Biola University’s new online Public Relations and Reputation Management degree programs will launch in Fall 2020. The two new degree programs — a Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Arts degree — can be achieved together in four years.

“Public relations is a dynamic and fast-growing industry. I'm so excited that these new programs open up the opportunity for a greater impact,” said Carolyn Kim, public relations professor and director of Biola’s public relations programs, Carolyn Kim. “Students from around the globe are going to be able to join our program. I'm particularly excited for the 3+1 one program that is designed to help students complete their graduate and undergraduate work in as little as four years.”

When applying for the bachelor’s degree, students can apply to be part of a “3+1” program, which allows students to finish both their undergraduate and graduate degrees in as little as four years by waiving units in the graduate program based on competencies met in the first three years of the “3+1” program.

The master’s degree in public relations and reputation management is an online, 33-unit program designed to help students excel as leaders in a rapidly growing and increasingly complex industry. With four concentrations — leadership, media ethics, strategic communication and digital management — the program can be completed in as little as 12 months.

The bachelor’s degree in public relations and reputation management is an online, 50-unit program. Students in this program will be equipped to provide ethical counsel, innovative strategies, and creative communication approaches for organizations as they navigate relationships with stakeholders.

“I believe public relations is a shaping force in culture and society. It is a sacred calling. I love to champion and mentor students as they pursue a degree in this important discipline,” said Kim.

In addition to the two new online programs in public relations and reputation management, there will also be three, 9-unit professional certificates launching online in Fall 2020. Public relations certificates will be offered in strategic communication, social media, and leadership and ethics. Courses will be taken from the master’s program directly. They allow people who enjoyed the certificate to apply those credits toward the master’s degree.

“The new programs bring a flexibility that allows students from a variety of places to be part of our learning community — and it also allows us to continue with some of the key values that makes PR education at Biola stand out,” said Kim. “Some of the hallmarks that we're known for, which will be infused into these new programs include our high engagement with students, our focus on developing leaders who can influence movements, and our dedication to integrating faith and calling in all of our courses.”

Like every undergraduate degree offered at Biola, the new program includes 30 credits of Bible and theology courses. This integration of faith centers the entire program on a Christian worldview, and allows students to earn a minor in biblical studies with their bachelor’s degree in public relations and reputation management.

Students can apply now to start either program or the certificate programs in Fall 2020. Please direct questions about admission requirements to Admissions at graduate.admissions@biola.edu.

Written by Jenna Loumagne, assistant director of media relations and strategic communications. For more information, contact Jenna at (562) 777-4061 or jenna.loumagne@biola.edu.