Earn a Master’s in Public Relations
Professionals with a master's in public relations may work as fundraisers, production coordinators, or marketing managers. Master's degrees often appeal to experienced professionals wanting career advancement. Master's in public relations programs often include classes in communication inquiry and storytelling through research and measurement.
Master's degree-seekers need a bachelor's from an accredited school. Some programs require a personal statement, resume, and recommendation letters.
This page lists the best public relations master's degrees. Read on to learn about costs, common classes, and how to become a public relations manager.
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Questions About Public Relations
How much do you make with a master's in public relations?
Graduates may work as public relations managers. These professionals earn a median $118,430 annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This figure exceeds the median $41,950 annual salary for all occupations.
Do you need a master's to work in public relations?
Many entry-level public relations jobs only require a bachelor's degree. Earning a master's in public relations can help workers qualify for management-level positions.
Is public relations in demand?
The BLS projects jobs for public relations and fundraising managers will grow 13% from 2020-2030, which is faster than average.
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Why Get a Degree in Public Relations?
Earning a master's in public relations can lead to a variety of careers. Graduates may work for government agencies, nonprofits, or corporations. Degree-seekers can often customize their degree with upper-division electives.
Students who pursue a public relations master's degree online benefit from flexibility. They can complete coursework from anywhere with internet access. Asynchronous curriculum lets students watch recorded lectures anytime. An online format lets learners attend top programs without commuting or relocating.
How Much Does a Public Relations Degree Cost?
Master's degrees cost an average of $66,340, according to EducationData.org. However, costs vary by school, learners' residency status, and program length. Full-time students can typically earn a master's in two years. Learners attending public, in-state schools usually pay more affordable tuition than students attending private or out-of-state schools.
Some public universities waive out-of-state tuition for online students. Degree-seekers should budget for extra fees, such as books and materials.
Learners can potentially lower their expenses by applying to schools with generous financial aid programs. Some universities consider all incoming learners for merit- and need-based aid. Degree-seekers may qualify for federal grants and low-interest loans by submitting the FAFSA.
How Much Do Public Relations Majors Make?
Professionals with a master's in public relations earn an average of $64,000 annually, according to Jan. 2022 Payscale data. Many employers save management-level positions for candidates with significant experience and a master's degree.
Professionals can advance their careers by earning a certification from the Public Relations Society of America or the International Association of Business Communicators.
Courses in Public Relations
Master's in public relations programs prepare students to act as their employer's representative. Degree-seekers learn how to create relationships between a company and the public. Students take classes in public relations theory and management. They also complete a final-term capstone. Religious-affiliated universities may require theology classes.
Many top public relations master's degrees require the three core classes below. Please note that curriculum requirements, class topics, and graduate outcomes vary by school. Students should contact their prospective schools for specific details.
Public Relations Theory and Management
This introductory class emphasizes the different theories public relations managers use on the job. Assignments cover persuasion, media, and professional ethics. These and other topics prepare students to create relationships with the public and act as crisis communicators. Enrollees learn how to apply management best practices in the workplace.Public Relations Research
Public relations specialists and managers research their field's latest trends. This class trains learners for this responsibility. Classes cover topics like research methodologies and data gathering. Academic requirements include performing original research and writing extended essays. Graduates use their knowledge to give recommendations to senior managers.Capstone
A capstone class requires students to use their knowledge and skills through a semester-long project like an internship. Learners reflect on their work by critiquing it. Graduates may use their capstone project as part of a job-application portfolio.
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How to Become a Public Relations Manager
Public relations managers need at least a bachelor's degree and five years of experience as a public relations specialist. Some employers require a master's in public relations, communications, or business. Other acceptable degrees include journalism and nonprofit management. Education and experience help professionals develop in-demand interpersonal, leadership, and writing skills.
Public relations managers spend much of their day helping their employer create a positive public image. They write press releases, create promotional campaigns, and direct public relations specialists' work. Professionals specializing in fundraising also write grant applications and meet with potential donors.
