Best Master's Degree Programs in Public Relations

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*Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

Public relations (PR) master's programs generally accept applications from students from a variety of educational backgrounds. You usually do not need to study public relations at the undergraduate level to attend a graduate program in this field. Although students may come from any background, degrees in fields such as communications, marketing, PR, or business may prove helpful for laying the educational groundwork. Social science degrees such as sociology or psychology may also be beneficial as they help students understand human nature and interpersonal and group behaviors.

Students applying to master's programs in public relations will need to meet several admissions requirements before their applications are considered. Typically, universities ask students to submit official academic transcripts from all prior institutions attended. This includes universities where a degree was earned as well as colleges or universities where students earned credits but did not confer a degree. Some other requirements for students applying to master's programs in public relations may include:

• Non-refundable application fee
• Resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
• Between 1-3 letters of recommendation from supervisors and/or current or former professors
• Personal essay or statement of purpose

Depending on the university, standardized test scores such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) may or may not be optional.

Public relations is an exciting field that involves creative thinking and the art of persuasion. It also requires strong interpersonal and organizational skills and the ability to think outside of the box. Students interested in pursuing a degree in public relations will need to be quick on their feet and be able to turn negatives into positives. Individuals with a passion for advertising, brand creation and management, and strategic communications would likely enjoy and excel in a career in public relations.

When choosing a degree program in public relations, students face several important choices. In general, students should make sure any university they are considering is accredited. Accreditation means that the school adheres to standards of excellence. Additionally, many scholarship and financial aid programs require attendance at a regionally or nationally accredited university.

Another important consideration is the location of the university. Universities tend to charge in-state students significantly less than students who are classified as out-of-state. For those wishing to reduce their student debt and/or educational costs, selecting a program in their home state may be preferable.

Students pursuing a master's degree in public relations will take a variety of courses that touch on different fields. Public relations combines the study and use of communications, writing, advertising, and marketing, so classes will give students a well-rounded look at how the field functions. Master's degrees in public relations generally do not require students to have any knowledge of the field. Because of this, the basics will be taught in addition to a deeper study of an area or areas of interest through the selection of electives.

Public Relations Foundational Courses

Students undertaking a master's degree in public relations will complete a series of foundational courses designed to lay the groundwork of knowledge in the field. These classes typically teach technical skills such as writing and research and introduce legal frameworks for public relations. Some courses students may be required to take include:

• Public relations ethics
• Research in public relations
• Brand and multimedia storytelling
• Writing for public relations
• Practicum, thesis, or capstone

Depending on the program, students may complete a traditional thesis or final capstone project. A thesis generally entails the planning and execution of research which culminates in a written paper. Capstone projects may take the form of a portfolio, ad campaign, or other creative work to demonstrate mastery of major topics.

Public Relations Specialist and Elective Courses

After completing foundational courses in public relations, master's students may have the opportunity to select a number of electives. These electives can be chosen based on a student's area or areas of interest. Students may wish to pick courses around the same topic in order to "specialize." Or, they might prefer to study a variety of topics to widen their expertise. Elective classes vary by university but may include topics such as:

• Crisis management
• Corporate communications and affairs
• Professional presentations

Licensure and Certification in Public Relations

Public relations professionals do not require any special licensure. However, they may wish to become certified in a specialized area. Certification demonstrates experience and knowledge in the field and could lead to better job prospects or salary increases. For example, the Global Communication Certification Council (GCCC) offers the following certifications:

• Strategic Communication Management Professional (SCMP): applicants need 11 years of experience, 20 hours of training, and a letter of recommendation.
• Communication Management Professional (CMP): applicants may present a combination of experience, training, and/or education. Experience ranges between 6-8 years.

Additionally, the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) offers the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR).

A practicum component may be included in the course of study for some students enrolled in a master's in public relations degree. This entails engaging in work experience in the local area. The work may be paid or unpaid, but students receiving university credit are usually not compensated. Practicum hours teach students valuable real-world skills and allow mentoring opportunities by established professionals. Students might also find meaningful opportunities for networking which could enhance career prospects after graduation.

