{"id":45266,"date":"2026-02-27T15:50:58","date_gmt":"2026-02-27T20:50:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/?post_type=bu-program-page&#038;p=45266"},"modified":"2026-03-16T14:52:24","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T18:52:24","slug":"frequently-asked-questions","status":"publish","type":"bu-program-page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/programs\/public-relations\/ms-in-public-relations\/frequently-asked-questions\/","title":{"rendered":"MS in Public Relations Frequently Asked Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"<article itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/FAQPage\">\n<h2>Program Focus &amp; Experience<\/h2>\n<div itemprop=\"mainEntity\" class=\"icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain js-wp-block-bu-collapsible wp-block-bu-collapsible\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-is-prlab-and-how-do-students-get-hands-on-experience\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\" data-default-open=\"false\">\n<h2 class=\"bu-collapsible-heading\"><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-is-prlab-and-how-do-students-get-hands-on-experience-toggle\" itemprop=\"name\"><strong>What does the MS in Public Relations at Boston University focus on?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-is-prlab-and-how-do-students-get-hands-on-experience-panel\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\">\n<div itemprop=\"text\">\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/programs\/public-relations\/ms-in-public-relations\/\">Master of Science in Public Relations<\/a> (MS in PR) prepares students to become strategic, ethical, and research-driven communication professionals. The program blends public relations theory with hands-on, real-world learning across corporate, nonprofit, agency, and public affairs contexts.Students develop core competencies in media relations, strategic communication management, digital and social media strategy, crisis and reputation management, and stakeholder engagement.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div itemprop=\"mainEntity\" class=\"icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain js-wp-block-bu-collapsible wp-block-bu-collapsible\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-is-prlab-and-how-do-students-get-hands-on-experience\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\" data-default-open=\"false\">\n<h2 class=\"bu-collapsible-heading\"><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-is-prlab-and-how-do-students-get-hands-on-experience-toggle\" itemprop=\"name\"><strong>What is PRLab, and how do students get hands-on experience?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-is-prlab-and-how-do-students-get-hands-on-experience-panel\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\">\n<div itemprop=\"text\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/prlab\/\">PRLab<\/a> is BU\u2019s award-winning, student-run public relations agency\u2014one of the first of its kind in the United States. As a PRLab participant, students work with real clients, including nonprofits, startups and established organizations, to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Develop PR strategies and campaign plans<\/li>\n<li>Write media materials and pitch stories<\/li>\n<li>Manage client relationships<\/li>\n<li>Execute digital, social, and media relations campaigns<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>PRLab provides an authentic agency experience and helps students graduate with a strong, portfolio-ready body of work.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div itemprop=\"mainEntity\" class=\"icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain js-wp-block-bu-collapsible wp-block-bu-collapsible is-open\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-is-prlab-and-how-do-students-get-hands-on-experience\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\" data-default-open=\"false\">\n<h2 class=\"bu-collapsible-heading\"><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-is-prlab-and-how-do-students-get-hands-on-experience-toggle\" itemprop=\"name\"><strong>What other real-world learning opportunities are available?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-is-prlab-and-how-do-students-get-hands-on-experience-panel\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\">\n<div itemprop=\"text\">\n<p>In addition to PRLab, students gain practical experience through:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Internships for academic credit<\/li>\n<li>Course projects with real organizations<\/li>\n<li>Guest speakers from leading agencies, companies, and nonprofits<\/li>\n<li>Case-based assignments and pitch simulations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Faculty frequently bring industry professionals into the classroom, offering mentorship, feedback, and exposure to current PR practices.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div itemprop=\"mainEntity\" class=\"icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain js-wp-block-bu-collapsible wp-block-bu-collapsible\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-is-prlab-and-how-do-students-get-hands-on-experience\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\" data-default-open=\"false\">\n<h2 class=\"bu-collapsible-heading\"><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-is-prlab-and-how-do-students-get-hands-on-experience-toggle\" itemprop=\"name\"><strong>Who teaches in the MS in Public Relations program?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-is-prlab-and-how-do-students-get-hands-on-experience-panel\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\">\n<div itemprop=\"text\">\n<p>Courses are taught by a mix of leading scholars and experienced PR practitioners, including former agency leaders, communication directors, and global consultants. This combination ensures students benefit from both research-driven insight and real-world professional expertise, while building strong faculty mentorship relationships.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div itemprop=\"mainEntity\" class=\"icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain js-wp-block-bu-collapsible wp-block-bu-collapsible\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-is-prlab-and-how-do-students-get-hands-on-experience\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\" data-default-open=\"false\">\n<h2 class=\"bu-collapsible-heading\"><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-is-prlab-and-how-do-students-get-hands-on-experience-toggle\" itemprop=\"name\"><strong>Why study public relations in Boston?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-is-prlab-and-how-do-students-get-hands-on-experience-panel\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\">\n<div itemprop=\"text\">\n<p>Boston is a major hub for communications, technology, healthcare, business, education, and public affairs. The city is home to global brands, top PR agencies, media organizations, startups, and mission-driven nonprofits, providing exceptional opportunities for networking, internships, and career growth throughout the program.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Program Structure &amp; Curriculum<\/h2>\n<div itemprop=\"mainEntity\" class=\"icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain js-wp-block-bu-collapsible wp-block-bu-collapsible\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-is-prlab-and-how-do-students-get-hands-on-experience\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\" data-default-open=\"false\">\n<h2 class=\"bu-collapsible-heading\"><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-is-prlab-and-how-do-students-get-hands-on-experience-toggle\" itemprop=\"name\"><strong>How long does BU&#8217;s MS in Public Relations take to complete?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-is-prlab-and-how-do-students-get-hands-on-experience-panel\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\">\n<div itemprop=\"text\">\n<p>The MS in Public Relations program can be completed in two years for full-time students, with courses offered in the evenings and on weekends to accommodate working professionals.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div itemprop=\"mainEntity\" class=\"icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain js-wp-block-bu-collapsible wp-block-bu-collapsible\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-is-prlab-and-how-do-students-get-hands-on-experience\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\" data-default-open=\"false\">\n<h2 class=\"bu-collapsible-heading\"><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-is-prlab-and-how-do-students-get-hands-on-experience-toggle\" itemprop=\"name\"><strong>What courses are included in the curriculum?