Best Online Master’s in Public Relations Programs

Build your career with a master’s in public relations program. Learn about admissions requirements, common courses, and career paths.
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Updated June 29, 2023
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Public relations focuses on creating effective communication strategies for organizations of all types. Businesses, government agencies, and even individuals use public relations tools to engage audiences and create a favorable image of their brand.

A master’s in public relations program can give students the skills to pursue advanced career paths with higher salary potential. An online master’s in public relations program may help candidates reduce the cost of their education. Distance learners may save money on transportation, relocation, and other expenses.

Careers for public relations graduates are projected to grow steadily in the coming decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Master’s graduates can pursue careers that also offer competitive salaries. For example, public relations specialists made a median annual salary of $62,800, as of May 2021. Public relations and fundraising managers earned a median annual wage of $119,860.

This guide explores master’s in public relations programs, including application requirements, common courses, and career paths after graduation. If you’re interested in exploring other degree options, check out our guides on the best online colleges and business degrees.

What Can I Expect From an Online Master’s in Public Relations Program?

Successful public relations professionals must have a broad skill set that includes problem-solving, organization, and leadership. Above all, candidates need to be excellent communicators. Strong interpersonal skills should go along with public speaking and writing abilities. Candidates who have these qualities will likely excel in master’s in public relations programs.

Master’s programs typically include 30-40 credits and take 1.5-2 years of full-time study to complete. Many schools offer part-time programs that take longer to complete but offer a lighter course load each semester. Public relations students can often specialize their degree with a concentration such as:

  • Advertising
  • Strategic Communications
  • Media Relations
  • Digital Media
  • Organizational Communications

Some online master’s in public relations programs let students complete their degrees without ever visiting a campus. However, other programs include in-person requirements such as campus class sessions or residencies.

Many programs also require candidates to complete an internship or practicum with a public relations organization. Online students can typically complete these activities in their own communities. However, students should always check with programs to determine their exact in-person requirements.

When preparing for graduate school, be sure to consider any campus requirements, potential internship options, and any other unique requirements a program might include.

Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Degree Programs.

Public Relations Programs That Might Interest You

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What Courses Will I Take in an Online Master’s in Public Relations Program?

Public Relations Writing and Content Creation

This course highlights the role of written content in communications strategies. Students learn to create clear, concise writing and understand target audiences. This course also may explore methods for evaluating written communication.

Consumer and Audience Analytics

Public relations specialists depend on consumer data to effectively target their public communications. This course explores the key tools and methods used to gather consumer data and improve messaging strategies.

Public Relations Ethics

This course examines best practices for ethical public communication. Students may explore topics including ethical decision-making models and ethics theory. This course also may highlight crisis communications and issues of corporate social responsibility.

Mass Communication Theory

This course introduces the field of mass communication theory, including its history and modern applications. Students explore the role of mass communications in relation to social media and other digital communications.

Media Communications and Technology

Technology has affected every aspect of communications. This course highlights its impact on public relations. Students may focus on various media channels and the use of technology to engage audiences.

What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Master’s in Public Relations Program?

Most online master’s in public relations programs have the same admissions requirements as their on-campus counterparts. Exact details may vary, depending on where you apply. However, applicants should expect to submit:

  • check An institutional application
  • check Standardized test scores
  • check Letters of recommendation
  • check A personal essay or statement of purpose
  • check Official academic transcripts

Note that every school maintains its own internal application and admission standards. Some schools may request components or materials not covered here. For instance, competitive programs often hold admissions interviews to help them identify especially strong candidates from fields that include many qualified applicants.

Application

Nearly all programs require you to complete an online application. The application typically asks for your personal information and supporting documents such as transcripts, essays, and letters of recommendation. Larger public universities may use a statewide application system that lets you apply to multiple schools in the same state. However, graduate students typically must apply directly to the school or program of their choice.

Test Scores

Some online master’s in public relations programs require you to submit scores from standardized tests such as the GRE or GMAT. These tests can assess your critical thinking, vocabulary, and quantitative reasoning abilities. Score requirements vary widely among programs. However, careful test preparation may help you achieve your desired score.

Letters of Recommendation

Most graduate programs ask for 2-3 letters of recommendation. These letters should come from professors or supervisors familiar with your professional or academic work. Always make sure to ask for letters of recommendation early in the application cycle. This gives your recommenders plenty of time to prepare.

Resume and Work Experience

Given the field’s professional focus, most online master’s in public relations programs will ask for your resume. While you may not need work experience in the public relations field, graduate programs may require you to hold 2-3 years of professional experience. Always be sure to revise your resume and/or cover letter to best reflect the program you’re applying to.

Essays

Graduate programs usually require you to submit a statement of purpose or other application essays. They give you the chance to present yourself beyond resumes and academic transcripts. Application essays often ask you to discuss your background, your professional goals, or your reasons for applying to the program.

Official Transcripts

Graduate programs require that you submit your undergraduate transcripts. If you’ve completed another graduate degree or graduate-level coursework elsewhere, you’ll also need to submit these transcripts. Some online master’s in public relations programs may accept transfer credits from other graduate programs. However, you’ll need to check with individual schools to determine credit transferability.

