Among the Best Schools for Public Relations
BU COM has always been a leader in PR. We established the world’s first university-level public relations degree. We built the first student-run public relations agency. We remain one of the best schools for public relations education, research, and leadership. Learn strategy in Boston’s media hub, run campaigns for paying clients in PRLab, and graduate industry ready.
Work in world-renowned PRLab—the longest-running student-run PR agency, you can deliver award-winning work for real clients. Unlike traditional internships, you take ownership of projects from beginning to end.
Thrive in Boston’s top 10 media market—agencies, start-ups, nonprofits, tech companies, big consumer brands, and more give our students year-round internships that can turn into full-time jobs, from sports franchises to global PR agencies.
Learn with industry insiders—faculty with experience at places like Edelman and Weber Shandwick teach your courses, give you insights into real campaigns, and connect you with their networks. Two faculty even hold PRSA’s Outstanding Educator Award.
Public Relations Awards and Rankings
There’s no question that BU COM is one of the best schools for public relations. Our public relations degrees have earned a spot on PRNews’ Education A-list every year since the inaugural list in 2021.
- No. 1: Best Schools for Public Relations & Advertising in the U.S. 2025, College Factual
- No. 1: Public Relations/Image Management in the U.S. 2025, College Raptor
- Education A-List 2024, PRNews
Public Relations Degree and Certificate Programs
Undergraduate
Student Work in Public Relations
PRLab teams crafted media strategy for Boston’s Taste of Beacon Hill, earning citywide coverage and record attendance—one of hundreds of client campaigns students tackle each year.
Where Public Relations Can Take You
Alumni of BU COM’s public relations degrees become corporate comms directors, agency strategists, social media managers, crisis consultants, and civic-science storytellers at Edelman, the New England Patriots, global NGOs, and more.
97% of BS in Public Relations alumni are employed, in school, or in another chosen activity thanks to BU COM’s status as one of the best schools for public relations
Alumni in Public Relations
Sandra Frazier (COM’01)
Sandra founded Tandem Public Relations in 2005 and still serves as CEO, advising Fortune 500s and nonprofits. A BU trustee and Kentucky Business Hall of Famer, she’s a force in corporate and community advocacy.
Ray Kotcher (COM’83)
Ray spent 16 years as global CEO of Ketchum, now its nonexecutive chairman. BU professor of practice, PRSA Gold Anvil winner, and Page Society Hall of Famer, he’s shaped PR’s playbook for three decades.
Jonathan Yohannan (COM’96)
Jonathan is SVP of integrated communications at KIND Snacks, steering purpose-driven storytelling. Former Panera PR chief and Cone CSR strategist, he brings two decades of brand, sustainability, and crisis know-how.
Events and Experiences in Public Relations
PRLab lets you tackle challenges for real clients like Converse and Boston nonprofits, earn credit, and exit with campaign wins and professional connections.
The Zimmerman Family Social Activation Center lets you track real-time trends on a 12-screen wall and pivot campaign strategy on the fly.
Boston’s top 10 media market is your campus. Newsrooms, agencies, and Fortune 500 HQs are steps away, with employers eager for interns from one of the best schools for public relations.
Many students choose to spend a semester on a Boston University Study Abroad program. BU offers over 75 different study abroad programs for undergrads and options in London and LA for grad students, with many including an internship option.
PRoBono, when COM students pull an all-nighter to create PR campaigns for local nonprofits.
Spring Break in NYC, when COM public relations and advertising students make the trek south to New York to visit top agencies in the field.
Our Vision
Blended program that combines real-world experiences, research, and ethics to help students grow as people, practitioners, and academics. Students examine issues from multiple perspectives and learn to listen, ask questions, and advocate to help organizations achieve their goals.
Students get the chance to let their talents shine in PRLab, under the supervision of Professor Amy Shanler and Professor Justin Joseph, both BU alums. PRLab is the nation’s longest-operating student-run public relations agency. The agency, which has earned dozens of national and regional awards, provides Boston University students with a hands-on public relations experience that empowers them to push boundaries and produce results for brands and clients nationwide.
Alumni carry our leadership commitment to top levels in virtually every field. To name a few: Sandra Frazier (COM’01), CEO of Tandem Public Relations; Ray Kotcher (COM’83), professor of the practice of public relations and non-executive chairman, Ketchum; and Jonathan Yohannan (COM’96), Senior Vice President of Integrated Communication for KIND snacks.
In this age of social media, public relations is more complex, more challenging and more important than ever. One thing hasn’t changed: BU is shaping its future.
