Our BA in Public Relations and Strategic Communication program focuses on developing students' abilities to craft compelling brand and journalistic storytelling, engaging audiences through social media and other platforms. You will gain an understanding of the principles and practices of public relations, including message development, media relations, crisis communication, and stakeholder engagement. Our program teaches you how to create communication plans and PR campaigns that align with organizational goals and objectives.
What is a public relations and strategic communication degree?
Reduce tuition by up to $24k
Why earn a BA in PR and Strategic Communication?
Our program features faculty with professional experience in brand and integrated PR campaigns. The program emphasizes experiential learning through hands-on projects and case studies. You’ll have the opportunity to work on real-world client projects, develop communication strategies, and create campaign materials, gaining practical skills and building a professional portfolio of work.
Student media
Learn by doing: Engage with KALA Radio, HIVE student media hub, The Buzz newspaper, and SAUtv for hands-on experience.
Industry-standard resources
Explore industry-standard software, hardware, and resources to prepare you for success in your career.
Portfolio development
Capstone your PR degree with a campaign for a local nonprofit, building a strong portfolio and resume for your career.
State-of-the-art facilities
Spacious studios and collaborative workspaces provide an environment for students to experiment and refine their skills.
Industry-aligned curriculum
Our faculty maintain connections in the industry to ensure you graduate with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed.
Accelerated master's degree
Earn two degrees in five years through our 3+2 program, adding a Master of Public Health from St. Ambrose University.
What you’ll learn in your PR and strategic communication program
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you’ll dive deeper into communication theory and learn how to apply it in practice. Faculty will help equip you with the skills to work in a variety of PR and marketing environments.
- Mastery of industry-standard software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, content management systems, and customer relationship management platforms
- Excellence in communications writing focusing on information gathering and adherence to professional style
- Master of development branded content, managing the HIVE’s online media platform, and the ability to create compelling PR campaigns.
- Mastery of campaign development using research and planning techniques
- Ability to understand and practically apply communication theory to PR practice
Explore public relations courses
- This degree will require you to complete a total of 120 credits
- 39 gen ed credits, 22 core communication credits, 24 specialization credits in PR and strategic communications, 35 elective credits, and 1 capstone course.
Sample courses
| Class code | Class title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COMM 240 | Principles of Public Relations | 3 credits |
| COMM 251 | Public Relations Techniques | 3 credits |
| COMM 305 | Media Theory and Ethics | 3 credits |
| COMM 405 | Strategic Communication Campaigns | 3 credits |
| COMM 432 | Media Law | 3 credits |
How much does a BA in Public Relations and Strategic Communication cost?
The cost of your degree will depend on several factors, like scholarships, housing, meal plans, and transfer credits. New students also pay a $100 matriculation fee. You will also need to budget for books, supplies, materials, transportation, personal costs, loan fees, and other expenses. Explore the cost of attendance.
Full-time student living on campus
| Expense | By semester | By year |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time tuition (12-18 credits)* | $18,917 | $37,833 |
| Housing** | $4,140 | $8,280 |
| Food*** | $2,750 | $5,500 |
| Technology fee | $140 | $280 |
| Total direct charges (billable) | $25,947 | $51,893 |
*Based on 2025-2026 tuition and fees. Tuition and fees are subject to change each summer.
**This cost is estimated, actual housing cost will vary by student selections.
***Cost estimate based on 3 meals per day.
How much does campus housing cost?
When it comes to housing, St. Ambrose University offers diverse options to meet the needs of our students. From traditional dormitories to apartment-style living, there’s something for everyone. The cost of our housing will vary based on where you decide to live and the meal plan you choose.
St. Ambrose University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Accreditation and recognitions provide the assurance we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability.
How does SAU support PR students?
St. Ambrose University’s communication and digital media faculty combine expertise with real-world experience. They provide the care and attention of a small school combined with multimedia resources to prepare you for graduation. Armed with a wealth of industry knowledge and passion for student success you’ll be encouraged to ask questions, get involved, and feel confident entering into a career in public relations.
Public relations and strategic communication faculty
Other support resources
Student Success Center
At St. Ambrose, we want you to thrive. Access free tutoring, study groups, and supplemental instruction through our Student Success Center.