What Can I Do With an Online Master’s in Public Relations Degree?

Career Outlook

The public relations field offers stable job growth and plenty of career potential. From 2021-2031, the BLS projects careers for public relations specialists, public relations managers, and advertising, promotions, and marketing managers to grow faster than the average for all U.S. occupations. Careers for fundraisers are projected to grow faster than average as well.

Public relations students can earn competitive salaries upon graduation. According to Payscale, entry-level public relations specialists earned an average of $44,510 per year as of June 2023. However, candidates may be able to increase their starting salary by earning a master’s degree. The BLS reports that public relations managers earned a median annual salary of $125,780 as of May 2021.

An online master’s in public relations also may prepare candidates for many other jobs that feature public communications. Graduates may find work in adjacent fields such as government, politics, media, and marketing.

Explore your options with a master’s in public relations. Learn more about public relations careers.

Career Paths

Public Relations Specialist

Public relations specialists help their employers build and maintain favorable public images. They work through both legacy and digital channels to influence public perception of individuals, organizations, and brands. They also assess and evaluate public relations strategies and campaigns to determine their effectiveness in achieving marketing objectives.

Median Annual Salary (May 2021):$62,800

Fundraiser

Fundraisers help organizations raise money through events and other campaigns. They research potential donors, develop fundraising strategies, and organize campaign operations. Fundraisers may work to raise money by soliciting one-time gifts, operating annual campaigns, or eliciting donor participation on recurring schedules. Fundraisers also may work closely with individual donors known to offer large sums of money.

Median Annual Salary (May 2021):$60,660

Public Relations and Fundraising Manager

While occupying different roles, public relations managers and fundraising managers perform similar work. Public relations managers generally guide an organization’s overall identity, public image, and branding. Fundraising managers create and implement organizational fundraising strategies. Both professional classes operate in their employer’s upper management levels.

Median Annual Salary (May 2021):$119,860

Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Manager

Advertising, promotions, and marketing managers develop and oversee programs to generate interest in products or services. They typically direct their employer’s overall marketing or advertising strategy in coordination with other executives and departmental leaders. Advertising, promotions, and marketing managers also commonly work with advertising agents, art directors, and other creative personnel to craft a unified and cohesive strategic approach.

Median Annual Salary (May 2021):$133,380

Market Research Analyst

Market research analysts research consumer desires, market conditions, and other high-impact factors to inform organizational marketing and sales strategies. They closely examine prevailing trends and attempt to predict their effects on sales. Market research analysts may also evaluate past marketing strategies and work to uncover new and innovative ways to gather insights from consumer data.

Median Annual Salary (May 2021):$63,920

Public Relations Not for You? Check Out These Related Careers.

Continuing Education

In general, a master’s degree typically serves as the highest level of education required in the public relations field. Some master’s graduates may go on to pursue doctoral programs in public relations. Others may decide on Ph.D. programs in communications, which explore similar topics in a research-based context.

A Ph.D. is usually for candidates interested in academic and research careers. Public relations professionals may seek to improve their career prospects with certifications from organizations such as the Global Communication Certification Council.

How Do I Choose an Online Master’s in Public Relations Program?

Students must consider many objective and subjective factors when researching online master’s in public relations programs. Common examples include:

  • Program costs
  • School location
  • Delivery format(s)
  • Student support services
  • Institutional and programmatic accreditation

You may have additional or different priorities, depending on your situation. For instance, some learners prefer programs with diverse student bodies. Others may place more value on the school or program’s reputation with employers, and the school-to-job pipelines created through recruitment programs and career services.

One way to approach the question of which program to choose is to identify the one thing you hope to get out of your schooling above all else. Then, use that as your starting point as you evaluate and compare school and program options.

Best Accredited Online Master’s in Public Relations Programs

Rankings compiled by the the BestColleges Ranking Team

#1

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA4 yearCampus + Online

$46,272

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$46,272

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

11%

Acceptance Rate

17%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$57,256

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$57,256

Retention Rate

96%

Students Enrolled

48,321

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$46,272

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$46,272

Los Angeles, CA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$46,272

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$46,272

Acceptance Rate

11%

Online Enrollment

17%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$57,256

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$57,256

Retention Rate

96%

Students Enrolled

48,321

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#2

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL4 yearCampus + Online

$14,997

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$28,404

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

59%

Acceptance Rate

39%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$14,188

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$33,127

Retention Rate

93%

Students Enrolled

51,605

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,997

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,404

Champaign, IL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,997

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,404

Acceptance Rate

59%

Online Enrollment

39%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$14,188

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$33,127

Retention Rate

93%

Students Enrolled

51,605

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#3

George Washington University

Washington, DC4 yearCampus + Online

$31,770

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$31,770

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

41%

Acceptance Rate

22%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$54,453

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$54,453

Retention Rate

92%

Students Enrolled

27,814

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$31,770

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$31,770

Washington, DC4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$31,770

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$31,770

Acceptance Rate

41%

Online Enrollment

22%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$54,453

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$54,453

Retention Rate

92%

Students Enrolled

27,814

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#4

Webster University

Saint Louis, MO4 yearCampus + Online

$13,500

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,500

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

57%

Acceptance Rate

48%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$28,500

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,500

Retention Rate

79%

Students Enrolled

9,860

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,500

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,500

Saint Louis, MO4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,500

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,500

Acceptance Rate

57%

Online Enrollment

48%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$28,500

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,500

Retention Rate

79%

Students Enrolled

9,860

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#5

Purdue University-Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN4 yearCampus + Online

