Edited By Charlotte Sears
Review & Contribution By Alan Summers
Get prepared for leadership roles in PR firms, corporate sectors, and media relations with a Master’s in Public Relations Online that focuses on advanced strategies in communication, branding, and public affairs.
The public relations domain includes supervising, assessing, and molding public attitudes, understanding the image an individual or institution has in public, and maintaining mutual relations of individuals and organizations with the media. Through the master’s in public relations online, students learn how to concisely write in contemporary media formats, tailoring to different audiences to develop professional management skills. Students also focus on cultivating, studying, and maintaining various professional relationships required to manage information. An online master’s in public relations prepares you for careers in content creation, copywriting space, event planning, investor relations, market research, direct marketing, fundraising, and editorial domains. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the median pay for the occupations of public relations and fundraising managers at $119,860[1] per year.
Table Of Contents
Featured Online Programs
Find the Best Master’s in Public Relations Online Programs
Enrolling in a good graduate education makes a huge difference in the academic orientation and professional roles offered. Students must find a program that provides quality education, quality laboratory facilities, varied concentrations, accreditation, and many more factors that make the degree valuable to employers and academic institutions of higher degrees. FBD teams have evaluated many schools and degrees from across the country. Using our unique ranking system, we have prepared a list of colleges offering the best masters in public relations online degrees:
Univ | Address | Tuition | Grad Rate |
University of Florida | 341 Tigert Hall 300 SW 13th St, Gainesville, Florida 32611 | NA | 78% |
Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page.
What to Expect from a Master’s in Public Relations Online Program
The master’s in public relations online emphasizes problem-solving and critical thinking, proficiency in digital platforms, excellent writing skills, and more abilities that help students establish themselves as successful public relations professionals. It can be available as an on-campus, off-campus, and hybrid program that features a combination of both online and on-campus classes. Generally, the number of credits needed to earn these master’s would vary between 30 to 60 credits. Most colleges require applicants to complete practicum or internships in an organization related to public relations or its related fields. They can finish this degree in two years, and after graduating, students can pursue high-paying roles in public relations and management or a related career. Some individuals also pursue doctoral degrees in public relations after completing the program.
Curriculum and Coursework
The curriculum of the master in public relations degree helps students develop critical thinking and an analytical bend of mind that is necessary to gain advanced positions in this domain. It is designed to enhance the learning of recently graduating and working individuals returning to college for studies.
Those pursuing master’s of public relations online are typically expected to take courses in strategy and crisis management, research, ethics, etc. The research-related courses help students collect and assess data and understand how to build initiatives for brands. Through the ethics course, they understand the professional fallacies of this field. Social media and marketing strategy is a very dynamic and crucial component for students of this program to understand to help them learn the usage of various multimedia resources.
One of the requirements of the degree would be to complete the capstone along with the core coursework; in this, students will research challenges in the field of public relations and use the information from their coursework to address such issues. Some institutions require students to present the challenges in some written format.
Even though different curricula might differ from institution to institution, there are some standard core courses students might find throughout the public relations graduate programs, some of them including:
Public Relations Fundamental
This course includes understanding how to identify and target audiences and devise and deliver messages that are specific and relevant to audiences. It develops deeper knowledge about the needs of the audience and media in general. It also focuses on communication challenges, techniques, and solutions students can use in this domain.
Strategic Writing
This course emphasizes goal-oriented and engaging writing to build and maintain the public images of individuals, organizations, and businesses. They learn how to use words aligned with a business strategy and plan. It also provides easy tools to improve your writing and editing skills drastically.
Media and Storytelling
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of communication writing formats, feature profiles, news releases, and more. It might emphasize publication options, target marketing, and focused interviews. Students might fine-tune their speaking and writing skills to rewrite and analyze their work.
Digital Communications
This course teaches how to apply marketing principles, develop audio and visual content, analyze and gather market data, devise brand voice, and develop writing. Knowledge of tools is provided to communicate messages to reach other individuals or a set audience to share a message.
Public Relations Ethics
This course helps students understand the best practices for working as a professional and delivering ethical public communication. They understand the different ethical decision-making models, ethical theories, and practical applications of these theories. It also enhances the knowledge about challenges in public relations domains.
Some of the other common courses across coursework include:
- Audience Research
- PR Campaigns
- Business and Management
- Crisis Strategies
- Mass Communication Theory
- Media Technology and Communication
- Content Creation
- Strategic Media Relations and Management
- Contemporary Public Relations
- Financial and Strategic Management for Communication Professionals
To understand more about the coursework and requirements of graduate programs, refer to the guide to master’s programs.
