Best 14 Online Masters Degree Programs in Public Relations in 2024

The bulk of Texas Tech’sTech’s Master’sMaster’s in Strategic Communication and Innovation program revolves around coursework in research methods, strategic communication, and communication theory. However, this program’s candidates design their specialization by selecting three electives and the topic of their Master’sMaster’s Report Final Project. Elective coursework options include advanced level classes in Multimedia Storytelling, Audience/Data Analysis and Reporting, and Special Topics in Strategic Communications.

Ball State University’s Master of Arts in Public Relations program is a superb choice for candidates currently working full-time in their field. The program was designed for working professionals to offer an opportunity to take two or three classes per semester while still being able to complete the program in five semesters. The school allows students to begin their program in any fall, spring, or summer session without restriction. Coursework includes Studies in Journalism and Communication Theory, Case Studies of Global Digital and Ethical PR Practice, and a three to six credit Capstone research project exhibiting the candidate’s progress and hands-on experience.

The College of Journalism and Communications at the University of Florida offers a fully online Master of Arts in Mass Communication with a public relations specialization. Candidates currently working in various aspects of communications will further their strategic communication writing skills, expand their knowledge of communications during crisis, manage reputations, and measure and evaluate the success of organizational efforts and brand messaging.

Mississippi College offers a Master of Science in Communication with various specializations, including Public Relations and Corporate Communication. This variety in coursework gives students specializing in one area to experience a variety of other disciplines within the vast communications field. In addition to the Master’s program, the school also offers a six-course, 18-credit hour graduate certificate in public relations.

George Washington University’s Graduate School of Political Management offers a Master’s in Strategic Public Relations. Like never before, communications are coming at organizations from many directions, and the industry needs well-trained and educated professionals to handle the influx. The Master’s program at George Washington University focuses on adaptive strategies, policy implementation, and media management while preparing candidates to further their careers into executive management levels.

The Masters in Strategic Communications from the University of Maryland Global Campus prepares candidates for careers in upper-level management PR positions. Ideal for those already working in the field looking to advance their careers without taking time away from work. Upon completion of all degree requirements, candidates will be prepared for certification from the Public Relations Society of America certification.

For mid-level managers working in the PR field, this graduate degree will allow them to advance their public relations career or transition to other strategic communications sectors.

Candidates accepted into the highly competitive Master of Professional Studies in Public Relations & Corporate Communications program at Georgetown University’s School of Continuing Studies will find the flexibility that hard-working professionals need. The program is available in both an online format and an on-campus format in downtown Washington, D.C. Students can opt to take classes online, online synchronous (live online), on-campus, or through a combination of modalities. While the average completion rate is 2 years, students may take up to 12 credits per semester and complete the degree in as little as 12 months. Alternatively, students can take as few as one course per semester and complete the program within five years.

As one of the premier universities in the United States, Georgetown University attracts world-class professors. This program was designed by top-notch members in various communications fields and will not only enhance students’ communication skills, but also teach them how to empower organizations to put reputation, perception, and exceptional writing at the forefront of every initiative. New courses are added regularly to meet market demand. The most recent include Healthcare Communications, Grassroots Communications, DEI in Communications, and PR Past to Present.

A Master of Science in Public Relations from the University of Montana at Billings allows candidates to continue pursuing their career goals in the field while continuing their education. This program is highly competitive, with a limited number of admissions per year. While focusing on integral aspects of communication theory and practice, this program includes a strong focus on research and academics for those who would like to pursue a career in educating future PR professionals.

Students graduating with a Master Arts in Communications Studies from West Virginia University are as likely to further their careers as Public Relations specialists as they are to continue on an academic track to become professors and education administrators.

WVU’s Eberly College of Arts in Sciences has a reputation for providing the communications fields with candidates with a strong academic foundation and real-world experience. Graduates of this program are prepared to handle the demands of an ever-evolving field while managing an ever-increasing influx of digital information and communication.

The Master of Arts in Public Relations at Webster University exposes candidates to the complex relationships between ethics and globalization in today’s practice of public relations. Throughout the program, candidates learn to appreciate the importance of research and analytics involved in the successful development of the communication campaigns and address various organizations’ communications problems. Core courses include International Communications, a variety of writing courses, and Strategic Communication Applications. Elective courses are chosen with a School of Communications advisor’s guidance to satisfy the individual’s academic and career goals.

Quinnipiac University is a well-respected New England institution of higher learning. The Master of Science in Public Relations program at Quinnipiac prepares candidates to further their careers in various communications management levels. The four pillars of the University’s public relations master’s curriculum are Information Fluency and Analysis, Critical and Creative Thinking, Effective Communication, and Quantitative and Qualitative Literacy. This curriculum is aligned with the ten knowledge, skills, and abilities, as defined by the Public Relations Society of America, and prepares graduating students for PRSA certification.

The Master of Science in Communication with a Public Relations program specialization at Syracuse University requires 12 credits in the discipline. These courses include public relations and communications theory, campaign planning for various organizations, management and consumer research, and the study and analysis of more diverse markets. Coursework focused on strategic planning prepares students to continue or pursue positions at higher management levels in both the private and public sectors.

Drexel University’s online MS in Strategic and Digital Communication prepares students to thrive in the quickly changing worlds of both traditional and digital media. This online quarter-based program focuses on strategic, digital, and social media communication. Designed for both new and experienced communication professionals, students can tailor the curriculum to their interests and goals to help them succeed in this ever-evolving field.

Graduates of the Master of Arts in Communication Management with a Concentration in Public Relations program at the University of Denver highly recommend the program for its convenience and flexibility. The quarter credit set-up allows candidates to complete classes in ten-week terms. Four core courses, six concentration courses, and two elective courses are required for program completion and enable candidates to focus on their area of expertise while at the same time experiencing academic units in other areas of the Communication Management program. With two classes per term, the year-round quarter set up makes degree completion possible in a mere 18 months.