Overview

The Public Relations programme at South Dakota State University provides students with a robust foundation in managing the complex relationships between modern organisations and their diverse stakeholders. This degree focuses on the intersection of economic and societal issues, ensuring that graduates understand the broader impact of corporate and non-profit communication. Students gain proficiency in written and visual storytelling, critical thinking, and strategic design.

The curriculum is designed to blend theoretical knowledge with practical application, emphasising the critical role of market research in contemporary communication strategies. By engaging with real-world scenarios, students learn how to protect and enhance an organisation's reputation, which is often considered as valuable as its physical products or services.

Why Public Relations at South Dakota State University?

Students benefit from a dedicated department that prioritises experiential learning and professional development. The university offers access to specialised clubs such as the Public Relations Student Society of America and the Advertising Club, allowing students to build networks before graduation. Furthermore, the programme is supported by strong links to local and regional organisations, providing a platform for meaningful professional engagement.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 387 per credit
National fee: USD 387 per credit
Local fee: USD 287 per credit

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

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on developing a versatile toolkit for communication professionals. Modules may include:

Public Relations
Written and Visual Communication
Market Research
Communication Strategy
Design for Public Relations
Media Relations
Marketing Communications

Careers with Public Relations

Graduates are well-equipped for a variety of professional roles within the media and corporate sectors. The skills acquired during the programme allow for diverse career paths in both the public and private spheres. Common career outcomes for graduates include:

Public relations specialist
Media relations manager
Marketing and communication manager
Press secretary
Campaign manager
Social media coordinator

Alumni from this programme have secured positions at notable organisations such as Sanford Health, Daktronics, SDN Communications, and various creative agencies. The degree also provides a strong foundation for those interested in pursuing roles in sports information, museum communication, or university marketing and communications.

Accreditation

The public relations major is accredited by the national accrediting body of journalism and mass communication, the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC).

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Media Analytics and Studio
Mass Communication Fundamentals
Basic Newswriting and Lab (COM)
Digital Media and Lab
Data Analysis in Communication
Video Production and Lab

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-11 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-15 00:00:00 , International

More details

National: SDSU accepts applications on a rolling admissions timeline.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

5.5

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

Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Brookings, United States

Disciplines

Public Relations View 322 other Bachelors in Public Relations in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

GPA

2.6

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

5.5

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

For admission to SDSU, we look for one of the following academic achievements:

An ACT composite score or ACT superscore of 18 or SAT Math and Reading/Writing subscore total of 970 or
Level 3 or higher on Math and English Language Arts Smarter Balance Assessment or
A high school cumulative GPA of 2.6 or higher or
A ranking in the top 60 percent of graduating class.

Students should also complete the following core courses with a “C” average or above:

4 years of English (or ACT English subscore of 18 or above).
3 years of advanced math—Algebra I and higher (or ACT math subscore of 20).
3 years of laboratory science (or ACT science reasoning subscore of 17).
3 years of social science (or ACT reading subscore of 17).
1 year of fine arts (or AP Fine Arts score of 3 or above) Includes vocal, instrumental and studio arts.

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

11610 USD / year

≈ 11610 USD / year
Out-of-State

11610 USD / year

≈ 11610 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

8610 USD / year

≈ 8610 USD / year

Additional Details

Minnesota Resident: $312.25 per credit.

Living costs

Brookings

United States

1085 - 1888 USD / month

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

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

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

Accreditation

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

Additional Details

Living costs

Brookings

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners