{"id":28741,"date":"2021-04-27T14:00:59","date_gmt":"2021-04-27T18:00:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/?post_type=bu-program-page&#038;p=28741"},"modified":"2026-07-09T15:00:50","modified_gmt":"2026-07-09T19:00:50","slug":"ms-in-public-relations","status":"publish","type":"bu-program-page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/programs\/public-relations\/ms-in-public-relations\/","title":{"rendered":"MS in Public Relations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-group-fullwidth has-bucom-black-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"background-color:#ffffff\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<h4>Program notes<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>No GRE required<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/admissions\/graduate\/tuition-scholarships-aid\/\">Merit scholarships available,<\/a>\u00a0with no additional application needed<\/li><li>Current BU students + alumni: learn about the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/grad\/double-terrier-scholarship\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/grad\/double-terrier-scholarship\/\">Double Terrier scholarship<\/a><\/li><li>Available full-time or part-time<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link\" href=\"https:\/\/bu-com.cas.myliaison.com\/\">Apply Now<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/prospective-graduate-student-events\/\">upcoming info sessions<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3>What is Public Relations?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Trust takes years to build\u2014and minutes to lose. Great public relations professionals know how to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Public relations is the practice of building relationships between organizations and the people who matter most to them\u2014from customers, investors, and policymakers to journalists, employees, and communities. Today&#8217;s PR professionals don&#8217;t just communicate on behalf of organizations. They help shape strategy, manage reputations, guide organizations through  change, and build lasting public trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you&#8217;re entering straight from an undergraduate program or pivoting into public relations from a different industry, you&#8217;ll find a collaborative environment here to meet the universal demand for strategic, credible communication. That&#8217;s why our graduates work everywhere, leading teams inside global PR agencies, Fortune 500 companies, massive healthcare systems, tech startups, professional sports organizations, and international nonprofits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Why choose BU&#8217;s MS in Public Relations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"\/com\/files\/2025\/02\/Education-A-List.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41478\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/files\/2025\/02\/Education-A-List.png 600w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/files\/2025\/02\/Education-A-List-450x300.png 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Built on legacy. Designed for the future.<\/strong> BU launched the world&#8217;s first university-run PR degree in 1947. This deep institutional history means our curriculum has evolved alongside the media landscape itself\u2014from the birth of modern press relations to today&#8217;s AI-driven media landscape. When employers see BU PR on a resume, they know it represents the gold standard of strategic communication.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"\/com\/files\/2025\/02\/231127_BUIBM-016-2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/files\/2025\/02\/231127_BUIBM-016-2.png 600w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/files\/2025\/02\/231127_BUIBM-016-2-450x300.png 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Faculty with credentials that go beyond the classroom.<\/strong> BU is the only university in the nation with two dedicated, endowed professorships in PR. Our faculty includes the Editor-in-Chief of the <em>Journal of Public Relations Research<\/em>, executive veterans from Fortune 200 corporations, and national award-winners from <em>PR News<\/em> and the Diversity Action Alliance. You&#8217;ll learn directly from the experts shaping global communication policy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"\/com\/files\/2025\/02\/231103_PRoBono-051.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41482\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/files\/2025\/02\/231103_PRoBono-051.png 600w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/files\/2025\/02\/231103_PRoBono-051-450x300.png 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Real clients. Real stakes. On campus. <\/strong>Founded in 1978, <a href=\"http:\/\/prlabbu.com\">PRLab<\/a> is the world&#8217;s longest-standing student-run PR agency. You won&#8217;t just discuss hypothetical case studies\u2014you&#8217;ll join account teams managing campaigns for global brands, tech startups, and municipal nonprofits. You&#8217;ll graduate with a professional portfolio, quantifiable campaign metrics, and corporate references already locked in.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"\/com\/files\/2025\/02\/ms-pr-customize-promo.jpg\" alt=\"Woman writing on a white board in front of a group of people. \" class=\"wp-image-41499\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/files\/2025\/02\/ms-pr-customize-promo.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/files\/2025\/02\/ms-pr-customize-promo-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Build the degree around your goals.