Learning Outcomes and Skills Gained
The Public Relations Master’s program engages students in core fundamentals, including storytelling, media relations, media literacy, crisis management, innovative technology, international relations, and business essentials. The coursework helps students achieve particular academic and professional goals and enhances understanding of broadcast, print, online journalism, and media literacy.
The Public Relations field is constantly changing, and with the evolving dissemination of information, an individual will need to meet the demand for an adaptive professional in this field who thinks creatively. Some of the skills that the program helps students develop to adapt to this profession include the ability to:
- develop advanced skills based on the scientific principles in public relations;
- demonstrate an in-depth understanding of different financial and business strategies that work for clients in the public relations industry;
- demonstrate understanding of research, theory, action, evaluation, and strategic planning in the process of public relations;
- demonstrate an understanding of media relations for both broadcast media and traditional print for emerging digital or social media;
- develop an academic curriculum based on effective strategies that work in the domain of public relations;
- showcase effective communication in terms of both oral and written mediums of delivering messages;
- demonstrate efficient, comprehensive, and proficient skills in storytelling;
- demonstrate understanding of inquiry and fundamental processes and concepts of social scientific methods used in advertising, public relations, and media science.
Types of Master’s Degrees Public Relations Students Can Obtain
The Public Relations program helps students cultivate, study, and maintain different academic and professional positions to manage information. There are three types of master’s degrees in Public Relations in the U.S., including Master of Arts, Master of Science in Public Relations, and Master of Business Administration in Public Relations. The online master’s in public relations programs can be accessed on-campus and off-campus and help individuals create, manage, and implement communication strategies.
Master’s of Arts or M.A. in Public Relations
Master of Arts or M.A. in Public Relations ensures that students learn how to create public relations campaigns, use storytelling to build brands, and advance brand activations. It could take 30 to 36 credits to complete the course requirement, providing students the ability to develop strategic, leadership, and interpersonal skills, helping them to pursue any job roles in private and public organizations.
Master’s of Science or M.Sc. in Public Relations
A Master of Science or M.Sc. in Public Relations helps get an overview of contemporary principles in public relations, the role of media in society, and the nature of human communication. Students can complete this degree in two years and learn to write concisely and clearly, tailoring the messages to different audiences and developing professional skills.
Master’s of Business Administration or MBA in Public Relations
This program is not a very common discipline, and the curriculum generally involves subjects integrated from both the master’s of arts and master’s of science degrees. It is suitable for those who want to work right after the program in business administration or different corporate roles.
Areas of Specialization for Public Relations Students
Various public relations specializations can help boost your professional growth and gain expertise in a specific subject area. Some of the concentrations that students pursuing a public relations master’s online can take up include:
Area of Specialization | Description | Career Options |
---|---|---|
Media Relations and Writing | This concentration helps in learning principles to develop stronger relations with different media and publication mediums, building awareness and credibility. Through the topics under this specialization, students can create newsworthy story angles. | Various roles include publicist, social media manager, editor, and communications coordinator. |
Organizational Communication | This concentration helps to execute and develop communication plans supporting an organization’s or company’s objectives and goals. It prepares students for corporate communications, focusing on media relations, advocacy, crisis communications, reputation management, and government affairs. | Various careers in marketing, political communication, journalism, technology, communication, health care administration, and more. |
Broadcasting | This specialization deals with facets of broadcasting like reporting, storytelling, and editing crucial to various television markets. Students also learn about various forms of media and gain an understanding of the history, concepts, and theory of deadline news. It also involves practice-based projects in on-campus and off-campus broadcasting internships. | Various roles in non-profit, ministry-related, mission audience, corporates, and other fields. |
Digital Marketing | This concentration prepares students to employ various marketing analytics to use and visualize data. It enhances their understanding of digital channels in today’s new-age marketing. The specialization also gives fundamental knowledge of the digital marketing landscape, its application, and strategies and tools. | Various roles in social media marketing, advertising, or digital communications. |
Event management | Event management is a dynamic concentration focused on creating and developing large or small-scale corporate or personal events like conferences, ceremonies, weddings, festivals, and more. It enhances understanding of different types of events and interaction with relevant stakeholders. | Various roles as events managers, wedding planners, event venue managers, event social media coordinators, etc. |
Full-Time and Part-Time Public Relations Master’s Programs
The master’s public relations online generally takes an average of two years to complete coursework; this duration can depend on various factors like several credits completed, courses availed, specializations taken up, and more such criteria. Accelerated programs may require only one year to complete the curriculum requirements. When the degree is taken up part-time, it takes more than two years to finish coursework. Students can also complete an online degree faster, as they can take courses at their own pace. Here is a summary of the timeline to finish a master’s in public relations online:
- Full-time students take 18 to 24 months to complete their master’s in public relations.