Best Master's in Public Relations Degrees 2022
#1 Best Master’s In Public Relations Degrees
Georgetown University
- Washington, DC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Georgetown University offers a master's in public relations for students seeking career advancement. The private institution, located in Washington, D.C., offers a variety of enrollment options for degree-seekers, including online programs. During the master's in public relations program, learners complete a challenging, graduate-level curriculum that builds an advanced understanding of public relations.
Master's candidates benefit from advising and support services, including career counseling. For example, financial aid counselors recommend scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid. Students can also take advantage of career advising, tutoring centers, and internship programs.
Georgetown University at a Glance:
Total Master's Programs: 87
Total Online Master's Programs: 7
Admission Rate: 14%
Graduation Rate: 95%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11-to-1
Graduate Tuition In State: $51,336
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $51,336
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $81,100
Percent Online Enrollment
15%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#2 Best Master’s In Public Relations Degrees
University of Southern California
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
University of Southern California offers a master's in public relations and advertising for students seeking career advancement. The private institution welcomes learners with a variety of enrollment options, including online programs created with working professionals in mind. Master's degree-seekers take their public relations knowledge to the next level thanks to accessible graduate courses.
College resources and support services provide guidance to master's candidates throughout their program. For example, financial aid counselors connect students with grant and scholarship opportunities. Enrollees can also take advantage of networking and training events hosted by the university.
University of Southern California at a Glance:
Total Master's Programs: 199
Total Online Master's Programs: 55
Admission Rate: 11%
Graduation Rate: 92%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9-to-1
Graduate Tuition In State: $46,272
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $46,272
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $61,400
Percent Online Enrollment
17%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#3 Best Master’s In Public Relations Degrees
New York University
- New York, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Learners interested in taking their public relations knowledge to the next level can enroll in the master's in public relations and corporate communication program from New York University. The degree helps enrollees increase their earning potential and advance their careers. Flexible enrollment options, including on-campus and online classes, help students fit school into their busy schedules.
Learners take advanced classes that build a theoretical and practical understanding of the field. Internships and hands-on learning opportunities strengthen classroom skills and help students expand their professional networks. A concentration also helps learners specialize their training and pursue focused careers after completing the master's degree.
New York University at a Glance:
Location: New York, New York
School Type: Private
Admission Rate: 16%
Graduate Tuition In State: $33,408
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $33,408
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 52%
Percent Online Enrollment
10%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#4 Best Master’s In Public Relations Degrees
Boston University
- Boston, MA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
For student seeking career advancement, Boston University offers a master's in public relations. From its Boston campus, the private institution enrolls degree-seekers with a variety of options, including online delivery formats. During the master's in public relations program, learners complete a challenging, graduate-level curriculum that builds an advanced understanding of public relations.
College resources and support services help master's candidates get the most out of graduate school. For example, career counselors host mock interviews to prepare graduates for the workforce. Master's degree-seekers can also take advantage of career advising, tutoring centers, and internship programs.
Boston University at a Glance:
Total Master's Programs: 170
Total Online Master's Programs: 24
Admission Rate: 19%
Graduation Rate: 88%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10-to-1
Graduate Tuition In State: $54,720
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $54,720
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $52,800
Percent Online Enrollment
10%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#5 Best Master’s In Public Relations Degrees
George Washington University
- Washington, DC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The master of professional studies in strategic public relations at George Washington University is one of the school's 164 master's degrees. The program incorporates career-focused training to help students advance their professional opportunities. Flexible enrollment options appeal to busy enrollees balancing school with work or other responsibilities.
Learners take theoretical and practical public relations classes to gain a comprehensive knowledge of the field. Students apply their training in internships and other hands-on learning opportunities, which strengthen career-ready skills. Degree-seekers can specialize their public relations education by choosing electives and concentrations.
George Washington University at a Glance:
Location: Washington, D.C.
School Type: Private
Admission Rate: 41%
Graduate Tuition In State: $31,770
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $31,770
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 77%
Percent Online Enrollment
22%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#6 Best Master’s In Public Relations Degrees
University of Georgia
- Athens, GA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Learners can earn their master's in public relations from the University of Georgia, which offers 116 master's programs. The degree incorporates career-focused training to help students advance their professional opportunities. Flexible enrollment options help candidates balance graduate courses with work or other obligations.
