1. I agree that it’s apple to oranges, but too many PR folks try to make APR seem as valuable as something like an MBA by the way it’s talked about in terms of what you and the profession get out of it. I believe it’s value is overstated a lot of the time. Doesn’t mean it isn’t a worthwhile venture for any particular individual. Heck, I may go through the process some day. I just hope we’re assigning an appropriate value to it.

2. You’re right. The APR is a test and interview versus a two-year, intensive program. That’s why I added the second poll question. Technically, anyone could think that the MBA is more valuable than the APR, but also think the APR provides more ROI given how much time, effort and dollars one needs to invest to get an MBA. I think it’s been interesting to see that, despite that, people still think the MBA provides the most ROI.

Thanks for the compliment. I’m really glad you took the time to weigh in. It’s appreciated!

1. I have heard many accredited PR pros liken it to getting an MBA in terms of the professional value received after obtaining. Of course, many accredited PR folks would never say that, but some do. And others – while not saying it directly – act like it.

2. I work often with college juniors and seniors and, if I had to guess, probably 1 in every 10 or so asks about post-grad education options like ” do you think I should get my master’s in communications or and MBA.” Many times, APR comes up in conversation. I know what I think about all three of those options, but was interested in what others think about them, particularly MBA and APR.

I completely agree with you. I don’t diss accredited pros. There is great learning to be had while preparing for the test. But my point is that it doesn’t have the value – certainly not in the business world, but also not even in our own profession – that an MBA has.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

I see the MBA or MA as an almost completely professional goal. For me, when I go back to school for an advanced degree, it will be because of career goals, not just because I’ve got loads of extra time.

You can’t compare an exam and interview (APR) with a program that will take two years and a lot of personal time (MBA). It’s apples to oranges.

I hope to achieve both the APR and my masters, but one will be for personal accomplishment, and the other for professional advancement. Interesting conversation though!

But, if someone tomorrow said I could trade my MBA for the APR, there is no way I would take that offer. I value my MBA too much: It gave me a good understanding of the major functional areas in business (finance, marketing, strategy, etc.) and gives me the tools to at least talk intelligently with people in those areas. It also gave me a broad, strategic view of business that I’m not sure you get if PR is your only perspective.

Having said all that, though, I think things like drive, intelligence, creativity and good people skills are probably more important than any credential for success in public relations or any other field.

For those reasons, I also think it returns more value despite its higher costs and the longer time necessary to obtain it.