Public relations
Bachelor of Science
Storytelling meets strategy
An organization’s reputation and brand are just as vital as its offerings. Public relations specialists shape, maintain and enhance this reputation through media and strategic communication.
A degree in public relations will prepare you to develop and maintain connections between organizations and their stakeholders. Our bachelor’s program in public relations goes beyond basic communications, emphasizing PR writing, strategic messaging and media strategy. Graduates enter fields such as content creation, social media management, event coordination, advocacy and consulting.
Highlights of a Bachelor of Science in public relations include:
- Hands-on experience preparing campaigns and events for real-world clients.
- Faculty with professional experience.
- Personal mentorship in small classroom settings.
- Access to equipment and software for content creation.
Overview
Related Topics
Communication with purpose
Degree fit
This program could be a good fit if you:
- Enjoy working with people.
- Are a strong writer.
- Are a creative thinker.
- Have solid verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
- Have an interest in the media.
- Enjoy event planning and engaging with the public.
Career outcomes
Current job openings
1,652 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and mid-career salaries
- Chief Executives
$194,510 - Legislators
$74,467 - Marketing Managers
$150,963 - Advertising and Promotions Managers
$138,021 - Public Relations Managers
$132,349
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Financial Aid
Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but U of I’s Financial Aid Office is here to help. Our experienced financial aid counselors can assist you in exploring financial aid options, making informed financial decisions and addressing common concerns.
To maximize aid and scholarship possibilities, be sure to complete your FAFSA. For information on FAFSA deadlines and answers to common questions, visit the University of Idaho FAFSA website.
Plan ahead — estimate your cost of attendance with U of I’s Cost Calculator.
Scholarships
Unlock scholarship opportunities at University of Idaho! When you apply to U of I, you're automatically considered for scholarships. We also offer a variety of scholarships based on experience, background and academic programs that you can apply for to help pay for college.
Explore available scholarships on our scholarships website.
Program specific scholarships
- Robert Finlayson Scholarship
- Ben and Patricia Doty Scholarship
- Betty Ann Sechser Scholarship
- David Maxey Scholarship
- Hogue Family Literary Scholarship
- Inez Robb Scholarship
- James R Golden Scholarship
- Kristin David Memorial Scholarship
- Louise Schlegel Bevens Scholarship
- Lucile Bondurant Scholarship
- Mary Axtell Bailey Scholarship
- Theodore Florentz Scholarship
Idaho LAUNCH
This degree is approved for Idaho LAUNCH, a grant that supports Idaho students pursuing high-demand careers. Students enrolling under the 2026–27 Academic Catalog may be eligible for up to $4,000 per year / $8,000 total in scholarship funding through the Idaho LAUNCH program.
Learn about eligibility and application deadlines at nextsteps.idaho.gov/launch, or see our full list of approved U of I programs on the in-state scholarships page.
Clubs and involvement opportunities
Hands-on learning
- University Avenue Agency (advertising)
- The Argonaut (newspaper)
- Blot (magazine)
- KUOI-FM (radio)
Internships
- USA Pulses (Moscow)
- Edelman (Washington)
- Gritman Memorial Hospital (Moscow)
- University Communications and Marketing (Moscow)
- Gallatin Public Affairs (Oregon, Wash. D.C.)
Application information
Undergraduate applications open each September and admissions are processed on a rolling basis. Qualified students are admitted and considered for scholarships and financial aid as applications are received.
Explore admission requirements and apply on our Admissions website.