45 Best Online Public Relations Master’s

Public Relations professionals know how to make their mark. After all, the whole point of PR is to sway public opinion.

Public Relations is a broad field. It includes other topics. These include Strategic Communications, Integrated Marketing, and more. It is one of the most popular online master’s degree programs on the market.

Featured Programs

So what should you look for when trying to find the best public relations programs?

Look for a degree with regional accreditation. Common organizations that offer regional accreditation for master’s in public relations degrees include:

• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

Most programs have 30-36 credit hours. The coursework covers theory and research, as well as communication and content building.

You’ll often find specializations in:

• integrated communications
•  social media
• and other communication-driven areas

And other fields. You’ll take courses in the following topics:

• Public relations basics
• Reputation management
• Communications strategies
• Media relations
• Crisis management
• Market research
• Finance basics for fundraising managers
• Mass communication for public relations specialists
• Social media marketing
• Capstone experience in public relations or related field

Aspiring public relations graduates students often need to have a bachelor’s degree. This should be in a related field. Samples include:

• a bachelor’s degree in mass communication
• a bachelor’s degree in media relations
• an online public relations degree at the undergraduate level

Many graduate programs offer financial aid. Others offer minimal technology fees. Earning an online public relations degree is more affordable than you think!

Public relations professionals, after completing graduate programs in public relations, are prepared to work in all kinds of fields. A master’s in public relations can prepare you for work in:

• reputation management
• public relations managers
• media relations
• crisis management
• market research
• mass communication
• public relations professionals
• fundraising managers
• social media marketing

Careers are exhilarating and fast-paced. The salary that comes with all that is pretty impressive.

Here’s a fun fact according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The public relations professional can expect a salary starting at $60,000 (with just a bachelor’s degree). After earning a master’s degree, that salary goes all the way up to $115,000. Again, that’s according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The job outlook for a public relations master is good, too. Again, that’s according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Get a master’s in public relations. It’s a smart choice. You can double your salary.

With all the great online masters in public relations, there’s no reason not to pursue one.

To help you find a stellar online Master of Public Relations, we’ve done all the research. We present to you a list of the 45 best graduate degrees. These are in public relations, strategic communications, and similar programs.

All are offered online for your convenience.

Ready to find a public relations masters online? Let’s take a closer look!

#1. Georgetown University

Online Master’s in Public Relations Degree

The Georgetown Master of Professional Studies in Public Relations & Corporate Communications (MPS PRCC) degree is one of the best. It is an award-winning online public relations program.

This master in public relations online is through the School of Continuing Studies. Georgetown’s MPS PRCC degree presents a strategic 30-credit hour curriculum. Students finish in two to five years.

This online master in public relations has three focus areas online. A fourth is on-campus only. Students choose five elective courses. These graduate programs focus on:

• Corporate Communications
• Digital Communications
• Public Relations.

Admissions website

#2. Northeastern University

Master of Science in Corporate and Organizational Communication

The MS in Corporate & Organizational Communication degree program is another top master’s degree. It is in the College of Professional Studies at Northeastern University. This online masters public relations degree is 100% online.

There are eight concentrations are provided. Four are relevant to public relations:

• Public and Media Relations
• Social Media and Online Communities
• Cross-Cultural Communication
• Leading Communication Strategy and Talent Development

All students take the same core courses. Concentration classes include a wide range of relevant topics such as:

• Digital Era Skills: Platforms, Tools, and Techniques
• Public Relations Content Development
• Social Media and Brand Strategy Implementation

Public relations professionals who have the Accreditation in Public Relations credential have access to perks. These include program acceleration and tuition discounts.

Admissions website

#3. Quinnipiac University

Online Master’s in Public Relations Degree

Quinnipiac University’s School of Communications has an online MS in Public Relations degree program. It is one of only six master’s level programs awarded by the Public Relation Society of America’s (PRSA) Certification in Education for Public Relations.

The 36-credit hour program provides a curriculum with rigorous core classes.  These include:

• Strategic Public Relations and Reputation Management
• Law and Ethics in Public Relations
• Global Strategy

There is an optional Social Media Track. This has classes like:

• Social Media Practice and Techniques
• Strategic Planning in Public Relations

Admissions website

#4. University of Arkansas at Little Rock

MA in Mass Communication

The online Master of Arts in Mass Communication (MCOM) degree program at UA Little Rock has a professional mass media option. It includes a Strategic Communication/Public Relations concentration track.

The 33-credit hour program is through UA Little Rock Online. It allows students to choose their capstone experience. This is either a final master’s thesis or a professional project.

It is in the UA Little Rock School of Mass Communication. The online MCOM Professional Mass Media option in Strategic Communication/Public Relations boasts caring faculty members. They have “considerable professional experience.”

Students learn:

• Public Relations Cases
• PR for 21^st Century Non-Profits
• Internet Policy and Regulation
• Ethnic and Alternative Media in America

Admissions website

#5. University of Iowa

MA in Strategic Communication

The University of Iowa’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication has an online MA in Strategic Communication. This online masters public relations degree is in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. It is for both “current and aspiring communication professionals.” It is one of the best graduate programs for the aspiring public relations specialist.

This is a 30-credit hour program. Students learn:

• Digital Strategic Communication
• Strategic Communications Research
• Capstone Project in Strategic Communication
• Risk Communication
• Public Relations Writing
• Media Management for Strategic Communication
• Financial and Budget Fundamentals for Communicators

Admissions website

#6. Ashland University

MA in Corporate and Strategic Communication

You’ll find another one of the best online public relations masters at Ashland University. It takes as little as eighteen months. Both public relations professionals and those from a related field can apply.

The curriculum for the Corporate and Strategic Communication program has 30-credit hours of classes.

Students choose between the Health & Risk Concentration Track and the Public Relations Concentration Track.

The concentration in public relations offers classes like:

• Seminar in Social Media Platforming
• Public Relations Campaigns

All students in the MACSC program complete their degree with a Capstone in Communication Studies. The experienced Ashland faculty lead the way. Many of them teach at the bachelor’s degree level, too.

Students have access to a Public Relations Student Society of America chapter through Ashland. There is also a MACSC degree for high school teachers. This is to prepare students who already have their master’s degree.

Admissions website

#7. Liberty University

Online MBA in Public Relations; Online MA in Strategic Communication; Online Master of Science in Marketing – Public Relations

Liberty University Online provides three online graduate Public Relations degrees. In addition to a master of science in public relations/marketing, there is an MBA and a MA. The business administration focus is truly unique.

Two of these online public relations masters degrees are in the Liberty School of Business. These are the 45-credit online MBA in Public Relations program and the 36-credit hour Liberty online MS in Marketing – Public Relations degree.

There is some shared core coursework between both degrees. This is coupled with the Public Relations Cognate courses in:

• Media Technologies & Communication Strategies
• Communication & Conflict
• Strategic Communication Campaigns for the Digital Age

The programs both take about two years. Prospective students can transfer in up to 50% of the credit hour requirement. It is an excellent program for aspiring fundraising managers in particular.

The third degree is in Liberty’s School of Communication and Digital Content. It is a 33-credit hour program. The Liberty online MA in Strategic Communication degree engages students in classes such as:

• Strategic Storytelling
• Video, Social & Mobile Promotion
• Strategic Organizational Communication

Admissions website

#8. University of Nebraska-Lincoln

MA in Mass Communications 

UNL’s College of Journalism and Mass Communications provides the MA in Journalism & Mass Communications degree. This online masters degree public relations option is in conjunction with the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

This master of science is a 36-credit hour program. Students have up to ten years to complete the degree. There is financial aid as part of this master of science degree as well.

Required core courses cover:

• Advertising & PR Research
• Brands & Branding
• Integrated Media Communications Capstone

There are also a wide range of electives. These allow for a great deal of customization.

Don’t want to get a full graduate degree or who want to test the waters before committing? There is also an online UNL graduate certificate in Public Relations and Social Media.

Admissions website

#9. University of Maryland University College

Online Master’s in Public Relations

This masters degree in public relations online is in the Online Learning at UMUC. This online MS in Management degree has a specialization in Public Relations. It builds students expertise and helps prepare them for PR certification.

The 36-credit hour program is “designed with input from employers, industry experts, and scholars.” It presents courses such as:

• Statistics for Managerial Decision Making
• Public Relations Theory and Practice
• Public Relations Campaigns

The Strategic Management Capstone Course allows students to develop a public relations campaign proposal. This is for a client organization. It teaches them to form a detailed plan to respond to a fact-based public relations crisis. It also teaches them to provide actual materials for organizations.

Admissions website

#10. Spring Arbor University

MA in Strategic Communication and Leadership

There are many distinctive perks in this masters public relations online  degree.

The online MA in Strategic Communication and Leadership (MCOM) is an online eighteen-month graduate degree program. It is in SAU’s Department of Communication and Media. These public relations programs are in the School of Arts and Sciences.

The unique program provides mentorship. It is unique from other public relations programs for this reason. Students will have access to financial aid. They can also conduct research of all kinds.

The curriculum for the 38-credit hour program includes classes such as:

• Communication as Vocation and Calling
• Digital Media Strategies
• Communication Theory and Worldview

All coursework is presented with “both theoretical and Christian perspectives.” The faculty “are practicing professionals who routinely publish, present, and produce original work.”  There are extensive online student services and support offered by SAU Online.

Admissions website

#11. Queens University of Charlotte

MA in Communication

You’ll find another one of the best masters in public relations online at Queens University of Charlotte. Queens University of Charlotte has an online MA in Communication through the James L. Knight School Communication.

The Queens University online MA in Communication degree program is 36-credit hours. There is an optional concentration in Integrated Digital Strategy. It adds an additional three-credit hours.

Coursework includes:

• Communication Fluency
• Strategic Communication for Global Audiences
• Organizational Identity and Brand

All courses in this masters of public relations online are taught by the Queens University Knight School of Communication Graduate Program faculty.

The Integrated Digital Strategy concentration is ideal for professionals who want to “develop advanced and in-depth expertise in digital and emerging media.”

There is a broad selection of specific graduate communication resources. For example, there is an Online MA in Communication Virtual Open House. There is also a detailed explanation of the various career paths that are possible with the MA degree.

Admissions website

#12. Gonzaga University

Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership Studies

The 30-credit hour Online MA in Communication and Leadership program at Gonzaga is one of the best masters public relations online degree you’ll find.

There are five optional concentrations. The “dynamic” curriculum is amazing. It provides a great deal of customization. This is through elective choices and two capstones. There is one on-campus Gonzaga three-day immersion residency experience.

Students are required to attend just one domestic immersion. But they are offered five times a year. Students can attend as many as they like.

The expert Gonzaga Communications Graduate faculty teach both on-campus and online coursework. They teach classes such as:

• International and Intercultural Communication
• Digital Storytelling
• Social Media Engagement and Analysis

There is plentiful student support through Gonzaga Online. There is a Student Services Team to answer any questions a distance learner may have. Other online resources include a Career Center and access to the Foley Library.

Admissions website

#13. George Washington University

Online Master’s in Public Relations

Are you a prospective student who is interested in GW’s online Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Strategic Public Relations? 

Here, graduates of this public relations online masters share their insight as well as how the GW program helped them achieve their goals.

The 30-credit hour program is in the GW Graduate School of Political Management. Students learn from an esteemed faculty. They possess a diversity of professional experience. They are experienced in online instruction.

The curriculum is “designed to provide students a rigorous, contemporary and transformational learning experience.” It includes classes such as:

• Political Socialization and Public Opinion
• Fundamentals of Business & Finance for PR Professionals
• Sustainable Communications
• Public Relations & Public Affairs Capstone Research Project

This last capstone project happens with a current employer (or other organization) and GW faculty. It culminates in a “publishable quality research paper.” Student support is specific and dedicated.

Admissions website

#14. American University

Master of Arts in Strategic Communication

American University has one of the best online master’s in public relations programs.  The online master’s in Strategic Communication degree has a rich curriculum that imparts “conceptual tools and strategic-thinking skills.”

The online American Master’s in Strategic Communication degree is a 30-credit hour program. It takes as little as 20 month. There is corporate communications coursework in topics such as:

• Communication Theory
• Social Marketing for Social Impact
• Strategic Communication Management

There is an optional concentration in Advocacy and Social Impact. This is for students who want to work in “social movements, election campaigns, public-policy debates, and legislation to achieve social change”).

There are Program Resources and Industry Updates supplied to help online students learn via the AU Online MA in Communication website. Plus, all aspiring PR professionals online have access to the same resources as the on-campus students. The quality of the support offered does not differ depending on the format from which the student earns a degree.

Admissions website

#15. Syracuse University

Online Master’s in Public Relations

The S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University has some of the best public relations degree programs. The online MS in Communications degree program has a Public Relations specialization, This online master’s in the public relations field combines the reputation of a renowned institution with the convenience of 100% online coursework.

