Become the face of a company. Run a political campaign. Show your social media smarts.
Earn a Master’s in Public Relations!
These days, everyone needs someone running the show from behind the scenes. Whether it’s managing a political crisis or just keeping up with the day-to-day communications, working in Public Relations is a fast-paced, high-reward job.
If you’re a confident communicator and know how to think quick on your feet, then you fit the bill for a Master’s in Public Relations. Read on to learn about some of the best programs in the country.
What kind of Master’s in Public Relations degree should you get?
Obviously, no graduate program is alike. Especially when it comes to public relations, each school has a different flair to their curriculum.
Before we get into differences, though, here’s what you can expect to be the same across the board: 1) a solid foundation in communication (both written and digital) and content building, 2) core classes in public relations theory and research, 3) elective options to specialize.
A number of schools separate their concentration areas into different types of PR jobs.
Basically, it boils down to knowing your career goals and finding a program that meets them. So as you research these schools, make sure to carefully examine curriculums, concentration options, and program requirements.
Depending on your needs, you may also want to consider an online degree. They are an affordable and flexible way to advance your career in PR. Be sure to check out College Choice’s Best Online Master’s in Public Relations.
Accredited Online College Programs
Explore our featured online programs and find the right match for you today.
How much money do people make with a Master’s in Public Relations degree?
Depending on how you want to fashion your career, you can earn anywhere between $58,000 and $107,000 a year. Either way, you’ll live a comfortable life on your salary.
On the low end of things, people working as a public relations specialist in advertising tend to make around $59,000 per year. But on the high end, fundraising managers can make up to $133,000 annually.
Obviously it all depends on what area you want to pursue. Either way, you can look forward to making bank.
Even more, the demand for people with an advanced degree in public relations is on the rise. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, those positions are expected to increase by 9 percent over the next ten years.
What can you do with Master’s in Public Relations degree?
You can use a Master’s in Public Relations degree almost anywhere. It’s not just businesses that need to keep up with their images.
You could work on a political campaign at a local or even national level. You could join the PR team at a college or university. You could jump into a nonprofit that inspires you and become their fundraiser.
When it comes down to it, everyone needs a good PR person! Wherever you work, just get ready to learn the ins-and-outs of the company or college or campaign.
Because you will be the first line of defense when there are questions or concerns. You’ll be both a promoter and a protector. A cheerleader and a consultant.
If that sounds like a lot to take on, don’t worry! The 15 programs below will more than prepare you for a career in public relations that will be rewarding and challenging in the best sense!
What are the requirements for a Master’s in Public Relations degree?
Many of these programs differ in the amount of time it takes to complete them. For some schools, you’ll be finished in as little as eight months; for others, you’ll go through a two-year program. Neither are necessarily better. It just depends on what kinds of learning outcomes you’re looking for. Most programs will require 30-45 credit hours in total.
While some of the master’s programs are offered through nationally-renowned research universities, others are housed within small liberal arts colleges. A few of the programs offer a hybrid format with some online courses and some on-campus learning. Again, it’s all about what works best for you.
What are the best Master’s in Public Relations degrees?
You’re about to discover the 15 best Master’s in Public Relations degrees in the country.
To come up with these elite, competitive programs we first narrowed down all of the graduate programs in the nation that specialized in public relations. Then we factored in reputation, tuition rates, and retention. Finally, we considered average graduate salaries to determine the return on investment.
Our methodology draws from our College Choice data experts and the excellent resources at US News & World Report and Payscale.com.
Rankings
See our rankings methodology page.
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Overview
Smack-dab in the middle of our nations capital, Georgetown University kicks off our list for having the best masters in public relations degree in the nation. Beyond its excellent academic standings, this private research university is known for its high percentage of student involvement and activism.
Program Features
Georgetown University is the place to be if youre serious about Public Relations. This degreea Masters in Public Relations Corporate Communicationsis designed as a hybrid format that gets you connected with Washington D.C. network from the get-go. Over the course of 30 credits, youll take classes like:
Communications Research Digital Crisis Management Media Relations Employee Engagement and Internal Communications
Notables
Were not the only ones taking note of the PR program at Georgetown University. PRWeek named the masters program the Program of the Year for three years in a row! They praised Georgetowns ever-expanding curriculum, the innovative facilities, and the strong industry connections.
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University of Southern California
Overview
Located in a culture and entrepreneurship hub, the University of Southern California has graduated thousands of business leaders and innovative thinkers. This LA-based research university is home to Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, which was ranked #1 in the nation byUSA Todayin 2014.
Program Features
USC offers an M.A. in Strategic Public Relations that most students complete in about 16 to 20 months. Youll spend the first half of the program solidifying your writing and analytical skills. Then youll hone your skills to a particular area of PR, whether thats entertainment, politics, sports, or something else. Here are some classes youll take:
Multimedia Content Creation for Strategic Public Relations Writing for Strategic Public Relations Legal, Ethical, and Social Foundations Public Relations Research, Evaluation, and Insight
Notables
This program makes it possible for you to become an expert in your field. It offers three Skills Specialization areas: 1) Computational Public Relations, 2) Digital, Interactive and Converged Communication, and 3) Corporate and Business Communication.
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Overview
A cultural touchstone for higher education, New York University (or NYU) is based in Manhattan, but has locations all over the world. This private university was founded in 1831. Its student body exceeds 50,500 students in total.
Program Features
The M.S. in Public Relations and Corporate Communication at NYU takes the form of two specialty concentrations: Corporate and Organizational Communication or Public Relations Management. Both concentrations require a total of 42 credit hours. Youll have the choice to complete an internship, too. Some highlight courses include:
Public Affairs: Public Opinion and Issues Management Crisis Communication Investor Relations Public Relations Consulting
Notables
Students enjoy the amazing network of connections that they find at New York University. Graduates have landed positions in a wide range of areas including Amnesty International, Bloomingdales, The New York Knicks, Johnson Johnson, and more.