- Part-timers take two to four years to complete their master’s in public relations.
Accelerated Public Relations Master’s Programs
Earning an accelerated online master’s in public relations is one way that individuals with a time crunch can avail of an advanced degree. Public relations is a fast-moving domain, and the professionals in this field may not have enough time to spare all day to attend graduate school; therefore, these individuals need a program that fits their busy schedules. An accelerated program is also lighter on the pockets and generally slightly taxing, as more credits than the traditional degree are completed in less duration. Ample institutions are providing online master’s in public relations, including Montana State University Billings [2], Stephen F. Austin State University [3], University of Maryland Global Campus [4], and more.
Requirements for Getting into a Master’s in Public Relations Online Program
Each graduate program has specific requirements, like a prerequisite in English or a minimum GPA. For a master’s in public relations, admissions generally require an undergraduate degree in public relations or related fields. However, many institutions also accept individuals from other bachelor streams as long as they meet the minimum GPA. They may be asked to submit a standardized test score, show their work experience, and other requirements. Even though the requirement will depend on the institution, some of the standard admission requirements for a master’s in public relations online include
- Application Fee and form
- Bachelor’s degree transcript
- A minimum GPA of 2.5 or more is typically required
- Standardized test scores like the GRE or GMAT may be asked
- Resume highlighting the work experience (especially if it has been in the field of public relations)
- Unofficial and official transcripts from all previous degrees attended
- Personal statement noting interest in a particular program or institution
- Two to three letters of recommendation are generally required.
No GRE Master’s in Public Relations Online Programs
With the change in landscapes in today’s education, universities generally do not want to make submission of a standardized test mandatory for students. Those enrolling in colleges can apply for the master’s in public relations without a GRE or Graduate Record Examination Exam score. Instead of the GRE, other admission criteria are considered, like years of work experience, personal statement, and so on; therefore, these requirements need to be met efficiently to be considered a successful candidate. Some universities across the U.S. providing master’s in public relations online no GRE include Indiana University Bloomington [5], Boston University [6], and more .
How to Ensure a Master’s in Public Relations Online Program Is Accredited
Non-governmental agencies have evaluated an accredited school or institution through a peer review process and granted accreditation by a legitimate body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The U.S. Department of Education Database[7]is an authorized source of information where students can search for which organization has accredited the program. Some institutions are also accredited through laws prescribed by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation [8].
The Public Relations Society of America[9] accredits graduate programs in public relations. Studying at a PRSA-accredited institute assures a student and their employer of high academic standards and professionalism. Some master’s in public relations online programs also avail regional accreditation from institutions like
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Read the guide to college accreditation to understand more about accreditation.
Where to Find Free Courses for Master’s in Public Relations Online Students
Today, thousands of materials and information are available online; however, we must navigate that ample amount of information to use that provides us with the most legitimate information. Examples of free public relations courses are:
Course | Description | Provided by |
---|---|---|
Integrated Marketing Communications: Advertising, Public Relations, and Digital Marketing[10] | This course teaches students the critical challenges of evaluating and planning marketing communications strategies and executing plans. After completing the course, they can combine different models and theories with practical information to make crucial marketing decisions. | Coursera |
Principles of Public Relations[11] | This course gives learners an overview of public relations theories and principles relevant to this practice. Learners can explore this domain by studying the trends and origins affecting the industry’s future and the challenges of landing a job in public relations. | Class Central |
Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content[12] | This course teaches how to make ideas, products, and behaviors appeal to others. They will also explore the scientific reasons why some things are more popular than others and the various success principles. | Coursera |
Ways to Pay for a Master’s in Public Relations Online Degree
There are many potential ways to reduce the overall cost of education. Many students may be troubled as they are burdened by how to pay for college. There is no one track to an online master’s in public relations who must explore their options and learn how to pay for college. Some of these will include the following:
Scholarships
This type of financial funding can be merit-based, need-based, or sometimes even a combination. Merit-based scholarship can be given to someone who has excelled in academics or athletics. In contrast, a need-based scholarship is given to those with a monetary need and whose families cannot fund their education. Read more about how to find scholarships.
Grants
It is a kind of award tailored to specific needs, and receipients will not be required to pay it back. Most grants are based on need and consider the financial status and background of the student and their family. Some may also be merit-based.
Work-study
The federal work-study program is a part-time employment program that is need-based. The jobs an individual does here include on-campus and off-campus jobs and are generally related to the student’s course of study.
