Overview

The Public Relations programme at Eastern Illinois University provides students with the essential skills required to manage complex communication strategies for diverse organisations. This degree focuses on building strong relationships between brands and their audiences through ethical and effective messaging techniques.

Students benefit from a curriculum that offers the highest number of specialised classes in the state, ensuring a deep understanding of the field. The course is designed to be flexible, allowing individuals to choose elective clusters that align with their specific professional aspirations and career goals.

Practical experience is a cornerstone of the learning journey, with opportunities to join the student-run firm, The Agency.

Why Public Relations at Eastern Illinois University?

This institution stands out by offering one of the few dedicated majors of its kind in the region, providing a focused academic environment. The department maintains strong links to the industry, ensuring that the teaching remains relevant to the evolving demands of the modern communication landscape.

Distinctive features include accelerated pathways such as the 4+1 programme, which allows students to begin earning credits toward a Master of Arts in Communication Studies. This enables ambitious learners to obtain both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree within a condensed five-year timeframe.

For those interested in legal careers, a unique 3+3 partnership with Northern Illinois University is available. This allows students to complete their undergraduate requirements in three years before transitioning to law school, significantly shortening the path to a professional law degree.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 13037 per year
National fee: USD 10430 per year
Local fee: USD 10430 per year

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

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Public Relations
Strategic Communication
Media Relations
Communication Studies

Careers with Public Relations

Graduates are well-equipped to enter a variety of sectors, ranging from corporate environments to non-profit organisations. The skills acquired during the programme are highly transferable, supporting success in roles that require expert reputation management and strategic planning.

Common career paths for alumni include positions in social media management, sports communication, and corporate media. Many graduates also find fulfilling opportunities in health promotion, political communication, event planning, fundraising, and independent consultancy.

The programme's emphasis on designing and implementing effective campaigns ensures that students can contribute to organisational success immediately upon graduation. Whether working in-house or for an agency, the training provides a solid foundation for long-term professional growth.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Communication Theories

Writing for News Media

Public Relations

Public Relations Research, Evaluation, and Measurement

Management and Organizational Behavior

Persuasion

Public Relations Writing and Production

Advanced Public Relations Writing and Production

Communication Law

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-08-19 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-05-15 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Charleston, United States

Disciplines

Public Relations View 323 other Bachelors in Public Relations in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.5

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

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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

Official records (transcripts or mark sheets) beginning with secondary school. A minimum grade point average of a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale is required. All transcripts become property of this University.

English Language Proficiency Requirement

A completed International Student Financial Affidavit Form and a bank statement (submitted online via MyEIU account), documenting sufficient funding for the intended program of study.

A passport copy is required.

Non-refundable application fee of $30.00 U.S. in the form of a check, certified check or money order made payable to Eastern Illinois University, application fee is valid for one year.

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

13037 USD / year

≈ 13037 USD / year
Out-of-State

10430 USD / year

≈ 10430 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

10430 USD / year

≈ 10430 USD / year

Living costs

Charleston

United States

1100 - 1500 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

Charleston

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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