Public relations specialist: bachelor's degree, a portfolio and internships
Public relations specialists typically need a bachelor's degree in public relations, another communications field, social science or business. Internships and a portfolio of work help; certification is preferred by some employers but not typically required.
For: Strong writers and speakers who like the media, events and explaining an organization to the public.
Route 1: Communications degree + portfolio + internship Typical
Some employers prefer experience from a school newspaper, social media platforms or blogs, or a leadership position in school or the community.
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Start here
High school diploma
BLS
Public Relations Specialists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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About 4 years
Bachelor's in public relations, communications, social science or business
Students may produce a portfolio of work to show employers.
BLS
Public Relations Specialists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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During college
Internship at a PR firm or PR department
BLS
Public Relations Specialists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Goal
Public relations specialist
BLS
Public Relations Specialists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Route 2: Specialist → public relations manager Moving up
Public relations managers need several years of experience in a related occupation such as public relations specialist.
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Start here
Public relations specialist
BLS
Public Relations and Fundraising Managers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Years of work
Several years of PR experience
BLS
Public Relations and Fundraising Managers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Goal
Public relations manager
PR managerBLS
Public Relations and Fundraising Managers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Licenses, registrations and certifications
Each one is marked: a state or federal license is the law, a registration through an employer comes with the job, and a voluntary certification is one employers may ask for.
- Public relations certification
Professional associations · Voluntary - Not typically required to enter the occupation, but preferred by some employers.
BLS
Public Relations Specialists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Where to go next
Every career page in this cluster: entry, license, BLS pay and outlook.
What the job is, BLS pay and job outlook, and how to become one.