Private Loans
Based on eligibility, students can take out a private loan they commit to and pay it back at a specific time, keeping a good credit score for the future. Individuals can borrow around 100% of their tuition and living expenses using private loans. Such loans are provided by banks, private lenders, credit unions, etc. (Read about donors and grants to help repay the loans.)
Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans
Subsidized loans will not accrue interest when the student is enrolled in the program at least half-time, and there are deferment and grace periods. Borrowers are responsible for the interest accrued during unsubsidized loans, and during those times, they will be asked to repay after graduation or when dropped below half-time enrollment.
FAFSA
FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is a form students fill out to understand their eligibility for various funding like grants, work-study benefits, merit-based scholarships, etc. The eligibility is determined based on personal details, academic background, and family information.
The financial aid guide gives you more details about the funding options.
Scholarships for Master’s in Public Relations Online Degree Students
Scholarships are a form of financial award given to students to further their education. Many schools offer public relations scholarships covering full tuition fees, travel and boarding expenses, and more. These aids are given to meet certain requirements during their education, maintain a minimum grade point average, and engage in activities like contributing to the field of public relations. Some of the online master’s in public relations scholarships students can apply for:
Scholarship | Description | Award/Amount | Application Deadline |
---|---|---|---|
Gary Yoshimura Scholarship[13] | This scholarship is awarded to individuals with an excellent academic record and a minimum of 3.0 GPA. The applicant must pursue a degree from higher education in public relations and demonstrate their financial need. | $2,400 | April 30 |
William B. Ruggles Right to Work Scholarship[14] | The National Institute for Labor Relations Research provides this scholarship to graduate students pursuing a career in Journalism and media-related fields. The applicant demonstrates passion and interest in the field and must potentially complete this degree. | $2,000 | December |
LAGRANT Foundation (TLF) Graduate Scholarships[15] | This scholarship is provided to graduate ethnic minority students attending accredited schools pursuing careers in marketing, public relations, or advertising. It provides awardees with opportunities to build careers through professional development workshops. | $3,750 | February 28 |
Career Opportunities and Salaries After Graduating With a Master’s in Public Relations Online Degree
Organizations generally employ professionals in public relations to fill gaps in media and communication and understand how to handle publicity crises. With more experience, PR professionals have a high industry income. There are many domains in which a PR professional is employed, from government and business to education and health. There are different roles in which graduates can be employed, including:
- Public relations specialists
- Market research analysts
- Public relations manager
- Public relations director
- Nonprofit executive director
- Public relations coordinator
- Public relations professor
Some of the roles that those pursuing an online master’s in public relations can pursue include:
Occupation | Skills Required | Median Annual Salary | Job Growth (up to 2032) | Job Description |
---|---|---|---|---|
Public Relations Specialists[16] | Interpersonal skills, organizational skills, problem-solving skills, writing skills, speaking skills | $62,800 | 8% (faster than average) | Public relations specialists typically include writing press releases and preparing information for the media. They also respond to the requests for information received from the media and help clients communicate efficiently with the public. |
Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers[17] | Analytical skills, communication skills, decision-making skills, interpersonal skills, organization skills, creativity skills | $133,380 | 10% (faster than average) | Such professionals plan campaigns advertising, including which media advertises in, like television, print, online media, radio, and billboards. They also develop pricing strategies for marketing services or products to target customers. |
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners[18] | Communication skills, interpersonal skills, negotiation skills, organizational skills, problem-solving skills | $49,470 | 18% (much faster than average) | These professionals inspect venues to ensure meeting clients’ requirements and coordinate event services like transportation, food, and rooms. They also review event bills and arrange all aspects of professional gatherings and events. |
Fundraisers[19] | Communication skills, detail-oriented, interpersonal skills, organizational skills | $60,660 | 11% (much faster than average) | Fundraisers oversee and plan campaigns and events to ensure that the campaigns are efficient by examining the record and researching potential donors. They also ensure that all legal reporting requirements are satisfied and use online platforms to raise different donations. |
Public Relations and Fundraising Managers[20] | Interpersonal skills, leadership skills, organizational skills, speaking skills, writing skills, problem-solving skills | $119,860 | 8% (faster than average) | These professionals identify audiences and different strategies to reach out to them. They also designate an information source or appropriate spokesperson for making media inquiries and help clients communicate effectively with the general public. |
Market Research Analysts[21] | Analytical skills, detail-oriented, critical-thinking skills, communication skills | $63,920 | 19% (much faster than average) | Market research analysts measure the effectiveness of marketing strategies and programs. They also evaluate and devise methods for collecting data, like questionnaires, surveys, and other opinion polls. They also gather data on competitors, market conditions, and consumers. |
Certifications and Licensing for Master’s in Public Relations Online Graduates
Professional certification is a process that individuals use to showcase their experiences, skills, and knowledge to perform a specific task and job in which they have been trained. The certificate earned shows employers that an individual has the necessary abilities to uphold the prescribed standards for the public relations industry. Some of the certifications that those pursuing public relations master’s degrees online can take up include:
Advancing Your Communication Strategy in DE&I Certificate Program[22]
This certification is designed to build effective outreach and programming and evaluate the program’s outcomes. It will also help to understand how to ask for inputs efficiently and give feedback to better shape planning in public relations.
