Getting a graduate degree in public relations can help you become a more effective communicator and leader. It can also give you the skills you need to manage a public relations campaign or crisis situation. The degree can prepare you for a career in advertising, marketing, or business.
The best graduate public relations programs offer real-life learning experiences and help you network with top companies for career opportunities. The leading programs are found at selective universities such as Georgetown University and the University of Southern California, as well as at schools with easier admissions requirements such as the University of North Florida.
Why Get a Master’s Degree in Public Relations?
Public relations is a dynamic field that continues to grow as businesses seek to better understand and interact with their audiences. Public relations specialists work with clients to create, manage, and execute effective public relations campaigns. They may also work in corporate communications or marketing departments. The goal of public relations is to create positive public awareness of a company or product, which can lead to increased sales, customer loyalty, and positive media coverage. A master’s in public relations can provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to grow your career or pursue new opportunities.
Best Overall Graduate Public Relations Programs
Georgetown University – Master’s in Public Relations & Corporate Communications
- Location: Washington, D.C.
- Tuition: $45,810
- Time to complete: 2-5 years
- GRE required: No
- Program website: Visit program
Georgetown is located in Washington, D.C., one of the top PR meccas of the country and the world. Its public relations and corporate communications master’s program is designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of the field, from theory to practice. It can also connect you to internships and practicum courses, giving you the chance to get hands-on experience. Graduates of the program are highly sought-after by an array of employers, including government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and Fortune 500 companies.
George Washington University – Master’s in Strategic Public Relations
- Location: Washington, D.C.
- Tuition: $62,205
- Time to complete: 1 year
- GRE required: For some
- Program website: Visit program
GWU’s master’s in strategic public relations gives you another D.C.-based option. Like the Georgetown program, it combines a comprehensive overview of the field with hands-on experience working on real-world projects. Graduates find work with government agencies, public relations firms, large corporations, and non-profit organizations.
University of Southern California – Master’s in Strategic Public Relations
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
- Tuition: $74,520
- Time to complete: 2 years
- GRE required: Yes
- Program website: Visit program
With its Los Angeles location, right in the heart of the entertainment capital of America, USC’s master’s in strategic public relations teaches students to engage productively with various forms of media, manage communication crises, and shape public opinion. Topics covered in the program include digital communication, crisis management, media relations, and social media marketing. Graduates find employment with Hollywood agencies and film studios, along with tech giants such as Google, Meta, and Twitter.
New York University – Master’s in Public Relations and Corporate Communication
- Location: New York, NY
- Tuition: $79,446
- Time to complete: 2 yeras
- GRE required: For some
- Program website: Visit program
If you want a dynamic career in public relations or corporate communication, there’s no better place to study than NYU. It’s right in the heart of Manhattan — the city is its campus. Students of NYU’s master’s program in public relations and corporate communication learn how to execute effective PR campaigns, manage social media accounts, and communicate with stakeholders. Plus, internships and networking opportunities are plentiful.
Best Graduate Public Relations Programs With High Acceptance Rates
University of North Florida – Master’s in Communication Management
- Location: Jacksonville, FL
- Tuition: $17,478 (Florida resident), $37,584 (non-resident)
- Time to complete: 2 years
- GRE required: If undergraduate GPA is below 3.0
- Program website: Visit program
UNF’s master’s program in communication management offers coursework in communication planning and strategy, public relations, risk communication, and more. Students participate in internships in the Jacksonville area to gain hands-on experience. Graduates often have a multitude of job opportunities, both in Florida and beyond.
If you have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher, you do not have to submit GRE scores to UNF’s program. Alternatively, you can be admitted with a GPA under 3.0 if you have a GRE verbal score of 153 and a quantitative score of 144.
DePaul University Master’s Program in Public Relations and Advertising
- Location: Chicago, IL
- Tuition: $37,920
- Time to complete: 2 years
- GRE required: No
- Program website: Visit program
DePaul’s master’s in public relations and advertising is a flexible program designed for working professionals who want to further their careers. In addition to offering a diverse array of classes, it has flexible evening courses and can be completed in longer than two years if a student has a busy schedule and can’t commit to a full-time course load. Another unique aspect of this program is it helps you build your own portfolio, which you can show off to prospective employers to help land a job.
This program has a flexible admissions policy with no hard-and-fast GPA or GRE minimums. However, applicants with undergraduate GPAs above 3.0 receive preferred admissions status.