The 33-credit hour MS in Communications program requires five core courses. Examples include:

• Multimedia Storytelling
• Digital Communications Systems

Four courses are dedicated to the Public Relations specialization. These cover theory, management, planning and design elements.

The online Master of Science experience assures a robust curriculum and well-supported atmosphere for the online student. There are two weekend immersion experiences for all students.

Admissions website

#16. Troy University

Master’s in Public Relations & Strategic Communication

TROY Online has an online master’s in Strategic Communication degree that takes just a year. The 30-credit hour online master’s in public relations is through the Troy University College of Communication and Fine Arts. It is delivered online through the eTROY campus.

Online MS in Strategic Communication students are guided by the TROY Online faculty. These part time and full time instructors are “seasoned instructors with real-world experience.”

Admissions website

#17. Missouri State University

 MA in Communication

Missouri State Online provides the online master’s in the public relations industry and communications.

A student has his choice of electives. In this online master’s in public relations, there are several areas of concentration are available. Core classes include:

• Public Relations Campaigns
• Concepts and Analysis of Public Relations
• Communication Technology and Politics
• Presidential Rhetoric

These core classes lead students to an emphasis in Public Relations that will help eligible students find work in all kinds of digital and social media realms.

The 32-credit hour program is in the School of Communication Studies. It takes two years to complete the courses required for the strategic public relations field.

The Missouri State faculty in the Department of Communication provides direct interaction. They have “a reputation of excellence through their teaching, research and publication accomplishments.” Missouri State Online Student Support Services and other academic resources are available to all online MA in Communication students.

Core courses cover topics like:

• Theory and Research in Communication
• Rhetorical Analysis in Communication Research
• Creative Media Strategies
• Public Relations for Public Opinion
• Content Creation in the Digital Age
• Strategic Public Relations
• Applied Communication Research Methods
• Social Media Management

These provide a solid communications foundation for both for-profit and nonprofit work. A final Masters Thesis completes the degree.

Admissions website

#18. Bellevue University

 MA in Business and Professional Communication

The Bellevue University MA in Business and Professional Communication degree program is online for ease and convenience. This is one of the best online master’s in public relations programs for those with professional and organizational communication career aspirations.

The 36-credit hour degree program allows students to conduct research and take courses in a variety of public relations industry areas. The online master’s in public relations is great for online students. It “focuses on professional communication skills applicable to public relations and strategic communication.”

It also focuses on other other valuable professional communication skills. These are skills necessary to work in the public relations industry.

Students choose from one of several predetermined concentration options:

• Business
• Computer Information Systems
• Healthcare Administration
• Executive Coaching
• Human Resource Management
• Project Management
• Transnational and Cross-cultural Communication

They can also construct their own Interdisciplinary Studies Concentration (IDC). This is from several disciplines.

All online classes at Bellevue University are capped at 24 students.

Admissions website

#19. Washington State University

MA in Strategic Communication

WSU’s online MA in Strategic Communication degree program is a 30-credit hour program. This online master’s in the public relations field appeals to both seasoned professionals and those wishing to enter the public relations field. It is available through the WSU Global Campus.

This online master’s in public relations is a multidisciplinary program. Students participate in professional core courses such as:

• Marketing Strategy
• Social Media Management
• Professional Multimedia Content Creation
• Crisis Communication in Global Contexts
• Consumer Behavior and Brand Development
• Professional Marketing Communication Management and Campaigns
• Creative Media Strategies & Techniques

The final Capstone Project culminates the program. The full-time WSU Murrow College faculty teach all the online courses.

Admissions website

#20. University of Florida

Master’s in Public Relations

The University of Florida online master degree in communications has a concentration in public relations. It is perfect for the digital age. The online master’s brings real-world, innovative techniques. It also brings best practices to its Public Relations students.

This online master’s is through the UF College of Journalism and Communications (CJC). It has 33-credit hours. There are core courses such as:

• Measurement & Evaluation
• Strategy & Messaging

Full-time students finish in just eighteen months. The online aspect of the program allows students flexibility. They can complete the degree at their own pace. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission.

Admissions website

#21. Ball State University

Master’s in Public Relations

Ball State University has an outstanding public relations management degree. It is perfect for working professionals. It’s ideal for those who are interested in conducting research in public relations management, content creation, and other areas.

