Overview

The Public Relations programme at Iowa State University provides students with the essential concepts and technical expertise required to manage organisational relationships with diverse audiences. This degree focuses on developing a professional foundation in strategic messaging, digital media, and ethical communication practices. Students are prepared to navigate the complexities of modern media landscapes through a blend of theoretical study and hands-on application.

Why Public Relations at Iowa State University?

Studying at the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication ensures students receive a high-quality education, as the programme was recertified by the Public Relations Society of America Board in 2023. The curriculum is designed around real-world experience, featuring team-based projects where students develop creative campaigns for actual clients. This approach allows learners to manage client expectations and feedback in a professional environment.

Beyond the classroom, students benefit from a vibrant community including the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). This organisation offers agency tours, regional conferences, and national case study competitions. Additionally, the university hosts over 800 student organisations, providing ample opportunities for students to build their professional portfolios through social media creation and campus publications.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 15293 per semester
National fee: USD 14289 per semester
Local fee: USD 4765 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum provides a robust grounding in media and communication. Modules may include:

Writing
Research
Digital and Emerging Media
Professionalism
Public Relations
Capstone Internship

Careers with Public Relations

Graduates are equipped for diverse roles across various industries, focusing on strategic messaging and brand maintenance. The programme prepares students for careers in corporate communications, government affairs, and specialist public relations firms. Practical experience gained through the mandatory 300-hour capstone internship helps students transition into the workforce with resume-worthy achievements.

Common career paths for graduates include:

Public Relations Specialist
Communications Manager
Social Media Manager
Corporate Communications Specialist
Event Planner
Media Relations Specialist
Public Affairs Specialist
Crisis Communications Manager

Students have successfully secured internships and roles with prestigious organisations such as Weber Shandwick, Caesars Entertainment, Carmichael Lynch Relate, and the Baltimore Ravens, as well as various government entities and non-profit foundations.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Mass Media and Society

Orientation to Journalism and Communication

Principles of Public Relations

Law of Mass Communication

Media Ethics, Freedom, Responsibility

Public Relations Writing (C+ or better)

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-01 00:00:00 , International

More details

Iowa State operates on rolling admission. We strongly recommend that you apply at least six to eight weeks in advance.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

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IELTS

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Ames, United States

Disciplines

Public Relations View 321 other Bachelors in Public Relations in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

ACT composite (or converted SAT) score x 3

Cumulative GPA x 30

Number of years of high school core courses x 5

RAI (Regent Admission Index)

SAT scores will be converted to their ACT composite equivalents for this calculation.

High school GPA is expressed on a 4-point scale (you can use our GPA calculator to convert your GPA if it's not on a 4.0 scale).

The number of core high school courses is measured in years or fractions of years.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

30586 USD / year

≈ 30586 USD / year
Out-of-State

28578 USD / year

≈ 28578 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

9530 USD / year

≈ 9530 USD / year

Living costs

Ames

United States

1158 - 1797 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Public Relations.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Ames

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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