Central Connecticut State University Master’s Program in Strategic Communications
- Location: New Britain, CT
- Tuition: $20,323 (Connecticut resident), $39,279 (non-resident)
- Time to complete: 18 months to 2 years
- GRE required: No
- Program website: Visit program
CCSU’s master’s program in strategic communications is popular with people already working in the fields of advertising, corporate communications, and government relations. Not only is it flexible, but it can be completed in as short as 18 months, making it a great option if you want an accelerated program that gets a degree in your hand quickly.
CCSU’s Master’s program does not require the GRE or GMAT for admission and has no fixed GPA minimum.
Best Online Graduate Public Relations Programs
University of Southern California – Online Master’s in Communication Management
- Tuition: $53,300
- Time to complete: 16 months
- GRE required: No
- Program website: Visit program
In addition to its on-campus program, USC offers an online master’s degree in communication management for working professionals. The coursework is similar, but the online program is more of an abridged version — it can be completed in less time and with fewer course hours.
Purdue University – Online Master’s in Communication (Strategic Communication/Public Relations Concentration)
- Tuition: $15,600 (Indiana resident), $24,600 (non-resident)
- Time to complete: 1 year
- GRE required: No
- Program website: Visit program
Purdue University offers a fully online master’s in communication with a concentration in strategic communication and public relations. It can be completed in as little as one year, and it prepares graduates for careers in advertising, corporate communications, government relations, and market research.
At only $15,600 for an Indiana resident and less than $25,000 for a non-resident, Purdue’s graduate program in communication is one of the most affordable programs in the country, particularly among those from highly ranked universities.
Texas Tech University Online Master’s in Strategic Communication and Innovation
- Tuition: $10,530 (Texas resident), $22,770 (non-resident)
- Time to complete: 2 years
- GRE required: No
- Program website: Visit program
Texas Tech University’s online master’s degree program in strategic communication and innovation is one of the newer programs on our list. It prides itself on being completely asynchronous — there are no required class or meeting times, ever. If you want to do all your coursework starting at 2 a.m. every day, that is no problem.
Texas Tech’s program is another highly affordable option, with the cost of a master’s degree for an in-state resident totaling just over $10,000.
Online vs. In Person Master’s in Public Relations
When it comes to getting a master’s in public relations, you have a few different formats to choose from. You can get an online master’s, an in person master’s, or even a hybrid master’s. Each option has its own benefits and drawbacks.
Online master’s in public relations. This is a great option if you have a job or a busy schedule. It also tends to be cheaper than an in-person degree. The downside is that you might miss out on some of the networking opportunities you’d have with an in-person master’s.
In person master’s in public relations. This is the traditional way of getting a master’s, and it has many benefits. You get to network with other professionals, you learn from experienced professors, and you have the opportunity to do internships.
Hybrid master’s in public relations. Data suggests that students who enroll in hybrid master’s programs are more likely to complete their degree on time and are more satisfied with their education than those who earn a traditional master’s degree. This is likely because of the flexibility it offers. If your schedule changes or a life situation arises that prevents you from attending class on a rigid schedule, you won’t have to postpone your degree or drop out of the program.
As opposed to an online program, a hybrid program lets you get to know your classmates and professors in a face-to-face setting.
How to Prepare for Graduate School in Public Relations
Graduate school in public relations can be a great way to further your education and career. But it’s a major investment in terms of time, energy, and money. So you want to be prepared going in. Here are some tips on how to prepare for graduate school in public relations:
Know your goals. Unlike college, graduate school isn’t designed for you to explore different options and figure out what you want out of life and your career. The purpose of graduate school is to help you advance in an existing career or achieve a specific career goal you’ve set ahead of time. Before you commit to graduate school, decide what you want to get out of it and make a plan to achieve those goals.
Research and compare schools. The list above is only a starting point. There are dozens of not hundreds of great schools offering graduate degrees in public relations. Decide if you want to shoot for a selective school, attend a local institution, or work toward your degree online. Then determine what your best options are and which program is the best fit.
Get as much experience as possible. A graduate degree in public relations can open doors, but you’ll find a lot more doors open if you have a combination of education and experience. Try to get as much work experience in PR as you can before graduate school, even if that work consists of internships, volunteer positions, or working on projects at home.
The Bottom Line on Master’s Programs in Public Relations
A graduate public relations program can help you build the skills you need to become a successful communicator. These programs offer a variety of courses that can help you develop your writing, speaking, and research abilities. They also provide opportunities to network with professionals in the field. If you are interested in pursuing a career in public relations or advancing in your existing role, a master’s degree in public relations is a great option.