<\/strong> Study full-time or part-time. The program flexes to fit your life. Choose electives in crisis communication, health, politics, corporate affairs, social media, and more. Or spend a semester interning in London.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3>Where MS in public relations graduates go<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Reputations aren&#8217;t built by accident. They&#8217;re built through thoughtful communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Public relations is seeing a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/management\/public-relations-managers.htm\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/management\/public-relations-managers.htm\"><strong>projected<\/strong><\/a><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/management\/public-relations-managers.htm\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/management\/public-relations-managers.htm\"> 7% growth surge <\/a>over the next decade<\/strong><meta charset=\"utf-8\">\u2014outpacing the national average for most industries. As organizations face increasingly volatile media environments, polarizing social conversations, and new platforms, the demand for credible, strategic communicators has never been higher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Every organization has a reputation. The organizations that thrive are the ones that know how to protect it. All sectors\u2014from Silicon Valley startups and Wall Street finance giants to healthcare networks, sports franchises, and public policy groups\u2014need experts who can build trust and steady the ship through constant change. That&#8217;s exactly why a BU PR degree carries universal currency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Example alumni roles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Executive leadership:<\/strong> Chief Communications Officer (CCO), Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Agency Founder<\/li><li><strong>Strategic management:<\/strong> Public Relations Manager, Crisis and Reputation Management Advisor, Corporate Communications Manager, Public Affairs Officer<\/li><li><strong>Digital + media tracks:<\/strong> Media Relations Strategist, Digital Content Strategist, Social Media Director, Influencer Relations Specialist<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3>Example employers by industry<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Global communication agencies:<\/strong> <em>Edelman, Ogilvy, Burson, Weber Shandwick, FleishmanHillard, BCW Global, Ruder Finn, Baldwin Boyle Group, Hencove Marketing<\/em><\/li><li><strong>Entertainment, sports, + consumer brands:<\/strong> <em>Reality Labs at Meta, MPRM Communications, Elevate 1850, Hasbro, Sotheby\u2019s, Naked Group, Signet Jewelers, KIND<\/em><\/li><li><strong>Corporate, tech, + finance leaders:<\/strong> <em>Citi, Wells Fargo, Dropbox, OneSignal, Union Pacific<\/em><\/li><li><strong>Biotech + healthcare leaders:<\/strong> <em>Biogen<\/em><\/li><li><strong>Government, public affairs, + nonprofits:<\/strong> <em>Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor, Amnesty International, the United Nations<\/em><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>BU COM\u2019s reputation as one of the nation\u2019s best for PR and lengthy list of notable alumni are what initially caught my eye. PRLab was one of the top reasons I ultimately chose BU. I also chose BU for the networking opportunities it offered and ultimately delivered &#8212; attending the Page Society Spring Summit and joining the PR Club of New England Board.<\/p><cite>Clay Patrick, alumnus and public relations manager at Walker Sands<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3>What you\u2019ll learn in the MS in Public Relations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Every organization has a reputation. Public relations shapes how the world understands it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The BU PR master&#8217;s curriculum combines strategic communication, analytics, and hands-on experience to prepare you for leadership in today&#8217;s fast-moving communication landscape. Through seven core courses and five electives, you&#8217;ll build the writing, research, and strategic decision-making skills needed to advise organizations, manage reputation, and lead with confidence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Core areas of expertise:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Reputation strategy:<\/strong> Build communication strategies that strengthen reputation and earn long-term trust.<\/li><li><strong>Multi-platform communication:<\/strong> Create strategic content across traditional, digital, and internal communication channels. <\/li><li><strong>Crisis + change mitigation:<\/strong> Lead communication through organizational change, leadership transitions, and public crises.<\/li><li><strong>Data-driven measurement:<\/strong> Measure campaign performance and use analytics to demonstrate communication impact.<\/li><li><strong>Agile media relations:<\/strong> Build productive partnerships with journalists, editors, influencers, and other media partners.