Learners gain a comprehensive understanding of the field through a curriculum that highlights theoretical and practical approaches. Students strengthen their career-readiness through internships and hands-on learning opportunities. Concentrations and electives let learners customize the degree based on their career goals.
University of Georgia at a Glance:
Location: Athens, Georgia
School Type: Public
Admission Rate: 45%
Graduate Tuition In State: $8,878
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $25,186
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 97%
Average Amount Aid Awarded: $10,577
Average Price After Aid: $15,961
Percent Online Enrollment
14%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#7 Best Master’s In Public Relations Degrees
Syracuse University
- Syracuse, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students interested in career advancement can earn their public relations master's degree at Syracuse University. The New York-based private institution offers a variety of enrollment options for degree-seekers, including online programs. During the master's in public relations program, learners take graduate-level courses in public relations to enhance their understanding of the field.
College resources and support services help master's candidates progress toward their degree. For example, career counselors host mock interviews to prepare graduates for the workforce. Master's degree-seekers can also take advantage of networking and training events hosted by the university.
Syracuse University at a Glance:
Total Master's Programs: 123
Total Online Master's Programs: 16
Admission Rate: 44%
Graduation Rate: 83%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15-to-1
Graduate Tuition In State: $38,880
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $38,880
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $48,700
Percent Online Enrollment
15%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#8 Best Master’s In Public Relations Degrees
University of Denver
- Denver, CO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
University of Denver offers a public relations master's program that helps graduates advance their career. This Colorado-based university offers a variety of enrollment options for degree-seekers, including online programs. During the master's in public relations program, learners take graduate classes in public relations that build on their prior knowledge in the field.
Master's degree-seekers can access college resources and support services for assistance. Academic advisors help with course selections, while financial aid counselors connect students with ways to pay for their education. Learners can also take advantage of tutoring, mental health counseling, and library services.
University of Denver at a Glance:
Total Master's Programs: 91
Total Online Master's Programs: 16
Admission Rate: 59%
Graduation Rate: 77%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12-to-1
Graduate Tuition In State: $51,336
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $51,336
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $49,000
Percent Online Enrollment
28%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#9 Best Master’s In Public Relations Degrees
University of Miami
- Coral Gables, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A master's degree in public relations from University of Miami helps students seeking career advancement. The school welcomes degree-seekers with a variety of enrollment options, including online programs created with working professionals in mind. The master's in public relations program builds on undergraduate knowledge. Applicants without a public relations background may need to complete prerequisite courses before enrolling.
Students can access college resources and support services for assistance. Financial aid advisors connect learners with resources to pay for graduate school, while academic advisors recommend course selections. Master's degree-seekers can also take advantage of networking and training events hosted by the university.
University of Miami at a Glance:
Total Master's Programs: 104
Total Online Master's Programs: 11
Admission Rate: 27%
Graduation Rate: 83%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12-to-1
Graduate Tuition In State: $37,800
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $37,800
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $54,500
Percent Online Enrollment
22%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#10 Best Master’s In Public Relations Degrees
The University of Alabama
- Tuscaloosa, AL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The master of arts in advertising and public relations program in at The University of Alabama offers an affordable, rigorous option for graduate learners. Students advance their training and increase their career opportunities in the program. Candidates may be able to choose from campus and online enrollment options, adding flexibility for enrollees who need to work full time while in school.
The curriculum uses theoretical and practical approaches to encourage a comprehensive understanding of the field. Students complete internships and hands-on learning opportunities to complement their classroom knowledge and expand their professional networks. Electives and concentrations let learners individualize the program around their professional goals.
The University of Alabama at a Glance:
Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
School Type: Public
Admission Rate: 83%
Graduate Tuition In State: $10,780
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $30,250
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 79%
Average Amount Aid Awarded: $9,249
Average Price After Aid: $20,623
Percent Online Enrollment
13%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
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