Students studying a master's in public relations may also opt to undertake optional internships. Internships may not be required by programs, but for those who do not have mandatory practicum hours, they can gain valuable experience to also add to their resume.

After completing a master's in public relations, students may wonder what, if any, doctoral options are available to them. Students interested in pursuing higher-level education in the field might choose to apply to Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs. Ph.D. programs tend to last between four and six years but may take longer depending on student research areas or enrollment status. At the Ph.D. level, the study of public relations (PR) tends to fall under strategic communication, which encompasses PR, communications, advertising, and media studies.

Students who graduate with a master's degree in public relations will find that there are many options available to them in a variety of fields. Public relations professionals are found in both private and public entities across government, technology, business, law, politics, and colleges and universities. Some of the job titles taken by graduates in this field include:

• Public relations manager
• Brand manager
• Public relations coordinator
• Account executive
• Public relations specialist
• Public relations director
• Corporate Communications Executive

Graduates may pursue work in the media or with multinational companies, or they might choose to work as consultants. Freelance public relations professionals can work with a variety of organizations to solve problems and provide solutions for issues as they arise.

Job Outlook for a Master's in Public Relations

As the world becomes more connected through the press and social media, public relations graduates will find many jobs available to them in the field. Public opinion is easily shaped and influenced and can change quickly. With social media, people can share opinions, both negative and positive, in real-time and can reach hundreds of thousands of people in seconds. Public relations professionals are needed to help mitigate negative responses and push their company's best branding.

The BLS estimates that the job outlook for both public relations specialists and managers will grow between 2019-2029. The following changes are expected during that time period:

• Public relations specialists: growth of 7%, which will add 19,700 jobs
• Public relations managers: growth of 9% , which will add 8,100 jobs

In terms of salary, future graduates will enjoy high-paying public relations jobs especially in upper-management.

How to Become a Public Relations Specialist

Public relations specialists work within organizations to promote a positive company image to the public, media, and stakeholders. A public relations specialist's job duties may include developing social media campaigns, crafting press releases, or creating content for a company's website or newsletter. PR specialists could be tasked with interacting with the public via social media to answer questions or address concerns with products or services. They might also conduct public opinion research in order to shape branding or image.

Students interested in becoming a public relations specialist typically need at least a bachelor's degree. A master's degree in public relations can help students gain more in-depth knowledge as well as acquire technical skills. Internships in public relations could help students get their foot in the door and enhance their networking abilities.

According to data collected by the BLS in May 2020, public relations specialists earned an annual median salary of $62,810. The highest 10% of workers in this field earned more than $118,210.

How to Become a Public Relations Manager

Public relations managers typically oversee staff and guide the creation of a company's public-facing image. They work with executives and other public relations staff to understand the overarching vision and determine how to best deliver it. Managers in this field supervise lower-level staff and approve written press releases and other content before it is made public. They may also work with legal staff in the event of scandals or other negative events that affect the company.

Students interested in starting a career in public relations management will need a minimum of a bachelor's in public relations or a related field. However, some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree. Many managerial roles in public relations will require significant work and professional experience.

Per BLS statistics collected in May 2020, public relations managers earn a median wage of $118,430 a year. The highest 10% of earners make over $208,000 yearly.

Financial aid, grants, and scholarships are three of the ways students studying a master's in public relations can partially or fully fund their education. U.S. federal financial aid is one of the most popular options for students due to its accessibility and flexibility. To apply for student loans through the U.S. government, interested applicants must first fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

If students do not want to pay back money used for their degree, they may wish to seek out grants. Grants are awarded to students experiencing significant financial difficulties and/or those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Grants can come from public or private entities.

Scholarships are another type of "no strings attached" funding that students are not obligated to repay. The LAGRANT Foundation awards $3,750 annually to 20 graduate students pursuing degrees in public relations. Applications are open to members of ethnic minority groups attending an accredited university in the U.S. In addition to the scholarship money, students also have the chance to attend a three-day career-building workshop in New York, NY, where they can network with industry professionals.