What can you do with a Public Relations degree from Boston University?

First, some facts. Of the Public Relations graduates from Boston University we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:


These are estimates based on AI analysis of 11 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Significantly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 85%, Public Relations graduates from Boston University have a much higher likelihood (+18%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 85%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, only 18% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Public Relations graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.

See the details:

View a random Public Relations graduate from Boston University and our analysis:


Relevance score: 67%

We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2022 from Boston University with a Bachelor's degree in Public Relations. Also pursued further education since (see below).

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Video Production Intern
Boston International Media Consulting Inc.
Jun 2022 - Aug 2022
The Video Production Intern role may utilize some communication skills and media knowledge potentially learned in a Public Relations program, but it does not require core qualifications from that degree.

Global Marketing Intern
NIO
Dec 2022 - Feb 2023
The Global Marketing Intern position at NIO directly involves skills in communication and marketing strategies, which are central to Public Relations, making it highly relevant.

Global Marketing Intern
YAHAHA
May 2023 - Jun 2023
Similarly, the Global Marketing Intern role at YAHAHA also hinges on communication and marketing principles that are directly related to Public Relations.

Global E-Commerce Intern
TikTok
Jun 2023 - Aug 2023
In the Global E-Commerce Intern position at TikTok, skills in marketing and effective communication are essential, which aligns closely with the knowledge gained from a Public Relations degree.

Capstone Consultant Intern
U.S. Department of State
Sep 2023 - Dec 2023
The Capstone Consultant Intern position at the U.S. Department of State may involve some aspects of public communication and strategy, but it focuses more on policy and government work that does not fully align with Public Relations.

Strategic Planning Intern
CHC Consulting Group
Dec 2023 - Apr 2024
As a Strategic Planning Intern at CHC Consulting Group, the role may require analytical and communication skills that overlap with Public Relations, but it is less directly related to the core competencies of that degree.

FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATING
Master of Public Administration - MPA
Cornell University
2022 - 2024
ABOUT

No information provided.

What jobs can you get with a Public Relations degree from Boston University?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:


When looking at the career paths of Boston University graduates with a Public Relations degree, it’s clear that many have pursued positions deeply rooted in PR-related fields. Many of them have taken on roles like Public Affairs Officers within the military, various publicist positions, and content management roles that require them to craft strong narratives and engage with audiences. These kinds of jobs directly leverage the skills and knowledge gained through their studies, from media relations to communication strategies, proving their relevance to the degree.

However, not all job choices align seamlessly with the core competencies of Public Relations. Some graduates found themselves in roles like event production or marketing that may touch on aspects of PR, but they don’t fully immerse them in the discipline's fundamentals. Positions such as engineering recruiters or marketing analysts, while employing some transferable skills, seem to stray from the traditional PR path, focusing more on client relations or data analysis instead. Ultimately, while there’s a strong representation of relevant careers, the landscape showcases a mix of both aligned and tangential roles that graduates have chosen.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Public Relations graduates (this is across all Public Relations graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Boston University):

What kind of career trajectories do Public Relations graduates from Boston University have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

When looking at the career trajectories of Boston University Public Relations graduates, it seems like many of them have really embraced opportunities that align with their studies. Right after graduation, loads of these folks landed jobs in roles like internships in PR firms, assistants in media-related tasks, or positions in organizations like the United States Air Force focusing on public affairs. It’s clear that a lot of these graduates kicked off their careers with positions that not only utilized their PR skills but also gave them plenty of hands-on experience in the industry.

Fast forward a few years, and you can see an interesting mix. Many have moved up into higher-level positions in PR or related fields, with some even landing roles with big names like Apple, Google, and various media companies. However, there are also a few who seem to have branched out or pivoted into different paths, like becoming brand managers or even exploring freelance opportunities. So, while a significant amount of BU grads are thriving in PR roles, a handful are also carving out unique careers that don’t strictly stick to traditional PR. Overall, it looks like a solid foundation for a successful career in communications and media for these graduates, with a healthy blend of those sticking closely to their PR roots and others venturing into new arenas.

How hard is a Public Relations degree from Boston University?

Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, whether at Boston University or elsewhere, can be a mixed bag in terms of difficulty. It’s not the easiest degree out there, but it’s also not the hardest—definitely less challenging than something like engineering or physics. You’ll be writing a lot, thinking creatively, and working on real-world projects, which can be super fun if you're into that kind of stuff. The courses might push you to think critically and stay organized, so if you can manage your time well and enjoy storytelling, you should be fine. Just remember, like any degree, it’ll require effort and dedication, but it can be really rewarding if you’re passionate about it!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Public Relations.

Do Public Relations graduates from Boston University tend to make good money?

From what I can gather, it seems like the Boston University Public Relations grads generally have decent job trajectories and income potential, especially the ones with military connections or those who landed roles at big companies like Apple or in media. For instance, the folks who started out as public affairs officers in the Air Force are likely raking in a solid paycheck now that they've climbed the ranks, and various positions in tech and media usually come with pretty reasonable salaries, too. On the flip side, some of the more recent grads seem to be starting out with internships and freelancing, which might not pay as much initially, but it’s a solid stepping stone towards higher-paying roles later. Overall, it looks like a mix of good starting salaries and potential for growth, especially as they gain experience.

What buzzwords do Public Relations graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Public Relations (this is across all Public Relations graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Boston University). This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Public Relations?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Public Relations (ordered by the average relevance score of their Public Relations graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College Score Count
Boston University 85 11
University of Central Florida 75 13
University of Oregon 74 13
The University of Georgia 73 15
Georgia Southern University 73 10
California State University-Dominguez Hills 73 11
Iowa State University 70 10
Florida International University 69 20
University of Alabama 69 13
University of South Carolina 67 16
University of South Carolina-Columbia 67 13
Lee University 66 12
Grand Valley State University 63 14
Auburn University 63 16
Hofstra University 62 14
Texas Tech University 61 26
Kennesaw State University 61 16
Suffolk University 61 13
University of South Florida 59 10
The University of Alabama 57 19
University of Nebraska-Lincoln 57 14
Penn State University 56 33
The University of Texas at Austin 55 22
The University of Texas at Arlington 55 11
California State University, Fullerton 55 11
Texas State University 54 18
Rowan University 53 10
University of Florida 52 35
Ball State University 52 10
University of North Florida 52 12
DePaul University 51 20
Northern Kentucky University 51 10
Illinois State University 50 13
University of Oklahoma 50 16
West Virginia University 47 10