$9,208

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$28,010

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

60%

Acceptance Rate

22%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,208

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,010

Retention Rate

91%

Students Enrolled

45,500

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,208

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,010

West Lafayette, IN4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,208

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,010

Acceptance Rate

60%

Online Enrollment

22%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,208

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,010

Retention Rate

91%

Students Enrolled

45,500

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#6

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX4 yearCampus + Online

$5,958

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,428

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

69%

Acceptance Rate

52%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,744

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,704

Retention Rate

87%

Students Enrolled

38,742

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,958

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,428

Lubbock, TX4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,958

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,428

Acceptance Rate

69%

Online Enrollment

52%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,744

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,704

Retention Rate

87%

Students Enrolled

38,742

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#7

University of Louisiana at Monroe

Monroe, LA4 yearCampus + Online

$6,490

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$18,590

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

80%

Acceptance Rate

43%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,788

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,888

Retention Rate

73%

Students Enrolled

8,673

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,490

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,590

Monroe, LA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,490

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,590

Acceptance Rate

80%

Online Enrollment

43%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,788

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,888

Retention Rate

73%

Students Enrolled

8,673

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#8

Marist College

Poughkeepsie, NY4 yearCampus + Online

$15,300

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$15,300

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

49%

Acceptance Rate

23%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$39,925

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$39,925

Retention Rate

88%

Students Enrolled

6,738

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$15,300

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,300

Poughkeepsie, NY4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$15,300

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,300

Acceptance Rate

49%

Online Enrollment

23%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$39,925

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$39,925

Retention Rate

88%

Students Enrolled

6,738

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#9

Sam Houston State University

Huntsville, TX4 yearCampus + Online

$5,765

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,361

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

83%

Acceptance Rate

53%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,856

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,984

Retention Rate

75%

Students Enrolled

21,558

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,765

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,361

Huntsville, TX4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,765

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,361

Acceptance Rate

83%

Online Enrollment

53%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,856

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,984

Retention Rate

75%

Students Enrolled

21,558

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#10

Ball State University

Muncie, IN4 yearCampus + Online

$8,850

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$21,954

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

77%

Acceptance Rate

44%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,358

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,138

Retention Rate

75%

Students Enrolled

22,443

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,850

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,954

Muncie, IN4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,850

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,954

Acceptance Rate

77%

Online Enrollment

44%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,358

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,138

Retention Rate

75%

Students Enrolled

22,443

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Frequently Asked Questions About Master’s in Public Relations Programs

Is a master’s in public relations worth it?

Earning a master’s in public relations can prepare candidates to pursue advanced career paths in the field. These jobs usually come with greater responsibilities and higher salary potential. Given the potential for job growth in the field, earning a master’s can be a practical choice for improving your professional outcomes.

If you’re considering graduate school, earning a master’s degree online eliminates some of the biggest obstacles associated with going back to school, such as moving to a new city. You also may be able to keep your current job while in school.

What can I do with a master’s in public relations?

A master’s in public relations can prepare you for higher-level jobs in public relations, communications, fundraising, marketing, and advertising. Graduates commonly pursue careers such as public relations specialist or public relations director. You also may find employment in other fields, such as government and nonprofit work.

Public relations is a versatile discipline. Any organization that offers goods or services needs some level of public communication. This makes the degree applicable to almost any professional field. Industries as diverse as education, media, and religious services all make use of public relations strategies.

Are public relations majors in demand?

The BLS projects strong growth for many jobs in the public relations field from 2020-2030. Jobs for public relations specialists are projected to grow 8%, which is higher than the national average. Jobs for fundraisers are expected to grow 11%. Jobs for market research analysts should grow 19%, a rate far higher than the national average of 5%.

Other careers related to public relations also are expected to experience relatively stable growth through 2031. The BLS projects jobs for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers to grow 10%. Holding a master’s degree may increase your chances of landing a job in the public relations industry.

How much money can I make with a master’s in public relations?

Master’s degree-holders often may move into upper-level positions with higher salaries. Public relations specialists and public relations managers earn an annual median salary of $62,800 and $118,430, respectively. This wide range demonstrates the salary potential in the field and the gains that can come with advanced education and professional experience.

In general, salary levels in the public relations field vary according to experience level, location, and industry of employment. For example, public relations managers employed at private companies earn an annual median salary of $125,780.

What are the highest-paying jobs with a master’s in public relations?

Three of the top-paid career paths available to candidates with a master’s in public relations include marketing managers, PR managers, and fundraising managers. According to BLS data from May 2021, marketing managers earned a median salary of $133,380 per year. In May 2021, PR managers and fundraising managers posted median earnings of $125,780 per year and $100,810 per year, respectively.

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