Public Relations & Advertising
What Public Relations & Advertising Graduates Do
Your career will start on the front lines of shaping messages. As a public relations specialist, your day could involve writing a press release for a new product, pitching it to journalists you’ve built relationships with, and tracking media coverage using monitoring software. Alternatively, as a training and development specialist in a corporate office, you might design an online course for new employees or lead an in-person workshop to teach a new software system.
With a few years of experience, you’ll progress from executing tasks to setting strategy, often moving into manager roles in public relations or human resources where your earnings can more than double. You’ll oversee entire campaigns, manage budgets, and lead teams. The job market is healthy, with especially strong growth in fields like employee training and community health work.
AI and software are changing these jobs, handling routine tasks like drafting initial announcements or analyzing data. However, AI can’t build genuine trust with a reporter, coach a nervous executive before a TV interview, or navigate complex workplace dynamics. Your career will depend on mastering these human-centric skills, using technology as an assistant to free you up for the strategic work that commands the highest value.
Registered Apprenticeship Pathways
The U.S. Department of Labor recognizes 9 registered apprenticeship occupations related to Public Relations & Advertising. Apprenticeships let you earn while you learn — most have zero tuition costs and pay wages from day one.
| Apprenticeship | Training Hours | Type | Salary RangeSalary | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Apprenticeship And Training Representative (Gov Only)
RAPIDS 2037HY |
4000-6000 hrs | Hybrid | $49K – $65,850 – $92K | 10.8% |
|
Community Health Worker
RAPIDS 2002CB |
Competency | Competency | $50K – $63,000 – $84K | 4.5% |
|
Community Health Worker
RAPIDS 2002HY |
2000-2200 hrs | Hybrid | $50K – $63,000 – $84K | 4.5% |
|
Education And Training (Military Only)
RAPIDS 1079CB |
Competency | Competency | $49K – $65,850 – $92K | 10.8% |
|
Fire Department Training Officer
RAPIDS 1087 |
4000 hrs
~2.0 yrs |
Time | $49K – $65,850 – $92K | 10.8% |
|
Public Affairs (Military Only)
RAPIDS 1076CB |
Competency | Competency | $52K – $69,780 – $96K | 4.8% |
|
Wellness Coach
RAPIDS 2016HY |
2000 hrs
~1.0 yrs |
Hybrid | $44K – $51,030 – $63K | 11.3% |
|
Workforce Development Analyst
RAPIDS 2043 |
2000 hrs
~1.0 yrs |
Time | $49K – $65,850 – $92K | 10.8% |
|
Workforce Development Specialist
RAPIDS 2042 |
2000 hrs
~1.0 yrs |
Time | $49K – $65,850 – $92K | 10.8% |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship Partners Information Database (RAPIDS). Wages and job growth from Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024–2034 projections.
Best Schools for Public Relations & Advertising
10 schools ranked by TradeSchoolOutlook Score. Click any row for full earnings projections and AI-proof analysis.
| # | School | Score | EarningsEarn | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Boise State University Boise, ID |
68 59–71 |
$43,876/yr | 73.4x |
| 2 | University of Georgia Athens, GA |
63 55–66 |
$41,183/yr | 53.6x |
| 3 | Illinois Media School Chicago, IL |
44 38–47 |
$21,902/yr | — |
| 4 | Illinois Media School-Chicago Campus Chicago, IL |
44 38–47 |
$21,902/yr | — |
| 5 | Fashion Institute of Technology New York, NY |
42 34–45 |
$21,006/yr | 42.0x |
| 6 | Ohio Media School-Valley View Valley View, OH |
42 35–44 |
$15,718/yr | — |
| 7 | Colorado Media School Denver, CO |
42 35–44 |
$15,718/yr | — |
| 8 | Ohio Media School-Columbus Columbus, OH |
42 35–44 |
$15,718/yr | — |
| 9 | Ohio Media School-Cincinnati Norwood, OH |
41 35–43 |
$14,229/yr | — |
| 10 | Miami Media School Doral, FL |
41 35–43 |
$14,229/yr | — |
Highest Earning Public Relations & Advertising Programs
Schools where Public Relations & Advertising graduates earn the most in their first year after graduation.
| School | 1-Year Earnings | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Boise State University | $43,876/yr | 68 |
| University of Georgia | $41,183/yr | 63 |
| Illinois Media School | $21,902/yr | 44 |
| Illinois Media School-Chicago Campus | $21,902/yr | 44 |
| Fashion Institute of Technology | $21,006/yr | 42 |
| Ohio Media School-Valley View | $15,718/yr | 42 |
| Colorado Media School | $15,718/yr | 42 |
| Ohio Media School-Columbus | $15,718/yr | 42 |
| Ohio Media School-Cincinnati | $14,229/yr | 41 |
| Miami Media School | $14,229/yr | 41 |
Best ROI for Public Relations & Advertising
Schools with the highest earnings-to-tuition ratio for Public Relations & Advertising.
| School | ROI Multiple | Earnings | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boise State University | 73.4x | $43,876/yr | 68 |
| University of Georgia | 53.6x | $41,183/yr | 63 |
| Fashion Institute of Technology | 42.0x | $21,006/yr | 42 |
Related Majors
Explore similar fields of study.
Considering a 4-Year Degree?
Compare the trade route with a bachelor's degree. See how Public Relations & Advertising degree programs stack up on earnings, AI disruption risk, and ROI.