Online Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication with a Concentration in Public Relations
Examine public relations principles, communication strategies, and audience engagement across digital and traditional media.
Develop skills in writing, media relations, and campaign planning to support effective communication efforts.
Analyze how organizations manage reputation, messaging, and stakeholder relationships in a dynamic media landscape.
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Admissions
Whether you're a first-time freshman or a transfer student, our admissions team is here to support you from day one.
I have no college credits
First Time Freshman
- 3.0 Core GPA on the 19 units of college-preparatory high school courses as outlined in the LSU Core
- LSU is a test-optional institution which means applicants will have the choice to select if they wish to have their ACT or SAT scores considered for admission. Click here to learn more!
I have some college credits
Transfer Student General Admission Requirements
- 30* or more transferable (academic, non-remedial) credit hours from a regionally-accredited college or university
- 2.5 academic GPA on all transferable college work attempted
- A grade of “C” or better in a college-level English course that fulfilled a general education requirement at the institution where it was taken
- A grade of “C” or better in a college-level Math course that fulfilled a general education requirement at the institution where it was taken
*Students who will not have 30 transferable credit hours by the time they plan to enroll at LSU can still be considered for admission if they meet all remaining transfer requirements.
To see about transfer credits please check out the TIGER TRANSFER TABLES.
Re-Entry Student Admission Requirements
- Students interested in applying for re-entry to LSU must have a 2.0 GPA on all LSU coursework and must meet the requirements for their prospective senior college.
- Students who have attempted 30 or more hours at another institution must also have a 2.5 cumulative GPA on all college work attempted. For your senior college specific requirements please check out the Re-Entry Student Requirements per College.
If you feel like you do not meet any of the above qualifications please reach out to your Enrollment Coach team member as there are different evaluation pathways for non-traditional students to take.
Undergraduate students who are reviewed and admitted by meeting LSU A&M general admissions requirements but do not meet the admittance requirements to a senior college have two admissions options:
- Option 1
Students can start with The University College Center for Freshman Year (UCFY). This academic unit is designed for new freshmen and some transfer and re-entry students. Their mission is to prepare incoming students for success at LSU and to help define their academic and career goals. Students typically exit the UCFY at the conclusion of the freshman year and enter one of the degree-granting senior colleges at LSU. - Option 2
Students can start with The Center for Advising and Counseling (UCAC). This administrative unit serves as the academic home for students who have attempted 30-plus hours of college credit and who do not yet meet the admission requirements for one of the University’s degree-granting senior colleges.
For a list of specific senior college requirements please visit the LSU A&M Undergraduate Admission page.
Tuition
LSU's online programs offer competitive, flat-rate tuition with no out-of-state fees. Plus, you may be able to save even more by transferring up to 75% of previous credits.
Tuition & Fees
- 120 credit hours
- Total credit hours per program
- $445
- Cost per credit hour
- $13,350
- Total cost with fees and maximum transfer credits
- $53,400
- Total cost with fees
The final cost of this program is determined after all transfer credits are evaluated. For the BA in Mass Communication with a concentration in Public Relations program, you are able to transfer up to 75% of previous credits. Your academic advisor will work with you to determine if and how any prior college credits earned will apply toward your LSU degree.
*For further information about the approval for transfer credits and other requirements, please visit this site.
The total cost above does not include transfer credit or financial aid. Cost per credit hour and fees are subject to change. Fee schedules may vary by program depending on course-specific fees for proctoring and/or books. Please contact a Student Success Coach for more information.
Financial Aid Available
LSU offers several ways to help you pay for your degree including credit for prior learning (PLA), financial aid, and veteran education benefits. Learn More.
Academics
Students in this program will develop skills to plan and implement strategic communication that attempts to improve the relationship between individuals, organizations and/or companies with key constituencies.
What Will I Learn?
Students who graduate with an online public relations degree will gain the skills to create content for diverse audiences and help organizations develop positive relationships with the public.
Topics covered in this degree include the following:
- Skills associated with writing, grammar, style and information gathering for mass media
- Strategies for the design, development and production of media programs using advanced computer and video systems
- Introduction to digital, mobile and social media; personal branding within the digital landscape
- Legal rights of and restraints on the mass media; emphasis on First Amendment considerations
- Role of the media as socially responsible institutions; ethical issues, policies and practices in gathering, processing and disseminating content
- History, theory and current communication strategies in public relations
- Exploration of strategic communication cases that use both traditional and emerging media
- Introduction to the role of research in public relations; utilizing qualitative and quantitative methods and research tools necessary to conduct research that informs the public relations planning process and aides in the assessment/evaluation of PR activities
Courses
| Courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
MC 2010: Media Writing |
3 |
MC 2015: Visual Communication |
3 |
MC 2035: Digital Brands |
3 |
MC 3080: Mass Media Law |
3 |
MC 4090: Media Ethics and Social Responsibility |
3 |
MC 3001: Public Relations Writing and Applications |
3 |
MC 3010: Introduction to Public Relations |
3 |
MC 4002: Strategies for Public Relations and Social Media |
3 |
MC 4020: Public Relations Research |
3 |
MC 4005: Public Relations Campaigns |
3 |
MC Electives |
6 |
MKT 3401: Principles of Marketing |
3 |
MGT 3200: Principles of Management |
3 |
Careers
Public Relations graduates typically secure jobs with businesses or non-profit organizations as public information officers, communication/marketing directors, events coordinators, press secretaries, and Public Relations agents. Manship School alumni work at Edelman, the Denver Broncos, American Red Cross, International Communications at General Motors and Think Public Relations in New York.
Career Opportunities
- Press Secretary
- Public Relations Agent
- Marketing/Communications Manager
- Copywriter
- Fundraiser
- Media Buyer
- Investor Relations
- Account Executive
- Public Information Officer
- Production Coordinator
- Media Planner
- Events Coordinator
- Researcher
- Art Director
- Media Relations Specialist
