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Deciding which college to attend can be a daunting task. For many, it will be the most important decision that they make in their lives. To make an informed decision, you have to consider a lot of variables, such as cost of attendance, financial aid, student-teacher ratio, academics, student life, and more. These factors will either positively or negatively impact the quality of education that you receive.
Do you want to acquire a master’s degree in public relations but don’t know what institution you should attend? Well, if you are as ambitious as I was in my late teens, then you want to attend a top school, instead of an average or mediocre one. Fortunately, we have already done the legwork for you. To help you find the right school for your interests and goals, we’ve compiled a list of 2022’s best master’s in public relations programs.
What institution did we omit from this list? Leave your suggestions in the comment section below.
- Georgetown University, Washington, DC
This private research institution is known for its high percentage of learner involvement and activism. This master of public relations and corporate communication degree is designed as a hybrid format that helps learners become experts in the field of public relations. In 30 credits, learners take classes such as communications research, digital crisis management, media relations, and employee engagement and internal communications.
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Situated in a culture and entrepreneurship hub, the University of Southern California has graduated thousands of business leaders and pioneering thinkers. USC has an MA in strategic public relations that most learners finish in about 16 to 20 months. Learners spend the first half of the degree program building their writing and analytical skills.
This degree program makes it possible for learners to become experts in their field. It has three skills specialization areas: computational public relations; digital, interactive and converged communication; and corporate and business communication.
- New York University, New York, NY
This private institution was established in 1831, and its learner body exceeds 50,500 learners in total.
The MS in public relations has two concentrations: corporate and organizational communication or public relations management. Learners have the option of finishing an internship too. Classes include public affairs: public opinion and issues management; crisis communication; investor relations; and public relations consulting. Learners enjoy the vast network of connections that they find at New York University.
- Boston University, Boston, MA
The Boston University College of Communication has an MS in public relations. This program lasts just three semesters but is packed with opportunities to prepare learners for a career. This degree program includes a ton of curriculum add-ons that improve learners experience. The London Internship Program allows learners to travel across the pond for a 12-week study of international marketing communication. Or students may choose the PRLab, which is a learner-run PR agency where learners can get hands-on experience.
- George Washington University, Washington, DC
George Washington University was established on behalf of our nation’s first president. The strategic public relations master’s degree program is designed for working professionals; the degree promotes an international approach in its curriculum.
- University of Georgia, Athens, GA
The flagship institution in the wider state system, the University of Georgia upholds a strong academic reputation, rating 54th in the US among other national institutions. The College of Journalism and Mass Communication combines several MA concentration options, one of which is in public relations. Related options consist of advertising, mass media studies, and emerging media. The PR-specific classes consist of public relations theory, public relations campaigns, public opinion, and research methodology in mass communication.
- Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY
Syracuse University enrolls nearly 22,500 learners each year. The Newhouse School of Public Communications enrolls a close group of graduate learners, which total around 250 learners across subjects. The master’s degree program in public relations is a 13-month degree that requires 36 credits to finish. Classes will cover media law, public relations theory, writing for news and public relations, and visual communications theory and practice.
- University of Denver, Denver, CO
Known as the oldest private institution in the Rocky Mountains, the University of Denver (DU) was established in 1864. The master’s degree in public relations is a flexible and accessible program. Learners can select from popular electives such as branding and marketing positioning, integrating social media, persuasion methods and techniques, and writing digital content. The academic degree program was created for working adults. This means that classes are offered in an array of formats, and the accelerated option gives learners the chance to graduate in just 18 months.
- University of Miami, Miami, FL
The MA in public relations is divided into a thesis and a non-thesis track, requiring 30 to 36 credits. Learners will be able to carve a specialty out of five chosen electives. Coursework includes sports, publicity and promotions; media relations; international public relations; and nonprofit and public information campaigns. This is one of the more costly programs, but learners can offset the costs with an array of scholarships that are specific to the School of Communication. There are close to 30 distinct scholarships awarded to learners.
- Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
MSU’s master of arts in public relations has two unique concentration areas: fundraising and media and information studies. Depending on which of the two concentrations is most interesting, learners can look forward to a curriculum that is catered toward them. A sampling of classes from each area consists of media theory, qualitative research methods, fundraising and philanthropy in nonprofit organizations, and consumer behavior theories.
- Iona College, New Rochelle, NY
Despite its size, Iona College has over 60 undergraduate programs and 45 degrees at the graduate level.
The school’s MA in public relations is a holistic degree program that prepares learners for sector-standard written and digital communication. Candidates earn a total of 36 credit hours, split between core classes, electives, and a culminating project or internship. Here are some classes students take: media law and ethics, converged technologies for public relations, corporate communication, and investor relations.