It is a well-rounded online MA in Public Relations degree. It takes just five semesters. The online Master of Arts in Public Relations degree program is in Ball State’s Department of Journalism.

Students can choose between two concentration options in public relations management. It is a 33-39 credit hour program. There are two twelve-credit hour concentrations in either Public Relations Leadership or Media Analytics. Classes include:

• Case Studies of Global, Digital and Ethical PR Practice
• Public Relations Campaigns
• Media Audiences & Content Strategy
• Data Visualization
• Studies in Journalism and Communication Theory
• Business Fundamentals and Entrepreneurship in PR

Students gain valuable connections through the experienced faculty. The program is entirely online through Ball State Online.

Admissions website

#22. Austin Peay State University

MA in Communication Arts: Concentration Marketing Communication

The APSU Department of Communication prepares students to become talented marketing managers. This is with its online MA in Communication Arts degree. This online master’s in public relations has a Marketing Communication Concentration. There is also a Media Management Concentration.

The 34-credit hour online master’s in public relations has a fast-track.

The curriculum has courses like:

• Communication Law
• Applied Communication Theory
• Marketing Communication Strategies
• Consumer and Audience Behavior
• Ethics in a Changing Environment
• Communication and Public Opinion

The APSU Department of Communication faculty teach all coursework. They have a range of experience.

Admissions website

#23. Montana State University Billings

Master’s in Public Relations

If you want to be a public relations specialist, you’ll like the public relations degree programs offered at Montana State University.

The MSUB Master of Science in Public Relations (MSPR) online master’s program is  perfect for students of all kinds. It’s ideal for those who have varying levels of public relations and communications experiences.

These public relations programs are in the College of Arts and Sciences. You’ll complete 30-credit hours. There are four different emphasis areas:

• Public Relations Theory & Practice
• Health Communication
• Political and Public Communication
• Media and Society

Some courses are shared between all four emphasis areas:

• Media Criticism
• Public Relations Ethics
• Issues in Organizational Communication

Some are unique to each area:

• Healthcare Marketing and Strategy
• Public Influence
• Multicultural Mass Communication

All students finish the degree program by taking a Comprehensive Exam.

Admissions website

#24. Purdue University

Master’s in Public Relations

If you want to learn things like:

• critical thinking
• corporate social responsibility
• public perception tailored to specific audiences

Then you may want to consider Purdue University!

Students of Purdue University’s online MS in Communications with the Strategic Communication/Public Relations concentration are well prepared for careers as marketing managers at major organizations. They can also work at various nonprofit organizations.

Start date choices include the fall, spring and summer. The 30-credit hour program requires no on-campus commitments. The online master’s takes less than two years.

Core and concentration classes include:

• Seminar in Global Strategic Communication
• Persuasive Communication
• Focus Groups and Interviewing for Strategic Communication

Purdue MS in Communication degree resources are plentiful and varied. Distance learners are given additional online learning support services.

Admissions website

#25. Walden University

Master of Science in Communication

Want to hone your critical thinking skills? Then you’ll find that the online master’s degree at Walden will prepare you to find employment in marketing opportunities around the world.

Walden’s online MS in Communication degree program offers a built-in Graduate Certificate in Communication. This is for aspiring marketing managers. It is for those who want both a degree and a certificate in communication.

The 30-credit hour online Walden MS in Communication degree allows up to fifteen of transfer credit hours.

This credit transferability allows students to complete the degree in an even shorter period of time than the 20 months that is advertised. It is a level of credit transferability that will allow you to find employment in all kinds of marketing opportunities even faster than you thought possible.

The degree programs are comprised of core courses and a Communication Capstone. The Walden MA in Communication degree has classes such as:

• Public Relations Concepts and Strategy
• Marketing Communications, Storytelling, and Persuasion
• Crisis Communication

Walden is known for their student-centered, distance learning approach. As such it makes available many online student services. Walden online MS in Communication students are encircled with:

• real-world experiences
• support services
• student resources
• connections with fellow students and professors.

Admissions website

#26. Marist College

MA in Integrated Marketing Communication

Marist College has some more of the best public relations programs. These programs prepare students to work at a global level. They can pursue careers of their own design.

The public relations programs are through the Marist College School of Communication and the Arts. The MA in in Integrated Marketing Communication degree (MA in IMC) is all online.