Communication Professional Certifications[23]
This certification is aimed at providing a generalist and specialist level of communication and professional expertise in public relations. It helps elevate careers and provides a structure to keep skills relevant and applicable to the domain.
Certified Fund Raising Executive program[24]
This certification is voluntary and is awarded to those who demonstrate a level of professional competency to prospective employers. To gain this certification, they must meet specific professional practice, educational criteria, and professional performance requirements.
Graduates can also consider Accreditation in Public Relations[25], which professionals in public relations take up to signify their high professional competence and experience. Someone who wants to practice as a licensed professional need not obtain licensure to be a public relations practitioner. However, someone who wants to open a PR firm must obtain a business license according to your state regulations. There are no uniform requirements for licensing to start a PR organization; however, most such owners can create a licensed business after gaining experience working in a firm.
Additional Resources for Master’s in Public Relations Online Graduates
Many online resources are available for individuals today; however, graduates must navigate what material, conferences, information, etc., is beneficial and what is not. To find credible resources, they should join organizations that offer credible data. Some of the resources from which individuals pursuing a master’s degree in public relations online can benefit include:
Title/Resource | Description |
---|---|
Public Relations Society of America[26] | The PRSA provides innovative professional development programs and leading resources to enhance members’ knowledge at different stages of their careers. They foster a community of advisors and mentors through special events and networking opportunities that enhance members’ experiences. |
International Association of Business Communicators[27] | This organization has members from various communication disciplines, including public relations, employee communication, public affairs, graphic design, media relations, and more. They provide many resources, networking, and learning opportunities to move careers forward. |
Global Alliance for Public Relations[28] | This organization shares knowledge and resources for the benefit of all members. It comes out as a global voice for public relations in the interest of the public. They collaborate on projects of a cooperative nature and provide networking opportunities with an outstanding association of professionals in the domain. |
Association for Women in Communications[29] | This organization offers community-like support for all women professionals who are actively involved as members and offers opportunities for both personal and professional growth. They offer job opportunities, national conferences, leadership opportunities, and writing exposure. |
Institute for Public Relations[30] | This organization is dedicated to actively sharing its knowledge by publishing and promoting its research. They also offer resources in the form of strategic communications and research conferences, public relations leadership forums, global research symposiums, and many other opportunities. |
FAQs About Master’s in Public Relations Online Programs
Why should you do a master’s in public relations degree online?
An online master’s degree in public relations can help elevate your career and bring in high-paying career opportunities at the flexibility of your home. It is worth the time and effort as it is accredited and meets the same education standards as a traditional degree. You complete coursework in an asynchronous or synchronous learning format, depending on what you have opted for.
Is there a demand for public relations professionals?
Is a master’s in public relations worth it?
Is it safe to opt for an online master’s in public relations?
What can be done with a master’s in public relations online degree?
Do you need to complete a thesis in my master’s program?
Citations:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlooks for Public Relations Specialists
Montana State University Billings, Stephen F. Austin State University, University of Maryland Global Campus
Stephen F. Austin State University
University of Maryland Global Campus
Indiana University Bloomington
U.S. Department of Education Database
Council for Higher Education Accreditation
Public Relations Society of America
Coursera–Integrated Marketing Communications: Advertising, Public Relations, and Digital Marketing
Class Central-Principles of Public Relations
Coursera-Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content
William B. Ruggles Right to Work Scholarship
LAGRANT Foundation (TLF) Graduate Scholarships
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlooks for Public Relations Specialists
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlooks for Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlooks for Fundraisers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlooks for Public Relations and Fundraising Managers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlooks for Market Research Analysts
Advancing Your Communication Strategy in DE&I Certificate Program
Communication Professional Certifications
Certified Fund Raising Executive program
Accreditation in Public Relations
Public Relations Society of America
International Association of Business Communicators
Global Alliance for Public Relations