Eastern Kentucky University | 859-622-1000 | admissions@eku.edu
EKU Logo
EKU Logo
Apply Now Get Info Search
Hero Image

Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations

School of Communication

College of Letters, Arts & Social Sciences

Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations

School of Communication

College of Letters, Arts & Social Sciences

On-Campus

Program

120 Credit Hours

to Graduate

Full-Time, In-State Tuition

$5,010 Per Semester

Free Books

for All Students

Develop a Versatile Skill Set in a High-Demand Industry

Transferable skills allow you to enter fields including journalism, marketing, advertising, and event management

Public relations professionals have an increasingly important role in an age of instant communication. Organizations must employ high-quality public relations strategies to manage their relationships with key stakeholder populations. From research and strategic planning to writing and event coordination, EKU will prepare you with the skills you need to build a successful career in the public relations field.

Apply Now Schedule a Visit

Learn More

Loading…

Career Outlook

Organizations will continue to emphasize community outreach and customer relations as a way to maintain and enhance their reputation and visibility. Public opinion can change quickly, particularly because both good and bad news spread rapidly through the Internet. Consequently, public relations specialists will be needed to respond to news developments and maintain their organization’s reputation.

Employment of public relations specialists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2023 to 2033.

– U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Graduates of the Public Relations program pursue careers with corporations, non-profit organizations, education, government, and public relations agencies. You’ll advise senior management, devise print, broadcast, online, and social media plans based on organizational goals, craft publications, write for print and electronic media, plan events, and more.

Job Titles Include:

  • Public relations manager
  • Crisis manager
  • Media strategist
  • Development officer
  • Corporate recruiter
  • Fundraising and Development
  • Conflict/Dispute Resolution
  • Arbitrator
  • Human resources manager
  • Public health communicator

EKU public relations graduates have found employment in a variety of organizations and sectors.

Employers Include:

  • Coca-Cola Consolidated
  • DBS Interactive
  • Paragon Systems (Europe)
  • Divisions Maintenance Group
  • Fidelity Investments

The Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all your career and professional development needs.

Services Include:

  • Creating/updating your resume and cover letter
  • Interviewing tips and coaching
  • Career documents review
  • Job search

Why EKU?

  • Free textbooks through EKU BookSmart
  • No application fee
  • Reduced tuition for active-duty military members and their spouses
  • 1 of 39 programs worldwide certified by PRSA
  • Award winning faculty regarded as experts in their field
  • Access to digital graphics, A/V equipment, and software
  • Participate in Public Relations Student Society of America to engage in hands-on learning and build relationships with PR professionals

Curriculum & Admission

Students must demonstrate excellence in research, planning, communication, and evaluation of public situations using a variety of platforms to meet standards for public relations education as published by the Public Relations Society of America.

A minimum of 120 credits are required to graduate.

View the degree requirements:

EKU Academic Catalog

Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.

Students may transfer up to 90 hours of credit from accredited institutions. Please note that a minimum of 30 credit hours in this degree program must be completed at Eastern Kentucky University.

Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admission to EKU for appropriate articulation.

TermApplication
Deadline		Classes
Begin
FallAugust 1August
SpringDecember 1January
SummerMay 1May

All applicants must provide an application and evidence of appropriate scholastic achievement through prior educational experience.

Please note that certain degree programs have special admission requirements. Admission to the University does not mean automatic admission to all degree programs.

The completed application and all required supporting documentation must be received by the University no later than:

• August 1 for fall enrollment
• December 1 for spring enrollment
• May 1 for summer enrollment

To apply for undergraduate admission to Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), submit an application at apply.eku.edu and submit any required materials electronically or by mail to:

Office of Admissions
Eastern Kentucky University
Whitlock Bldg. 112, CPO 54
521 Lancaster Avenue
Richmond, KY 40475-3154.

EKU’s Public Relations program was certified by Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) in 1990 and is the second oldest certified program in the world. It was most recently re-certified in 2012 and is one of only 39 such programs worldwide.

Enrolling & Advising Information

EKU’s College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences is committed to delivering high-quality enrollment and academic advising for our students. We strive to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and meaningful engagement to help students reach their academic goals and have a rewarding educational experience.

Interested in enrolling? Reach out to our college enrollment counselor today.

Photo of Kelsi Butcher

Kelsi Butcher 

College Enrollment Counselor

859-622-2705
kelsi.butcher@eku.edu

Schedule an Appointment

Additional Contact Info

Admissions: 859-622-2106
Academic Testing: 859-622-1281
Big E Central (Financial Aid & Student Account Services): 859-622-2361
Military & Veterans Affairs Office: 859-622-2345

Student Stories & Features

Quick Links

Upcoming Events

March 2025
MoTuWeThFrSaSu
242526272812
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
31123456
Calendars
Venues
Days of the Week
Time of Day
List
Grid
Plain
Thu
13

2025 EKU Living with Animals Conference

March 13, 2025 at 8:00 am – March 15, 2025 at 5:00 pmcalendar-multiday
Fri
14

Last Day – Spring A Online Courses

calendar-day
Fri
14

Feel Better Fast! Weekly Drop-in Workshops to Improve Mood

at – recurcalendar-day
Fri
14

Interpreting Strategies for Classroom Instructions on Social Studies and History

at – calendar-day
Sat
15

Residence Halls Close

at – calendar-day
Mon
17

Spring Break

March 17, 2025 – March 21, 2025calendar-multiday

News & Updates

EKU Grad, Now Harvard Fellow, Joins Allied Gaming Board of Directors

Chi Zhao, ’10, a research fellow at Harvard Kennedy School, was appointed as an independent board director for Allied Gaming & Entertainment, Inc., a Nasdaq-listed company. She chairs the nominating and corporate governance committee and serves on the compensation committee.Zhao received a bachelor’s in broadcasting and electronic media from Eastern Kentucky University. As a research […]

EKU Alum Sparks Viral Fame with Nostalgia-Fueled Content

In a moment of uncertainty; one may catch a familiar aroma of a childhood toy, turn the channel to reruns of a beloved TV show, or suddenly want a meal of only comfort foods that evoke warm memories once tucked away in the back of your mind. Spencer Barrett, ’13, built a substantial following on […]

EKU Graduation Speaker, Gracy Kelley, Encourages Class of 2024 to Embrace “Firsts” in Life

At Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) spring commencement ceremony on May 10, Honors Scholar Gracy Kelley stood before her fellow graduates encouraging them to embrace the “firsts” in life. With the support of her friends, family and peers, she navigated challenges from COVID-19 to the complexities of student life. “My firsts did not come without a […]

Related Programs

B.B.A. Marketing

Common Job Titles: Digital marketing manager, marketing specialist, social media coordinator

Modalities: online and on-campus

Credit Hours: 120

Two EKU students, one male and one female, sit on a porch with their laptops discussing an assignment.

B.A. in Communication Studies

Common Job Titles: communications Specialist, marketing specialist, sales professional

Modalities: online and on-campus

Credit Hours: 120

Contact Information

School of Communication

Combs Building
Room 317
213 Park Drive
Richmond, KY 40475

859-622-7324

Department Directory