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-is-prlab-and-how-do-students-get-hands-on-experience-panel\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\">\n<div itemprop=\"text\">\n<p>The curriculum includes a range of courses designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of public relations theory and practice. Students will explore topics such as crisis communication, digital media, and strategic planning, among others.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div itemprop=\"mainEntity\" class=\"icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain js-wp-block-bu-collapsible wp-block-bu-collapsible\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-is-prlab-and-how-do-students-get-hands-on-experience\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\" data-default-open=\"false\">\n<h2 class=\"bu-collapsible-heading\"><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-is-prlab-and-how-do-students-get-hands-on-experience-toggle\" itemprop=\"name\"><strong>How does the internship or global experience option work?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-is-prlab-and-how-do-students-get-hands-on-experience-panel\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\">\n<div itemprop=\"text\">\n<p>The internship and global experience options allow students to gain practical skills and real-world experience in the field of public relations. These opportunities are designed to complement the academic curriculum and provide students with the chance to apply what they&#8217;ve learned in a professional setting.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div itemprop=\"mainEntity\" class=\"icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain js-wp-block-bu-collapsible wp-block-bu-collapsible\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-is-prlab-and-how-do-students-get-hands-on-experience\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\" data-default-open=\"false\">\n<h2 class=\"bu-collapsible-heading\"><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-is-prlab-and-how-do-students-get-hands-on-experience-toggle\" itemprop=\"name\"><strong>Can I take classes while working full-time?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-is-prlab-and-how-do-students-get-hands-on-experience-panel\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\">\n<div itemprop=\"text\">\n<p>Yes, many of our courses are offered in the evenings and on weekends, making it possible to balance your studies with full-time work commitments.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div itemprop=\"mainEntity\" class=\"icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain js-wp-block-bu-collapsible wp-block-bu-collapsible\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-is-prlab-and-how-do-students-get-hands-on-experience\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\" data-default-open=\"false\">\n<h2 class=\"bu-collapsible-heading\"><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-is-prlab-and-how-do-students-get-hands-on-experience-toggle\" itemprop=\"name\"><strong>What makes BU&#8217;s MS in Public Relations unique?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-is-prlab-and-how-do-students-get-hands-on-experience-panel\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\">\n<div itemprop=\"text\">\n<p>Boston University launched the first graduate degree in public relations in the United States (1947) and remains one of the field\u2019s most respected programs. Distinctive strengths include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>PRLab<\/strong>, the premier student-run agency experience<\/li>\n<li>A robust global internship and study option in London<\/li>\n<li>Deep connections to a global professional and alumni network<\/li>\n<li>A curriculum that balances academic rigor with hands-on practice<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Admissions &amp; Application<\/h2>\n<div itemprop=\"mainEntity\" class=\"icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain js-wp-block-bu-collapsible wp-block-bu-collapsible\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-is-prlab-and-how-do-students-get-hands-on-experience\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\" data-default-open=\"false\">\n<h2 class=\"bu-collapsible-heading\"><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-is-prlab-and-how-do-students-get-hands-on-experience-toggle\" itemprop=\"name\"><strong>What should I include in the personal statement?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-is-prlab-and-how-do-students-get-hands-on-experience-panel\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\">\n<div itemprop=\"text\">\n<p>In your personal statement, in addition to responding to the prompt, you can explain your interest in public relations, your professional goals, and how BU\u2019s MS in Public Relations program aligns with your aspirations. You may also highlight relevant academic work, professional experience, internships, or extracurricular experiences.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div itemprop=\"mainEntity\" class=\"icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain js-wp-block-bu-collapsible wp-block-bu-collapsible\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-is-prlab-and-how-do-students-get-hands-on-experience\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\" data-default-open=\"false\">\n<h2 class=\"bu-collapsible-heading\"><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-is-prlab-and-how-do-students-get-hands-on-experience-toggle\" itemprop=\"name\"><strong>Do I need a writing sample or portfolio to apply?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-is-prlab-and-how-do-students-get-hands-on-experience-panel\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\">\n<div itemprop=\"text\">\n<p>No, a writing sample or portfolio is not required for the application.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Program Focus &amp; Experience What does the MS in Public Relations at Boston University focus on? The Master of Science&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1654,"featured_media":0,"parent":28741,"menu_order":2,"template":"","meta":{"_editor_template":""},"bu_progs_page-type":[1493],"bu_progs_degree-option":[],"bu_progs_education-level":[],"bu_progs_department-affiliation":[],"bu_progs_format":[],"bu_progs_availability":[],"bu_progs_location":[],"interest":[],"discipline-type":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu-program-page\/45266"}],"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\/1654"}],"version-history":[{"count":21,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu-program-page\/45266\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":45529,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu-program-page\/45266\/revisions\/45529"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu-program-page\/28741"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=45266"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_page-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_page-type?post=45266"},{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_degree-option","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_degree-option?post=45266"},{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_education-level","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_education-level?post=45266"},{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_department-affiliation","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_department-affiliation?post=45266"},{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_format","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_format?post=45266"},{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_availability","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_availability?post=45266"},{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_location","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_location?post=45266"},{"taxonomy":"interest","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/interest?post=45266"},{"taxonomy":"discipline-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/discipline-type?post=45266"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}