Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication, Other
Total graduates
1,135
2025 · 36 schools
International share
4.8%
54 international students
Bachelor's degrees
907
4.9% international
Master's degrees
228
4.4% international
Overview
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication is a specialized area of study that focuses on the strategies and techniques used to manage communication between organizations and their audiences. This field encompasses various aspects of communication, including public relations practices, advertising strategies, and applied communication methods tailored for specific contexts.
Students in this program will learn how to create and maintain a positive public image for organizations, develop effective advertising campaigns, and utilize various media channels to reach target audiences. The curriculum typically covers topics such as media relations, crisis communication, brand management, persuasive communication, and digital marketing. Additionally, students will gain practical skills in writing, public speaking, and multimedia production, which are essential for success in this dynamic field.
The importance of this discipline cannot be overstated, as effective communication is crucial for organizations to thrive in today’s competitive environment. Professionals in this field work in a variety of settings, including corporate communications, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and advertising agencies. Graduates are equipped to pursue careers as public relations specialists, advertising executives, communication strategists, and brand managers, among other roles.
Overall, Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication is an interdisciplinary field that merges creativity with strategic thinking, making it an exciting option for students interested in influencing public perception and shaping the narrative around organizations. As media landscapes continue to evolve, the demand for skilled communicators in this area remains strong, offering graduates diverse career opportunities.
Graduates by year
AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral
From 2003 to 2025, graduates grew 448% and the international share went from 2.9% to 4.8%.
Colleges that award this degree
In 2025, 36 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.
Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.
Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2003–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.