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tailor your degree through electives<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Customize your five electives to build expertise in the areas that match your interests and career goals, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Crisis control:<\/strong> Crisis Communication &amp; Reputation Management<\/li><li><strong>Corporate + policy:<\/strong> Corporate Communication, Public Affairs, &amp; Political Opinions<\/li><li><strong>Modern branding:<\/strong> Marketing Communication, Brand Strategy, &amp; Influencer Relations<\/li><li><strong>Digital innovation:<\/strong> Social Media Strategy &amp; Multi-Channel Campaigns<\/li><li><strong>Global advocacy:<\/strong> International Public Relations, Public Policy, &amp; Health Campaigns<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You&#8217;ll graduate knowing not just how to communicate, but how to serve as a trusted advisor who helps executive teams build lasting relationships and make better organizational decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/programs\/public-relations\/ms-in-public-relations\/degree-requirements\/\">View full course list \u2192 <\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3>Real experience before you graduate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The best way to become a trusted advisor is to start advising real clients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.prlabbu.com\/\"><strong>PRLab<\/strong><\/a><strong>: <\/strong>COM&#8217;s student-run communications agency operates like a fast-paced professional firm. You&#8217;ll work with real clients, deliver measurable results, and graduate with client references and a portfolio that demonstrates the impact you can make.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>In-house and agency internships<\/strong>: Our students regularly secure competitive internships at leading agencies, global brands, and nonprofit organizations, including: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Global agencies:<\/strong> <em>Edelman, Burson, Weber Shandwick, FleishmanHillard, Ketchum<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>In-house brands + organizations:<\/strong> <em>Boston Red Sox, Bank of America, Fidelity Investments, Biogen, Amnesty International, the United Nations<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many of these organizations\u2014including Ketchum\u2014regularly hire COM at BU students as interns and full-time employees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>London Graduate Summer Program<\/strong>: Spend your third semester in one of the world&#8217;s leading communication capitals. Through BU&#8217;s <meta charset=\"utf-8\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/abroad\/programs\/london-graduate-mass-communication-program\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/abroad\/programs\/london-graduate-mass-communication-program\/\">London Graduate Mass Communication Summer Program<\/a>, you can take advanced courses while interning with PR firms, creative agencies, startups, or international advocacy organizations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>PRSSA<\/strong>: Connect with industry leaders, alumni, and peers through BU&#8217;s Edward L. Bernays Chapter of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.buprssa.com\/\">Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA)<\/a>. Members participate in networking events, conferences, professional development workshops, and national competitions. Since 2019, BU students have won the prestigious <a href=\"https:\/\/page.org\/knowledge-base\/2024-student-case-study-competition-grand-prize-winner-defending-community-lyft-texas-senate-bill-8\/\">Page Society Case Study Competition<\/a> three times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"block-featured-content block-featured-content-bu-article layout-left-thumbnail\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"block-featured-content__image\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img width=\"758\" height=\"460\" src=\"\/com\/files\/2025\/03\/com-365-kelly-sullivan-ai-758x460.jpg\" class=\"attachment-bucom_card_large size-bucom_card_large\" alt=\"Kelly Sullivan headshot\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div class=\"block-featured-content__content\">\n\t\t<span class=\"block-featured-content__category\">Articles<\/span>\n\n\t\t<h2 class=\"block-featured-content__title\">The New Thought Leader<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"block-featured-content__excerpt\">\n\t\t\t\t<p>Kelly Sullivan is an artificial intelligence evangelist. Two years after ChatGPT made generative AI publicly accessible, she\u2019s helping organizations put&hellip;<\/p>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<a class=\"block-featured-content__button button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/articles\/the-new-thought-leader\/\">\n\t\t\tLearn More\t\t\t<span class=\"u-visually-hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t About \t\t\t\tThe New Thought Leader\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Meet the Public Relations faculty<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Our faculty have led agencies, advised Fortune 200 companies, shaped nonprofit strategy, and helped define the profession  through influential research. They bring current communication challenges, executive insight, and decades of leadership experience into every course. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>BU is the only university in the nation with two endowed professorships in PR<meta charset=\"utf-8\">\u2014a reflection of BU&#8217;s leadership in public relations education. You&#8217;ll be mentored by faculty with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Professional leadership<\/strong>: Editor in chief, <em>Journal of Public Relations Research<\/em>; members of the Arthur W. Page Society<\/li><li><strong>National recognition<\/strong>: <em>PR News<\/em> Top Educator; two-time <em>PR News<\/em> Top Women in PR; Outstanding Educator Award (PRSA); Distinguished Communicator of Color Award<\/li><li><strong>Industry experience<\/strong>: Executives from Fortune 200 companies<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>Mentoring, teaching, and engaging students is a passion that I never even knew I had until I started doing it. In short, the lesson I learned is that no matter how old you are or how long you\u2019ve been working in a particular job or industry, you might just be lucky enough to find something even more special that you didn\u2019t even know existed.