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Public Relations: Graduate Program

This degree is developed to recognize that in today's society, public relations professionals are employed in a wide variety of settings in business, government, and nonprofit organizations. The goal of the curriculum is to educate students for careers in communication-based activities in such organizations. Students are prepared not just for entry-level positions, but for advancement in their selected fields.

Initial courses provide an overview of contemporary public relations, the nature of human communication, and the role of the media. Students then choose at least one area of specialization for more advanced work. They must develop the ability to write clearly and concisely in the formats of contemporary media, addressing specific audience segments. In addition, because public relations is a management function, the curriculum includes courses that provide a professional focus as well as those in theory and research. Students studying public relations will augment their degree by taking electives in the following fields: non-profit, corporate, and international.

Curriculum

Download the curriculum guide for the Master of Science Degree in Public Relations.

Requirements
  • 12 courses/48 credits
  • You must also pass a Master's Comprehensive Exam (see COM Bulletin). In some cases, students can prepare a thesis or a professional project.
Summary of Course Requirements
  • 7 required courses
  • 3 public relations electives
  • 2 general electives (See recommended elective sequences in the COM Bulletin)
Required Courses (7)
  • CM 701 Contemporary Public Relations
  • CM 710 Communication Theory
  • CM 722 Communication Research
  • CM 742 Media Relations (CM 701 and CM 705/707)
  • CO 700 Financial & Strategic Management for Communication Professionals

Choose one from:

  • CM 705 Writing for International Students or
  • CM 707 Writing for Media Professionals

Choose one from:

  • CM 709 Corporate Public Affairs (CM 701)
  • CM 715 Public Relations in Non-profit Settings (CM 701)
  • CM 734 Governmental PR (CM 701)

Note: Special courses (CM 561 or CM 562) may be used as a public relations elective with advisor and chairman approval.

The London Internship Program provides 8 elective credits as well as CM 738, International Marketing Communication (4 cr.) and CM 809, Internship (4 cr.). The elective courses are CM 744, International Media (4 cr.) and CM 745, Comparative Political Systems (4 cr.).

It is strongly suggested that you consult with your advisor before each registration period. This will help you to follow the curriculum correctly. All curriculum questions should be addressed with your advisor. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that all graduation requirements are met.

Public Relations Electives (3)
  • CM 507 Social Activism and Public Relations
  • CM 513 Investor Relations (CM 701)
  • CM 515 Community Relations (CM 701)
  • CM 522 Managing Corporate Crises and Issues
  • CM 535 Political Campaigning
  • CM 706 Organizational Communication
  • CM 723 Advanced Communication Research
  • CM 728 International Public Relations
  • CM 730 Marketing Communication
  • CM 738 International Marketing Communication (London only)
  • CM 750 Advanced Writing for Media Professionals (CM 705/707)
  • CM 772 PR Lab
  • CM 809 Internship (4 credit limit)

For complete course descriptions, see the COM bulletin.

Study Abroad

Graduate students in Public Relations, Advertising, Mass Communication and Journalism, or the joint-degree program with International Relations, can opt to finish earlier by taking their third semester in London. Careful planning from the beginning is required. Consult your faculty or academic advisor.

The London Internship Program provides 16 elective credits. Courses include International Media and Comparative Political Systems during the first half of the summer and an internship and generally International Marketing Communication during the second half. Each is a 4-credit course.

Graduate Internships

Taking a graduate internship in any of the major areas of concentration is recommended as it provides valuable experience and networking opportunities. Registering for COM CM 809: Graduate Internship may allow you to receive course credit for an internship you secure.