Bachelor of Public Relations at Temple University

Temple University

United States of America, Philadelphia

University Rank:#721

The Public Relations at Temple University is a Full Time Bachelor program offered at the university's main campus in Philadelphia, United States of America. The program is delivered on campus in English and can be completed in 4 years. Students develop academic knowledge and practical skills that prepare them for future careers in this field. The next available intake starts on August 28, 2027.

About Bachelor of Public Relations

The Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations in the Lew Klein College of Media and Communication at Temple University educates students with the knowledge, theory and skills to manage relationships across consumer, corporate, economic, government and media organizations. In our Public Relations bachelor's degree program, students learn to develop strategies to advise organizations in matters of social responsibility and influencing public opinion. From basic writing skills to drafting strategic campaigns, evaluating legal and ethical considerations to managing technology's impact on the field, our degree program provides students with the knowledge and skills for public relations (PR) success now and in the future.

Public relations is the strategic use of communication to establish, build and maintain mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics. Unlike marketing and advertising, PR uses integrated communication–including publicity, advertising, social media and original storytelling–to uniquely communicate important issues, opportunities, problems and their solutions to targeted audiences. Students in our Public Relations bachelor's degree program learn to assess situations and determine, create and communicate strategic messages to build beneficial relationships among a wide variety of organizations and their diverse constituents.

In our program, you will learn theories that affect how today's public relations is practiced and develop the knowledge base and the foundational PR skills of critical thinking, speaking and writing. Our classes will give you access to some of the latest industry-standard communication tools, enabling you to earn certifications and gain the technical skills today's employers value and need, including data analytics, search engine optimization and social media marketing. Upon mastering those skills, you will

design, develop and evaluate campaigns;
learn how to manage client expectations as well as the ethical and legal implications of your work;
produce campaign materials that rely on original research, promotional materials, and social and traditional media techniques; and
strengthen your public speaking, team and leadership skills.

As a Public Relations BA graduate, you will be prepared to apply your expertise in entry-level positions in agency, corporate, government and nonprofit spaces. Using data analytics, promotions, relationship building and creative strategic messaging, you will be able to communicate effectively to ethically influence attitudes, behaviors and bring about positive change among key target audiences.

What sets apart our Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations?

Our renowned, certified program: The Public Relations Society of America certified Temple's Public Relations program for its academic education. It is one of only 36 programs nationwide and the only one in Pennsylvania. Our degree program was named to the "Education A-list" by PRNews, a leading industry publication. Our program also emphasizes leadership in diversity and inclusion in the industry and society. Students participate in the Bateman Competition–a nationwide collegiate PR contest–giving them an edge in the industry.
A fast-growing industry: Public Relations is one of the fastest growing industries in the nation. With Temple University's prime location in Philadelphia, and proximity to New York City and Washington, D.C.–where some of the largest and best-known PR firms are located–Temple students have the opportunity to learn from top professionals in the field.
Our expert faculty: Our nationally renowned faculty conduct world-class research, not just in PR and communications, but in perceptions of social issues impacting society. They also have industry experience and maintain one foot in the academic world and one foot in the profession. Their industry relationships will help students gain access to companies, organizations and professionals that can get them started in a PR career or on the path to an advanced degree.
Our award-winning student organizations: Students can join our national award-winning, nationally recognized student organizations. Through our student organizations, you can gain real-world experience in the public relations field and have the opportunity to make personal and professional connections. Some of the related student organizations include Temple's chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America; our student-run firm, PRowl Public Relations; and our chapter of the Black Public Relations Society.

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Public Relations at Temple University

Entry Requirements

1. Official high school and/or university transcripts with English translations (required)

Your application must include all official and original academic records from any school: secondary high school, college, or university you have ever attended.

If you are attending a high school curriculum that is four years, Temple University reviews grades 9-11 as well as your current progress in 12th grade (term/quarter/semester/predicted) or your final transcript if you completed high school.

If you are attending a high school curriculum that is only three years, we strongly recommend you submit the final year of your middle school as well.

2. Test options

First-year Applicants

Option 1: Apply without standardized testing

At Temple University we are pleased to offer applicants a test-optional solution for submitting their application. Test-optional means that you are not required to submit ACT or SAT for admission consideration and is typically chosen by students who feel their test scores do not accurately reflect their academic abilities or who were not able to take SAT or ACT tests due to circumstances outside of their control.

Applicants who choose this option are equally eligible to receive merit scholarships.

Option 2: Apply with standardized testing. Submit official SAT or ACT results. These must be sent officially from the testing agency.

Unsure about whether or not to submit testing? Contact [email protected].

All applicants, regardless of which option they choose, should review the English language proficiency test scores section to determine whether they are required to submit English language proficiency scores to support their application.

Transfer Applicants

If you have at least 15 college-level credits, SAT/ACT scores (or other standardized tests) are usually not required for transfer admission unless our Admissions Office specifically requests them.

Please note that proof of high school graduation may be required and English language proficiency test scores may be required.

The average GPA for incoming fall 2022 transfer students was 3.21. All applicants are reviewed for admission but we prefer that students have a 2.50 or higher GPA.

3. Letters of Recommendation (optional)

If you submit letters of recommendation, please request letters from individuals, such as a high school teacher or advisor, who can speak to your academic abilities and accomplishments. Please send no more than two letters to [email protected] or through the Common Application.

English Requirements

PTEMin 53
IELTSMin 7
TOEFLMin 79

Career Opportunities after Completing Bachelor of Public Relations

As a graduate from our Public Relations program, you will be prepared to utilize your knowledge and skills to enter and excel in the field. From leading public relations efforts, managing campaigns or working with reporters, your degree will serve as a foundation for a successful, versatile career working for a variety of organizations and corporations.

Graduates from our program are prepared for careers in areas such as

- community relations,
- corporate social responsibility,
- crisis communication,
- employee communication,
- global communications,
- internal communications,
- investor relations,
- issues management,
- media relations,
- political communications,
- public affairs,
- reputation management,
- research analyst and
- social media manager.

Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of Public Relations at Temple University

Application Fee 55

How to Apply for Bachelor of Public Relations at Temple University

1. Make an application plan.

If you’re a first-year applicant, you’ll first want to pick a deadline goal and decide if you’d like to apply Early Action (due Nov. 1) or Regular Decision (due Feb. 1).

2. Apply using the Common Application.

Temple exclusively uses the Common Application. When completing your application for Temple, be sure to indicate whether you’re applying Early Action or Regular Decision if you’re a first-year applicant. Even if you apply before or by the Early Action deadline, you still must indicate Early Action on your application to ensure you will receive an admissions decision early. Transfer applicants do not need to select a deadline preference.

There’s an application fee of $55, which you will submit at the same time as the Common Application unless you qualify for a waiver.

Bachelor of Public Relations at Temple University

Temple University

United States of America, Philadelphia