structured learning, while part-time, asynchronous programs suit working professionals or those balancing other significant commitments.
Research schools and programs
After determining your goals and needs, you can turn your attention to researching schools and programs. Consider using the following questions to guide your research:
- Is the program accredited?
- What are the eligibility requirements?
- Does the curriculum align with my career goals?
- What is the faculty’s industry experience?
- What student support services, like advising and career counseling, are offered?
- Are there networking or internship opportunities?
Most of this information is readily available on program websites, but you’ll also benefit from speaking to an admissions counselor or attending information sessions and open houses.
Determine how you’ll pay for your public relations degree program
Once you’ve chosen your degree program, plan how to pay for it by exploring financial aid options.
Start by filing the FAFSA to determine your eligibility for federal aid. Next, apply for institutional and external scholarships and grants, which don’t need to be repaid. If you’re seeking part-time work, consider work-study programs or assistantships. For those currently employed, ask if your employer offers tuition reimbursement.
Even with all these opportunities, financial gaps may remain. To cover any remaining costs, consider federal loans over private loans, as they often have lower interest rates and more flexible repayment plans.
HBCU Public Relations Programs Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an HBCU public relations program?
While some programs may have specific application requirements, many share common criteria. For some associate and virtually all bachelor’s programs, you’ll need to provide the following:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Official transcripts
- Personal statement or essay
- Letters of recommendation
- SAT or ACT scores, if required
For graduate-level learners seeking a master’s degree, the requirements shift slightly – typically including:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Official transcripts from all previous institutions
- Resume
- Statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- GRE scores, if required
Be sure to speak with an admissions counselor to ensure you meet all specific requirements. They can also provide helpful guidance and tips throughout the application, boosting your chances of success.
How much does a public relations degree cost?
According to the most recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics, the average annual cost of tuition is $14,688 for an undergraduate degree and $20,513 for a graduate degree. In addition to tuition, you’ll also want to budget for housing, transportation, course materials, textbooks, and other living expenses. These costs can add up over time, making careful financial planning essential for managing your overall education expenses.
How long does it take to complete a public relations degree program?
A bachelor’s degree in public relations typically takes four years of full-time study, while a master’s degree usually takes 18 months to two years. However, part-time enrollment can extend completion times.
It’s important to double-check the total number of required credits, especially for master’s degree programs, as these can vary and impact how long it takes to graduate.