The Marist online IMC Degree program has 30-credit hours. All coursework is asynchronous for convenience.

The program takes just three semesters. Part-time students can take up to three years. The curriculum is made up of relevant classes such as:

• Global Consumer Insights
• Social Media Strategies & Tactics
• Analytical Tools for Decision Making

A final Integrated Marketing Communication Capstone course finishes the program.

Admissions website

#27. Full Sail University

 MA in Public Relations

Public relations students will love the ability to create a program of their own design  at Full Sail University. This school offers unique online programs for students interested in:

• brand management
• advertising
• and public relations

Full Sail University has an accelerated twelve-month online MA in Public Relations. 

The 36-credit hour program emphasizes hands-on learning. It has courses such as:

• Innovative Public Relations Tools and Resources
• Reputation Management Strategies
• The Online Media Room

The culmination of the degree is the Full Sail Public Relations Final Project and Thesis course. This is a comprehensive capstone project.

Admissions website

#28. The Pennsylvania State University

MPS in Strategic Communications

Penn State’s online MPS in Strategic Communications degree program is online. These public relations programs offer a unique educational experience. This is through the Penn State World Campus. The degree is in the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications.

It is intended for advertising and public relations workers (such as one who might hold the title of “marketing manager”). But it does not require background educational experience in marketing.

No undergraduate degree in communications is needed. The relevant core Penn State coursework includes classes that will prepare you for a wide variety of work. A few key features of this master’s in public relations:

• You’ll learn how to address corporate social responsibility and influence public perception.
• You will learn how to craft advertising and public relations campaigns that target specific audiences at the local and global level.
• You will be prepared to identify marketing opportunities and communication strategies at for-profit and nonprofit organizations alike.

You will take courses covering:

• brand management
• ethics courses
• leadership skills

This is a far-reaching master’s in public relations that is perfect for the aspiring marketing manager.

Key course titles in this online master’s in public relations include:

• Digital Media Analytics
• Multimedia Content Development and Delivery
• Ethics and Decision Making in Strategic Communications
• Reaching Multicultural Populations with Strategic Communications
• Strategic Communications Law

Admissions website

#29. West Virginia University

MS in Integrated Marketing Communications

You’ll find another one of the best master’s in public relations at West Virginia University.

The online MS in Integrated Marketing Communications degree program is exclusively online. The 33-credit hour program is in the WVU Reed College of Media. It takes just two years to complete.

It can help communications professionals move on to advanced positions such as Public Relations Specialists or Public Relations and Fundraising Managers.

Four core courses are offered each term. Students choose two specialty courses along with five electives.

Elective choices cover a wide variety of public relations and communications strategies. Examples of topics covered include:

• Crisis Communication
• Applied Public Relations
• Direct Marketing
• Brand Management
• How to Generate Interest in an Advertising Campaign
• How to Identify Marketing Opportunities
• Reputation Management
• Crisis Management
• Mass Communication
• Advertising Ethics Courses
• Communication Strategies
• Leadership Skills

Many courses also offer a well-rounded educational experience. Students interested in developing their public relations research or public relations writing skills will benefit from this school.

This is yet another school offering a well-rounded capstone experience, too.

Admissions website

#30. Drexel University

Public Relations Degree

Drexel University’s online MS in Communication has a concentration in Public Communication. It is one of the best public relations programs you’ll find. There is ample financial aid for this public relations master degree.

There are two other non-public relation concentrations also available. These are in Science and Health Communication and Technical Communication.

The 30-credit hour program is divided into core Communication courses. These include:

• Theories of Communication and Persuasion
• Brand Management
• Creating and Managing Communication Professional Identities
• Strategic Social Media Communication
• Foundations of Public Relations
• Investigative Journalism

Admissions website

#31. University of Southern California

Master of Communication Management

Want to hone your leadership skills to generate interest in marketing campaigns and media relations? The public relations programs at USC should be at the top of your list.

The Master of Communication Management Online  is renowned for its rigor and quality.

The 32-credit hour program is excellent. It imparts a “full toolbox of advanced skills.” You’ll gain skills in public relations research and public relations writing.

