Online Master’s in Public Relations Programs in 2024

Hoping to expand your career in public relations, corporate communications, or special events and promotions? A master's degree in public relations may be your next step in reaching those goals. Master's in public relations programs, which may include coursework similar to a Master's in Strategic Communication program, teach students to use the advanced communication skills and tools needed to advocate for a brand, organization, social cause, or candidate. Coursework will include public relations writing, ethical issues, research, data analysis, and how to produce multimedia content and compelling messages, shape brand reputation, and build relationships with clients in various industries. It seems every year, public relations as a business focus continually grows to be a focus.

A master's degree in public relations can lead to careers as:

• Communications Director
• Public Relations Manager
• Social Media Manager
• Publicist / Press Agent
• Corporate Spokesperson
• Promotions & Special Events Manager
• Communications Consultant

For many aspiring public relations experts, working in the industry while studying for your master's degree is critical for gaining hands-on experience and landing the best job after graduation. For busy professionals, an online master's in public relations program may be the best way to earn your degree while continuing to work and/or fulfill family obligations.

2024 Best Online Masters in Public Relations Programs

In today’s digital age, effective communication and strategic messaging are more important than ever. An online Master’s in Public Relations equips students with the skills and knowledge to navigate the ever-changing public relations and media landscape. Our 2024 Best Online Master's in Public Relations program rankings consider various factors to determine the best programs, including tuition cost, faculty experience, program options, and more. We aim to provide prospective students with valuable insights to help them make informed decisions about their education and future careers in public relations.

#1) UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA – GAINESVILLE, GL

The University of Florida’s online Master’s in Public Relations and Communications is the first and only program to earn the prestigious Certification in Education for Academic Programs in Public Relations (CEPR) designation from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). This recognition highlights the program’s excellence in curriculum, resources, facilities, and university support. The curriculum focuses on strategic communication, incorporating copywriting, graphic design, and business elements to develop compelling brand awareness campaigns. Through deliberate and sustained public relations efforts, students learn to cultivate professional relationships, manage information flow, and utilize social media for optimal results. The program emphasizes stakeholder-focused strategies, content creation and management, and overall communication strategy implementation, ensuring graduates are equipped to excel in public relations.

Learn more about UF's offering here.

Highlights:

• Consists of 36 credit hours
• Recorded lectures and live office hours
• Start dates in Fall, Spring, and Summer

#2) QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY - HAMDEN, CT

Quinnipiac University’s online Master of Science in Public Relations is designed to elevate PR professionals into influential leaders, equipping them with advanced skills to navigate the complexities of today’s media field. The program emphasizes strategic brand management over message creation, focusing on developing leaders who can drive organizational strategy. Aligned with the PRSA’s standards, the curriculum covers essential aspects of communication strategy, including crisis management, branding, reputation management, and global ethics. Students can tailor their learning to their career goals through a capstone project. With faculty boasting extensive industry experience and a flexible online format encouraging collaboration among experienced peers, students gain diverse perspectives and actionable insights.

Learn more about Quinnipiac's offering here.

Highlights:

• Asynchronous online courses
• The curriculum consists of 30 credits
• While a bachelor's degree is required, it does not have to be in public relations

Choosing an Online Master's in Public Relations Program

Once you've decided to pursue an online master's in public relations, the next step is researching and selecting the right program. But how do you know which school is right for you? Keep these critical factors in mind to simplify your decision-making process.

Accreditation

A master's degree is a significant investment in your career, so make sure your selected program will provide you with a high-quality education. One way to ensure a program's quality is by checking its program accreditation. Accreditation means a third-party accrediting organization has evaluated the program according to rigorous academic standards and has met or exceeded these standards so that you can be assured of that program's high quality. Examples of accrediting organizations for master's in public relations programs include the Public Relations Student Society of America, the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications, as well as regional accrediting bodies such as the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the Higher Learning Commission.

Program Cost

The cost of a master's in public relations program can vary depending on several factors, including the size and type of school, geographic location, a student's residency status, and the program length. When considering the total cost of a program, it's important to include mandatory school fees, books, and other program materials in addition to the tuition price.

Online programs are often more affordable than their traditional on-campus counterparts, but this is not always the case. As an example of online program costs, the University of Florida offers a 33-credit online Masters in Public Relations program that costs $19,330. Textbooks and other course materials are not included in this program’s price.

Program Length

Most students complete a master's in public relations program in around two years of full-time study. In some cases, an accelerated program may allow students to finish their degree in 12-18 months. Factors that may impact a program's length include whether students enroll on a full- or part-time basis if any on-campus classroom time is required, and when. With online programs, students are often accepted on a rolling basis, enabling them to begin studying in the fall, spring, or even summer semesters.

Admissions Requirements

To gain admission to a master's in public relations program, students should keep in mind the following admissions requirements:

• Completion of a bachelor's degree, ideally in communication or a related field
• GPA of 3.0 or above in their undergraduate coursework
• Transcripts from all undergraduate colleges attended
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal statement or essay
• Scores from applicable graduate school tests, such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

In many cases, master's in public relations programs require applicants to have completed two to three years of relevant work experience in public relations, journalism, or communications. In addition to the requirements listed above, these students must submit a resume detailing their relevant work experience and/or professional writing samples.

Classes and Courses

A master's in public relations program often includes courses similar to the following, which are part of Webster University's online Master of Arts in Public Relations program:

• Introduction to Public Relations
• Media and Culture
• Writing for Public Relations
• Media Research
• Strategic Communications Applications
• Media Organization & Regulations
• International Communication
• Crisis Management Communication

In addition to the foundational public relations courses like those listed above, many master's in PR programs allow students to concentrate on a particular area of public relations, such as public affairs and government relations, crisis management, digital communication, or non-profit or cause communication. Many programs also finish with a capstone project or internship component, which encourages students to put everything they've learned into practice and gain professional public relations experience.

Advantages of Online Master’s in Public Relations Programs

For busy professionals or those with family commitments, an online master's in public relations program is a convenient and cost-effective way to earn an advanced degree. Online coursework allows students to complete assignments and attend lectures from home and on their own schedules, which is particularly important for students gaining professional experience in PR simultaneously. Often with a lower tuition cost than traditional on-campus programs, online programs also allow students in rural areas to choose from more schools without a lengthy commute. These factors make it easier than ever to pursue a master's degree in public relations.

Colleges That Offer Accredited Online Master’s in Public Relations Programs in 2024

Select Your State: Select StateColoradoConnecticutFloridaMontanaNew HampshireWashington, DC

Colorado

Connecticut

Florida

Montana

New Hampshire

Washington, DC