<\/p><cite><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/profile\/laura-hannon\/\">Laura Hannon<\/a>, Associate Professor of the Practice, Public Relations<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\t<div class=\"related-content related-profiles\">\n\t\t<div class=\"related-content__header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"related-content__title\">\n\t\t\t\t\tMeet the Public Relations Faculty\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"related-content__more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/profiles\/faculty\/?discipline=public-relations\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMore\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<div class=\"related-content__list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"profile-card post-43435 profile type-profile status-publish hentry discipline-type-public-relations profile-type-faculty\">\n\t<a class=\"profile-card__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/profile\/aimee-christian\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"profile-card__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<img width=\"310\" height=\"504\" src=\"\/com\/files\/2025\/09\/aimee-christian-portrait-310x504.jpg\" class=\"attachment-bucom_profile size-bucom_profile\" alt=\"Aimee Christian smiling portrait.\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"profile-card__information\">\n\t\t\t<h4 class=\"profile-card__name\">Aimee Christian<\/h4>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5 class=\"profile-card__title\">Professor of the Practice, Public Relations<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"profile-card post-1761 profile type-profile status-publish hentry discipline-type-public-relations profile-type-faculty\">\n\t<a class=\"profile-card__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/profile\/amy-shanler\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"profile-card__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<img width=\"310\" height=\"350\" src=\"\/com\/files\/2015\/08\/amy-shanler-profile.jpg\" class=\"attachment-bucom_profile size-bucom_profile\" alt=\"Portrait of Amy Shanler\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"profile-card__information\">\n\t\t\t<h4 class=\"profile-card__name\">Amy Shanler<\/h4>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5 class=\"profile-card__title\">Professor of the Practice, Public Relations<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"profile-card post-40276 profile type-profile status-publish hentry discipline-type-public-relations profile-type-faculty profile-type-researcher\">\n\t<a class=\"profile-card__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/profile\/april-yue\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"profile-card__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<img width=\"310\" height=\"298\" src=\"\/com\/files\/2024\/11\/Crop22024-Headshot_April-Yue_007-424x636-1-310x298.jpg\" class=\"attachment-bucom_profile size-bucom_profile\" alt=\"April Yue smiling portrait.\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"profile-card__information\">\n\t\t\t<h4 class=\"profile-card__name\">April Yue<\/h4>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5 class=\"profile-card__title\">PhD, Assistant Professor, Public Relations<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"profile-card post-8041 profile type-profile status-publish hentry discipline-type-public-relations profile-type-faculty profile-type-researcher\">\n\t<a class=\"profile-card__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/profile\/arunima-krishna\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"profile-card__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<img width=\"310\" height=\"351\" src=\"\/com\/files\/2016\/09\/Arunima-Krishna--e1473273520915-310x351.jpg\" class=\"attachment-bucom_profile size-bucom_profile\" alt=\"Arunima Krishna\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"profile-card__information\">\n\t\t\t<h4 class=\"profile-card__name\">Arunima Krishna<\/h4>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5 class=\"profile-card__title\">PhD, Associate Professor, Public Relations<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"profile-card post-43432 profile type-profile status-publish hentry discipline-type-public-relations profile-type-faculty\">\n\t<a class=\"profile-card__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/profile\/carla-kath\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"profile-card__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<img width=\"310\" height=\"504\" src=\"\/com\/files\/2025\/09\/Carla-Headshot-2024-BGM-e1757608605843-310x504.jpg\" class=\"attachment-bucom_profile size-bucom_profile\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"profile-card__information\">\n\t\t\t<h4 class=\"profile-card__name\">Carla Kath<\/h4>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5 class=\"profile-card__title\">Lecturer, Public Relations<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"profile-card post-1779 profile type-profile status-publish