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Public relations (PR) is all about creating a favorable image for clients, whether that means crafting a political campaign for a politician or helping a new business find customers. A master's degree in public relations can give you the skills necessary for leadership and management roles in this popular field.
Our guide to master's in public relations programs gives you an overview of career and salary data, common courses in public relations, and info on how to become a public relations manager.
Featured Online Master's in Public Relations Programs
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#1 Best Master’s in Public Relations Degrees
Georgetown University
- Washington, DC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Georgetown University offers 97 master's programs, including a master's in public relations and corporate communications. The program fosters advanced knowledge and skills, helping students increase their career opportunities. Candidates benefit from flexible scheduling options, which make it easier to work while enrolled in graduate school.
Enrollees take challenging courses that strengthen theoretical and practical public relations knowledge. Students often complete internships and other experiential learning opportunities to develop career-specific skills. Learners choose concentrations and electives to build specialized abilities in a certain area of public relations.
Georgetown University at a Glance:
Location: District of Columbia
School Type: Private
Admission Rate: 17%
Graduate Tuition In State: $53,136
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $53,136
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 54%
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#2 Best Master’s in Public Relations Degrees
Florida State University
- Tallahassee, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Learners can earn their master of arts in public relations from Florida State University, which offers 106 master's programs. The program encourages career growth through its experiential learning components. The online enrollment option adds flexibility for learners who work full time.
The curriculum builds comprehensive knowledge, highlighting theoretical and practical approaches to public relations. Internships and other hands-on learning opportunities allow students to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting. Candidates may also be able to choose a concentration, building specialized skills in a niche area of public relations.
Florida State University at a Glance:
Location: Tallahassee, Florida
School Type: Public
Admission Rate: 32%
Graduate Tuition In State: $9,684
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $24,116
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 96%
Average Amount Aid Awarded: $9,451
Average Price After Aid: $12,815
Percent Online Enrollment
97%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Best Master’s in Public Relations Degrees
Emerson College
- Boston, MA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Emerson College offers 16 master's programs, including a master's in public relations. The program builds advanced knowledge and skills, helping students increase their career opportunities. Flexible enrollment options, including online classes, help busy learners balance coursework with their other responsibilities.
The rigorous curriculum emphasizes theoretical and practical approaches to public relations. Students apply their training during internships and other hands-on learning opportunities, which strengthen career-focused skills. Electives and concentrations allow learners to individualize the program based on their professional goals.
Emerson College at a Glance:
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
School Type: Private
Admission Rate: 41%
Graduate Tuition In State: $31,104
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $31,104
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 81%
Percent Online Enrollment
44%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#4 Best Master’s in Public Relations Degrees
Quinnipiac University
- Hamden, CT
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The master's in public relations program at Quinnipiac University stands out for its academic rigor and flexibility. Students advance their training and increase their career opportunities during the program. Flexible enrollment options often appeal to busy learners balancing school with work or other responsibilities.
Degree-seekers take challenging courses that strengthen their theoretical and practical public relations knowledge. Students prepare for the workforce through internships and other hands-on learning opportunities. Learners can specialize their public relations education by choosing electives and concentrations.
Quinnipiac University at a Glance:
Location: Hamden, Connecticut
School Type: Private
Admission Rate: 82%
Graduate Tuition In State: $19,350
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $19,350
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 99%
Percent Online Enrollment
74%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#5 Best Master’s in Public Relations Degrees
Trinity Washington University
- Washington, DC
- 4 years
- Campus
Trinity Washington University offers a master's in strategic communication and public relations that helps graduates advance their career. From its campus in Washington, DC, the private institution offers several enrollment options, including an online learning format designed for working professionals. Enrollees complete a challenging, graduate-level curriculum that builds an advanced understanding of public relations.
Whether enrolled online or on campus, master's candidates can access a generous selection of resources and support services. For example, career counselors host mock interviews to prepare graduates for the workforce. Master's degree-seekers can also take advantage of networking and training events organized by the university.
Trinity Washington University at a Glance:
Total Master's Programs: 19
Admission Rate: 96%
Graduation Rate: 46%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11-to-1
Graduate Tuition In State: $14,580
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $14,580
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $37,400
Percent Online Enrollment
98%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Why Get a Master's in Public Relations?
A master's degree in public relations can teach you new skills, bring you new job opportunities, and help you earn a higher salary. This degree can prepare you for management and leadership opportunities in the public relations field.
A master's in public relations degree also helps you meet other PR professionals, giving you a wide variety of networking opportunities with both classmates and professors.
How Much Does a Master's in Public Relations Cost?
How much you pay for a master's degree in public relations can vary according to factors like program length, location, and whether a school is public or private. The National Center for Education Statistics reports that grad students paid an average tuition of $19,749 for the 2020-2021 school year.
In general, private colleges charge more than public colleges. In 2020-2021, public schools charged an average tuition rate of $12,394, while private colleges charged $26,621.
How Much Do Public Relations Majors Make?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that public relations specialists earned an annual median salary of $62,800 in 2021. However, earning a master's degree in public relations can help you move into management positions with higher salary potential. According to the BLS, public relations managers earned an annual median salary of $119,860 in 2021.
What Courses Are Required for a Master's in Public Relations?
Master's in public relations programs prepare students to act as their employer's representative. Degree seekers learn how to create relationships between a company and the public. Students take classes in public relations theory and management. They also complete a final-term capstone.
Many top public relations master's degrees require the three core classes below. Please note that curriculum requirements, class topics, and graduate outcomes vary by school. Students should contact their prospective schools for details.
Public Relations Theory and Management
This introductory class emphasizes the different theories and practices of public relations. Assignments cover persuasion, media, and professional ethics to prepare students to create relationships with the public and act as crisis communicators. In this class, you'll learn how to apply management best practices in the workplace.
Public Relations Research
Public relations specialists and managers research their field's latest trends. This course covers topics like research methodologies and data gathering, and coursework may include performing original research and writing essays. You'll use your knowledge to create presentations, work as a consultant, and give recommendations to senior managers.
Capstone
A capstone class requires you to complete a semester-long project, such as writing a thesis on public relations or completing an internship. Throughout the semester, you'll write about your experience and critique your work. After graduating, you may be able to use your capstone project as part of a job application portfolio.
How to Become a Public Relations Manager
PR managers need at least a bachelor's degree, preferably in public relations, and five years of experience as a public relations specialist. Some employers require a master's in public relations, communications, or business.
Public relations managers spend much of their day helping their employer or client create a positive public image. They write press releases, create promotional campaigns, and direct public relations specialists' work. PR managers may also write grant applications and meet with potential donors to help with fundraising.
Frequently Asked Questions About Master's in Public Relations
How long is a master's in public relations?
Full-time master's in public relations programs typically take about two years to complete. However, some accelerated programs may let you finish in as little as one year. On the other hand, part-time programs may give you five years or more to complete your studies while you work or juggle other responsibilities.
How much do you make with a master's in public relations?
You can expect to earn anywhere from $62,800-$$119,860 with a master's in public relations, according to the BLS. Management positions offer higher salaries, but these roles usually require more professional experience. Location, experience, and industry of employment can all affect your salary level.
Is public relations in demand?
The BLS projects jobs for public relations specialists and public relations managers to grow 8% from 2021-2031, which is faster than the national average. Social media and other forms of online advertising should continue fueling job growth in public relations.
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