Other public relations programs just can’t match it. Public relations graduates will gain skills through courses covering topics such as:

• Communication, Attitudes, Values and Behavior,
• Foundations of Effective Public Relations Writing
• Online Marketing Communication Development & Analysis
• Reputation Management for Public Relations Specialists
• Communications Strategies for Mass Communication
• Reputation Management
• Crisis Management
• Media Relations
• Market Research for Public Relations
• Social Media Management

These master’s in public relations programs are accredited by the Middle States Commission. These online programs are some of the best for you to consider regardless of your career path. It’s perfect for:

• aspiring public relations managers
• public relations specialists
• fundraising managers

Admissions website

#32. Texas Tech University

MA in Strategic Communication & Innovation

The Texas Tech College of Media & Communication has an Online MA in Strategic Communication and Innovation. It provides a superior preparation for work in public relations.

The 30-credit hour public relations program has courses such as:

• Strategic Communication in a Global Environment
• Media Management, Entrepreneurship & Consulting
• Multimedia Story Telling
• Audience/Data Analysis & Reporting
• Advanced Social Media Practice

 Admissions website

#33. California Baptist University

Public Relations Degree

The CBU Online MA in Public Relations degree program (MAPR) is one of the best master of science in public relations degrees.

It utilizes a faith-based and biblical context. The MAPR curriculum has 33-credit hours of courses. These are designed for aspiring public relations managers.

This master’s in public relations is similar to other online programs. It offers courses in mass communication and public relations.

Your professional studies will allow you to conduct market research and gain a keen understanding of corporate communications.

Prospective students take classes in:

• Legal, Ethical and Social Foundations of Public Relations
• Critical Thinking and Crisis Management
• New Media Strategies
• Public Relations Campaigns: Social and Physical

Admissions website

#34. Lasell College

Master’s in Public Relations Degree

The Lasell College MS in Communication degree program provides a concentration in Public Relations. The curriculum in this master’s in public relations is 100% online. There is generous financial aid.

The 36-credit hour online programs are housed within the Lasell School of Graduate & Professional Studies. All classes are capped at 23 students. This allows a close-knit community of faculty and peers.

The MS in Communication core curriculum offers classes such as:

• Persuasion & Public Opinion
• Negotiations & Conflict Resolution
• Communication, Ethics & Society

The Public Relations concentration focuses on coursework in:

• Writing for Public Relations
• Principles of Public Relations
• Crisis Communication

Admissions website

#35. Southern New Hampshire University

MA in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations

The graduate programs in public relations at SNHU are designed for both seasoned pros and newbies. The SNHU online MA in Communication with a Public Relations concentration is one of the best master of arts in public relations programs out there.

This public relations master degree has 36-credit hours for graduation. The curriculum is all online. Master of Arts in Communication students engage in classes such as:

• Law & Ethics: A Line in the Sand
• More than Words: Communication by Design
• Second Self: Identity & Personal Brands

The Public Relations concentration is constructed of four courses in topics like:

• Integrated Public Relations Campaigns & Measurement
• Crisis Communication in a 24/7 World

#36. University of Denver

Online Public Relations Degree

The online MA in Communication Management degree program at University of Denver University College is one of the best public relations master graduate programs you will find. The public relations program helps students learn everything they need to become keen public relations specialists.

There are six concentration options. That includes one in Public Relations. The online public relations master degree takes as little as eighteen months. There is financial aid for qualifying students.

All students participate in the same twelve credits of core courses, such as:

• Research, Measurement, and Storytelling
• Business Fundamentals for Communicators
• Communication and Society: Theories and Applications
• Dimensions of Reputation Management

Admissions website

#37. Rowan University

MA in Strategic Communication

Aspiring public relations specialists will love the master’s in public relations at Rowan. This master’s in public relations is a partial online program. It is through Rowan Global Learning & Partnerships. The master of arts in communication was first known as the Master of Arts in Public Relations.

Rowan University’s MA in Strategic Communication degree program allows students more freedom. That is especially in focusing on an area within their professional interests.

Prospective students can choose to focus on:

• media relations
• strategic writing
• event planning and management
• visual communication
• online public relations
• school public relations

Classes in the master’s in public relations degree are relevant and accessible. Public relations professionals take classes in a hybrid format. There are evening face-to-face classes. In this master’s degree, there are also some online classes. The public relations master degree has a 33-credit hour curriculum.

It is made up of required courses like:

• Graduate Strategic Case Studies and Public Relations Planning
• Graduate Strategic Visual Communication

Admissions website

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