hentry discipline-type-public-relations profile-type-faculty profile-type-researcher\">\n\t<a class=\"profile-card__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/profile\/donald-k-wright\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"profile-card__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<img width=\"310\" height=\"350\" src=\"\/com\/files\/2015\/08\/Wright_Donald-310x350.jpg\" class=\"attachment-bucom_profile size-bucom_profile\" alt=\"Donald K. Wright\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"profile-card__information\">\n\t\t\t<h4 class=\"profile-card__name\">Donald K. Wright<\/h4>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5 class=\"profile-card__title\">PhD, Professor Emeritus, Public Relations<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Study in Boston: a connected media ecosystem<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Boston is a living case study for public relations. As a national hub for healthcare, biotechnology, higher education, venture capital, nonprofits, and professional sports, the city is home to global PR agencies, Fortune 500 companies, healthcare systems, startups, and mission-driven organizations. At BU, your classroom extends into one of the country&#8217;s most dynamic communication markets, connecting you with agencies and organizations where reputation, trust, and strategic communication shape real-world decisions.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Program details at a glance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Degree:<\/strong> Master of Science (MS)<\/li><li><strong>Credits:<\/strong> 48<\/li><li><strong>Courses:<\/strong> 12<\/li><li><strong>Length:<\/strong> 3 semesters<\/li><li><strong>Format:<\/strong> On campus; full-time or part-time<\/li><li><strong>GRE:<\/strong> Not required<\/li><li><strong>Scholarships:<\/strong> Merit scholarships available\u2014no separate application required<\/li><li><strong>Double Terrier:<\/strong> Scholarship available for current BU undergraduate students and alumni<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3>Frequently asked questions about the MS in Public Relations at BU<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4>What&#8217;s the difference between public relations and marketing?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Marketing focuses primarily on product promotion, sales funnels, and customer acquisition. Public relations focuses on the overarching relationship layer\u2014building institutional trust, protecting corporate reputation, and earning credibility among journalists, investors, policymakers, and communities. PR provides the strategic discipline that makes marketing campaigns successful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4>Do PR professionals still need media relations skills in the age of social media?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Absolutely. Media relations is still a vital pillar of PR, but it has expanded. Today&#8217;s professionals don&#8217;t just pitch traditional journalists; they manage multi-channel strategies involving creators, digital platforms, internal employees, and direct-to-consumer newsrooms to ensure an organization communicates consistently everywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>Why does it matter that BU<\/strong> launched the world&#8217;s first university-run PR degree?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>It means you are inheriting an active global alumni network that has led and defined the public relations industry for nearly 80 years. While our curriculum features cutting-edge strategies in AI tool integration, digital listening, and real-time social analytics, our foundational focus on combining academic rigor with deep, hands-on client agency execution remains unchanged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4>Can I study part-time?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes. The MS in Public Relations is available full-time (three semesters) or part-time to accommodate professional schedules. Contact COM Graduate Affairs for details on the part-time track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4>Do I need a background in PR or communication to apply?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>No. Our cohorts include students from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds, including humanities, business, international relations, and sciences. We teach you strategic communication from the ground up\u2014what matters most is excellent writing potential, analytical curiosity, and a passion for storytelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4>Is there an opportunity to study or intern abroad?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes. The BU London Graduate Mass Communication Summer Program allows MS in PR students to spend a semester in London taking courses and completing internships at PR and advertising agencies, startups, and nonprofits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/programs\/public-relations\/ms-in-public-relations\/frequently-asked-questions\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/programs\/public-relations\/ms-in-public-relations\/frequently-asked-questions\/\">See all MS in PR frequently asked questions \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Also worth exploring<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn more about our other <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/admissions\/graduate\/\">graduate programs<\/a> in communication and media, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/academics\/advertising\/ms-in-advertising\/\" target=\"_blank\">MS in Advertising<\/a><\/strong>: For students focused on brand strategy, creative campaigns, and consumer insight \u2014 with hands-on experience through AdLab.