Accessibility Resource Center
Whether you need classroom accommodations, alternative exam arrangements, or disability support strategies, our Accessibility Resource Center is here to help.
Career services
Our Academic and Career Planning Center is ready to help you polish your resume and land the job or internship that will launch your career.
Are there scholarships available for BA in PR and Strategic Communication?
At St. Ambrose University, we believe that education should be accessible to all. That's why we offer a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for our students. We are committed to providing our students with the resources they need to succeed academically and financially.
Iowa Business and Professional Women Foundation Scholarship
The Iowa Business and Professional Women Foundation is awarding five educational scholarships for the 2025-2026 academic year. Learn more about the Iowa Business and Professional Women Foundation Scholarship
Ambrose Advantage Scholarship
Through the Ambrose Advantage Scholarship program, a tuition-free education at St. Ambrose University is available to any Pell Grant-eligible Loans. Learn more about the Ambrose Advantage.
Merit-based and institutional scholarships
St. Ambrose offers excellent scholarships and grants based on your strong academic performance, your talent in fine arts or athletics, or your community involvement. Explore SAU scholarships.
Transfer credits
You may be able to transfer previous college credit to cover up to 25% of your degree, saving you significant time and money. Learn how to transfer credits.
Outside scholarships
We accept scholarships from outside sources, and there are tons of options out there. Start by searching for scholarships with criteria that match your specific talents or background. Need help? Here are a few websites to begin researching your options: Fastweb, College Board Scholarship Search, Scholarships.com, Peterson's Award Database, Scholly (app download)
Debt-free college, transformative education
"The Ambrose Advantage allowed me to come to college without much worry about debt in my future."
-Caleb Gillmore, Monticello, Iowa
What’s on campus for PR students?
If you’re looking for a comprehensive experience in convergent media St. Ambrose is the place for you. We push our students to learn by doing and support their ambitions to leave the university with a strong portfolio.
Join The Buzz, St. Ambrose’s independent student newspaper. Choose editorial content, report stories, and take photos.
Learn to edit videos with SAUtv. Write, shoot, and edit spots to air during news broadcasts. Create dynamic social media videos to help promote shows.
Produce a podcast or go on the air with KALA Radio. Learn to operate audio equipment, edit audio tracks, or help promote the radio station at community events.
Loving Every Moment at St. Ambrose University
"I had one of the best college experiences anyone could have. Going from a small high school to a smaller university was the perfect transition for a small-town girl. I wouldn't pick another university if I had the chance to do it over again. I absolutely loved my Ambrose experience."
-Shelby Steger '15, BA in Public Relations and Strategic Communication
What are the admission requirements for a BA in PR and Strategic Communication?
Apply to the BA in PR and Strategic Communication today. These are the application requirements.
- You must have graduated from an accredited high school or earned a GED
- You must have a minimum cumulative, unweighted GPA of 2.5
- You must provide an official high school transcript
International student requirements
If you live outside of the U.S. there are different admissions requirements. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Official transcripts from secondary education
- A minimum 2.5 CGPA out of a 4.0 scale, or equivalent
- Proof of English language proficiency (minimum scores: TOEFL - 79, IELTS - 6.0)
- Copy of your passport and other documentation
What can I do with a public relations degree?
Your education and degree can help you reach your professional goals. St. Ambrose University can never promise a career or particular outcome upon graduating. We encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here is a list of potential job titles, traits, and settings a graduate in our public relations program could achieve.
Potential job titles
- Research analyst
- Crisis communication specialist
- Nonprofit communications coordinator
- Government relations specialist
- Social media manager
- Event planner
Potential employment settings
- Marketing agency
- Nonprofit organization
- Real estate
- Government
- Healthcare and social assistance
- Educational services
Traits of a public relations professional
- Data analysis
- Web development
- Communications
- Strategizing
- Public speaking
- Creativity
Industry facts
- Employment as a public relations specialist has a median pay of $67,440 with lots of room for growth and promotions.
- The projected job employment in the public relations field is set to create over 300,000 jobs in the next ten years with a steady 6% growth, a faster-than-average percentage.
For more information on economist employment and wages, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook.
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With more than 65 undergraduate and graduate programs, there’s something for everyone at St. Ambrose University! Explore our programs to find your place at SAU.