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Overview
Boston University (BU) is a powerhouse institution with a global reach. Though its main campus remains in Massachusetts capital city, BU has branches in London, Paris, and Sydney. Founded in 1947, the College of Communication is the oldest public relations school in the United States.
Program Features
The Boston University College of Communication offers a M.S. in Public Relations. This program lasts just three semesters, but is jam-packed with opportunities to prepare you for a career. The curriculum sequence is balanced between core requirements and electives like:
Political Campaigning Managing Corporate Crises and Issues Global Marketing Communication Advanced Writing for Media Professionals
Notables
This program includes a ton of curriculum add-ons that enhance your stay at BU. For example, the London Internship Program lets you hop across the pond for a 12-week study of global marketing communication. Or the PRLab is a student-run PR agency where youll get hands on experience.
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George Washington University
Overview
As the name implies, George Washington University (GWU) was founded on behalf of our nations first president. GWU commonly ranks within the top 10 in lists like Best in the Northeast and Most Politically Active according to thePrinceton Review.
Program Features
The Strategic Public Relations masters program at George Washington University is designed for working professionals. Therefore, youll find classes that are offered both online and on-campus, and a class schedule that only goes from Monday to Thursday. Youll find engaging electives such as:
Integrated Marketing Communications Nonprofit and Association Communications Strategies Public Opinion and Political Socialization Multicultural Marketing
Notables
This degree is housed in the Graduate School of Political Management, and encourages a global approach in its curriculum. Youll get a chance to participate in a Global Perspective Residency program, which sends you to places like Germany, South Africa, Brazil, and beyond for political engagement and public relations.
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University of Georgia in Athens
Overview
The flagship university in the wider state system, the University of Georgia (UGA) is a Public Ivy institution that is located in Athens, Georgia. The school upholds a strong academic reputation, ranking 54th in the U.S. among other national universities. UGA is also home to the Peabody Awards, one of the top honors for excellence in media.
Program Features
The Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication brings together a number of M.A. concentration options, one of with is in Public Relations. Related options include Advertising, Mass Media Studies, and Emerging Media. The PR-specific classes include:
Public Relations Theory Public Relations Campaigns Public Opinion Research Methodology in Mass Communication
Notables
The Grady College of Journalism has a wide range of centers and organizations to get you involved in content-building and networking right away. The Center for International Mass Communication Training and Research and the Georgia Scholastic Press Association are two such facilities.
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Overview
Syracuse University is a private research institution in New York that educates nearly 22,500 students each year. It maintains the Carnegie designation of producing the highest level of research activity. The Newhouse School of Public Communications hosts a close-knit cohort of graduate students, which totals around 250 students across disciplines.
Program Features
The masters program in Public Relations at Syracuse University is a 13-month degree that requires 36 credits to complete. It prepares you to either work as a public relations consultant or a doctoral candidate to teach or research (this involves a thesis track). Your classes will cover:
Media Law Public Relations Theory Writing for News Public Relations Visual Communications Theory Practice
Notables
The Newhouse School has enjoyed accolades across the board for its excellence in public relations education. Last year, it won the PRWeek Award for Outstanding Education Program, and in 2016, it won the PR Education Program of the Year.
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Overview
Known as the oldest private university in the Rocky Mountains, the University of Denver (DU) was founded in 1864. It is a small but mighty school, and over half of its student body are graduate students. This year, DU ranked within the top 100 national universities (#87).
Program Features
Flexible and accessible, the Masters in Public Relations at the University of Denver is a catch. Youll take a total of twelve classes in this program. The terms last ten weeks, and you can take them either online or on-campuswhatever fits your schedule! Youll choose from popular electives like:
Branding and Marketing Positioning Integrating Social Media Persuasion Methods and Techniques Writing Digital Content
Notables
This degree is offered through the University College of Professional and Continuing Studies. The entire academic program is catered toward working adults. This means classes are offered in a variety of formats (online, evenings, flex-scheduling), and accelerated options give you the chance to graduate in just 18 months.
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Overview
The University of Miami is a private institution with a beachside view of the Atlantic Ocean. The campus is situated on the southern tip of Florida, in Coral Gables. In its 2018 rankings,U.S. News World Reportlisted the University of Miami as the 44th Best National University.
Program Features
Youll take on an M.A. in Public Relations at the University of Miami. This program is divided into thesis and non-thesis tracks and require 30-36 credits. Youll be able to carve a speciality out of five chosen electives. A sampling of some coursework includes:
Sports, Publicity Promotions Media Relations International Public Relations Nonprofit and Public Information Campaigns
Notables
The University of Miami is one of the more costly programs on our list. However, you can offset these costs with a variety of scholarships that are specific to the School of Communication. There are close to thirty different scholarships awarded to students.
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University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa
Overview
The oldest and largest public university in the state, the University of Alabama is based in Tuscaloosa. The College of Communication and Information Sciences (which houses the Advertising and Public Relations degree) is home to around 2,700 students.
Program Features
This M.A. in Advertising and Public Relations gives you options. You can go with Plan I, which is a two-year program that is research-based. Or you can set off on Plan II, which is a one-year professional program. Despite the differences youll find an overlap in your coursework:
Public Relations Communications Theory Advertising and Public Relations Management Advertising Media Communication Campaign Workshop
Notables
The final two classes in this curriculum are the Communications Campaign Workshop I and II. Youll get the chance to research and design a strategic advertising and PR campaign for an organization of your choice. This is a great way to synthesize your learnings and prepare a portfolio for future employers.