<\/li><li><strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/academics\/media-science\/ms-in-media-science\/\" target=\"_blank\">MS in Media Science<\/a><\/strong>: For students who want to understand how media messages influence audiences \u2014 with concentrations in health, politics, and marketing communication.<\/li><li><strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/academics\/journalism\/ms-in-journalism\/\" target=\"_blank\">MS in Journalism: <\/a><\/strong>For students who want to work on the editorial side \u2014 reporting, multimedia storytelling, and investigative journalism.<\/li><li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/academics\/public-relations\/master-of-science-in-strategic-integrated-communication\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/academics\/public-relations\/master-of-science-in-strategic-integrated-communication\/\">MS in Strategic Integrated Communication (online)<\/a>:<\/strong> A fully online master&#8217;s for working professionals who want to lead at the intersection of branding, integrated marketing, crisis communication, and digital strategy.<\/li><li><strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/academics\/public-relations\/graduate-certificate-in-civic-science-communication\/\" target=\"_blank\">Graduate Certificate in Civic Science Communication (Online)<\/a><\/strong>: A four-course online certificate for professionals who need to communicate scientific topics clearly to public audiences.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\"><p><script>\n  window.unibuddySettings = {\n    uni_id: 'boston-university-college-of-communication',\n    colour: 'CC0000',\n    domain: 'https:\/\/popcard.unibuddy.co\/',\n    title: 'Unibuddy Popcard',\n    align: 'right',\n    ubLang: 'en-US',\n    ubCookieConsent: 'necessary',\n  };\n<\/script><br \/>\n<script src=\"https:\/\/cdn.unibuddy.co\/unibuddy-popcard.js\" type=\"text\/javascript\"><\/script><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"block-cta block-cta-button\">\n\t<div class=\"block-cta__content\">\n\t\t<h2 class=\"block-cta__title\">Interested in our MS in Public Relations?<\/h2>\n\t\t<p class=\"block-cta__description\"><\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<div class=\"block-cta__cta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"block-cta__button button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/admissions\/graduate\/request-information\/\">\n\t\t\t\tRequest Info\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t<div class=\"related-content related-articles\">\n\t\t<div class=\"related-content__header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"related-content__title\">\n\t\t\t\t\tPR News\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"related-content__more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/articles\/?category=public-relations\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMore\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<div class=\"related-content__list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"article-card post-46451 bu-article type-bu-article status-publish has-post-thumbnail hentry category-alumni category-public-relations bu-publication-test\">\n\t<div class=\"article-card__link\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"article-card__cat\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"article-card__cat-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"article-card__cat-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/category\/alumni\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAlumni\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"article-card__cat-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"article-card__cat-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/category\/public-relations\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPublic Relations\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"article-card__heading\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"article-card__heading-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/articles\/com-grad-turns-cockroach-insult-of-india-youth-into-massive-online-movement\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"article-card__title\">\n\t\t\t\t\tCOM grad turns cockroach insult of India youth into massive online movement\t\t\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"article-card__image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/articles\/com-grad-turns-cockroach-insult-of-india-youth-into-massive-online-movement\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"article-card__image\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img width=\"758\" height=\"460\" src=\"\/com\/files\/2026\/06\/cjp-758x460.jpg\" class=\"attachment-bucom_card_large size-bucom_card_large\" alt=\"Cockroach Janta Party\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"article-card__date\">June 8, 2026<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"article-card post-45850 bu-article type-bu-article status-publish has-post-thumbnail hentry category-alumni category-public-relations\">\n\t<div class=\"article-card__link\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"article-card__cat\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"article-card__cat-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"article-card__cat-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/category\/alumni\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAlumni\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"article-card__cat-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"article-card__cat-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/category\/public-relations\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPublic Relations\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"article-card__heading\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"article-card__heading-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/articles\/2026\/an-alum-shares-the-best-of-boston\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"article-card__title\">\n\t\t\t\t\tAn Alum Shares the Best of Boston\t\t\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"article-card__image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/articles\/2026\/an-alum-shares-the-best-of-boston\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"article-card__image\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img width=\"750\" height=\"446\" src=\"\/com\/files\/2026\/04\/BucketlistBoston.png\" class=\"attachment-bucom_card_large size-bucom_card_large\" alt=\"A photo of Kate Weiser walking on Boston&#039;s street.\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/files\/2026\/04\/BucketlistBoston.png 750w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/files\/2026\/04\/BucketlistBoston-636x378.png 636w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"article-card__date\">April 1, 2026<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"article-card post-45751 bu-article type-bu-article status-publish has-post-thumbnail hentry category-public-relations tag-abroad tag-london\">\n\t<div class=\"article-card__link\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"article-card__cat\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"article-card__cat-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"article-card__cat-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/category\/public-relations\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPublic Relations\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"article-card__heading\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"article-card__heading-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/articles\/london-spring-break-trip-gives-students-experience-on-a-global-level\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"article-card__title\">\n\t\t\t\t\tLondon Spring Break Trip Gives Students Experience on a Global Level\t\t\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"article-card__image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/articles\/london-spring-break-trip-gives-students-experience-on-a-global-level\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"article-card__image\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img width=\"758\" height=\"460\" src=\"\/com\/files\/2026\/03\/jazz-Pharma-16-9-758x460.jpg\" class=\"attachment-bucom_card_large size-bucom_card_large\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"article-card__date\">March 26, 2026<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Program notes No GRE required Merit scholarships available,\u00a0with no additional application needed Current BU students + alumni: learn about the&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16717,"featured_media":29274,"parent":28708,"menu_order":1,"template":"","meta":{"_editor_template":""},"bu_progs_page-type":[1492],"bu_progs_degree-option":[1562],"bu_progs_education-level":[1594],"bu_progs_department-affiliation":[],"bu_progs_format":[],"bu_progs_availability":[],"bu_progs_location":[],"interest":[],"discipline-type":[1426],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu-program-page\/28741"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu-program-page"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/bu-program-page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/16717"}],"version-history":[{"count":49,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu-program-page\/28741\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":47103,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu-program-page\/28741\/revisions\/47103"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu-program-page\/28708"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/29274"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=28741"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_page-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_page-type?post=28741"},{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_degree-option","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_degree-option?post=28741"},{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_education-level","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_education-level?post=28741"},{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_department-affiliation","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_department-affiliation?post=28741"},{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_format","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_format?post=28741"},{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_availability","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_availability?post=28741"},{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_location","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_location?post=28741"},{"taxonomy":"interest","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/interest?post=28741"},{"taxonomy":"discipline-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/discipline-type?post=28741"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}