MA in Public Relations
Emerson College
Key Information
Campus location
Boston, USA
Languages
English
Study format
Blended
Duration
1 - 3 year
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
USD 1,402 / per credit *
Application deadline
02 May 2024
Earliest start date
05 Sep 2024
* additional fees may apply. Scholarships are available
Introduction
Historically named the first communication program in the United States, Emerson’s Public Relations (MA) will teach you to analyze, communicate with, and gain meaningful insight into communities, cultures, institutions, and lifestyles, while supporting your audience’s beliefs and values.
Gain real-world experience by conducting public opinion polls and organizational social media audits, formulating crisis communication plans, writing speeches, and creating digital content. By investigating the ways in which different types of messaging can engage and persuade, you will leave the program with the skill set and strategic insight required to be a compelling advocate for better business practices, improved policies, and social justice.
Become a creative force in the field of communication with our Public Relations (MA). Create strategic messaging and media plans, master speech writing, and formulate crisis communication plans to help clients maintain their brand images.
Located in the heart of downtown Boston, you’ll be exposed to industries such as healthcare, finance, education, arts, news agencies, community organizations, nonprofits & more - allowing you to explore industries of interest while launching your career as a Public Relations professional.
Program highlights include:
- No GRE requirements to apply
- Full-time and part-time options available
- Courses are offered in the evening to fit your schedule
- Earn up to eight Advanced Standing credits for your professional work experience; allowing you to expedite your time to degree completion by applying your working knowledge towards your degree
Faculty
Emerson College is committed to high-quality, high-touch education, made possible through our passionate and renowned faculty.
Your Graduate Program Director, Linda Gallant, will serve as your primary faculty advisor, guiding you on course selection to ensure that you will both achieve your learning objectives and satisfy the program requirements. You will also receive program and department news from your program director along with any on- and off-campus opportunities that might be of interest to you.
Alumni
Emerson’s tight-knit community allows you to build personal relationships with classmates, faculty, and our global alumni network.
Our alumni have gone on to work for companies such as:
- Samuel Adams
- Joslin Diabetes Center
- Harvard Business School
Advanced Standing for Working Professionals Admissions Requirements
In addition to completing our standard Admission Requirements, working professionals who wish to apply to Advanced Standing will need to complete a portfolio to reflect their professional experience in three skill areas: communication, management, and knowledge.
You have two options to apply for advanced standing:
- Submit your portfolio at the time of application. We will review your application for both admission and advanced standing placement at the time of application completion and you will receive both decisions at the same time.
- Submit your portfolio to your Graduate Program Director within 30 days of the first semester. The Graduate Program Director will work directly with you once you have enrolled.
- Students who are granted advanced standing will be required to complete the remaining 28–32 credits at Emerson College in order to satisfy degree requirements.
Please note that advanced standing credit advances a student’s position within the program but credits are not transferable to another institution.
Admissions
Curriculum
Curriculum Requirements
Our 36-credit Public Relations (MA) program is versatile with part-time or full-time options. Courses are offered primarily in the evening, allowing working professionals to participate in our program and leaving time for students to participate in internship and networking opportunities.
Advanced Standing for Working Professionals
Working professionals have the option to turn relevant work experience into up to eight credits of advanced standing toward program requirements. These eight credits will count towards your full 36-credit hours, allowing you to graduate sooner while decreasing your overall cost of tuition.
Students who are granted advanced standing will be required to complete the remaining 28–32 credits at Emerson College in order to satisfy degree requirements.
Please note that advanced standing credit advances a student’s position within the program but credits are not transferable to another institution.
Core Requirements
Number | Course | Online | Credits |
CC 652 | Emerging Communication Technology | Available Online in Fall Semester Only | 4 |
CC 645 | Research Methods & Practice | Not Available Online | 4 |
CC 608 | Public Affairs | Not Available Online | 4 |
CD 647 | Organizational Communication | Not Available Online | 4 |
CD 648 | Public Relations Available | Online in Spring Semester Only | 4 |
CC 692 or CC 699 | Capstone or Master’s Thesis* | Not Available Online | 4 |
*To be repeated for a total of 8 credits
Elective Courses
Number | Course | Online | Credits |
CC 604 | Strategic Planning and the Managerial Process | Not Available Online | 4 |
CC 621 | Content Development & Strategy | Not Available Online | 4 |
CC 623 | Public Diplomacy | Available Online in Fall Semester Only | 4 |
CC 624 | Campaign Management | Available Online in Fall Semester Only | 4 |
CC 626 | Crisis Communication | Not Available Online | 4 |
CC 628 | Entrepreneurship and Creative Problem Solving | Not Available Online | 4 |
CC 636 | Negotiation and Group Process | Not Available Online | 4 |
CC 640 | User Experience Design | Available Online in Summer Semester Only | 4 |
CC 643 | Global Communication | Not Available Online | 4 |
CC 655 | Project Management and Communication | Not Available Online | 4 |
CC 690 | Internship in PR | Not Available Online | 4 |
CC 695 | Seminar in PR | Not Available Online | 4 |
CC 697 | Directed Study | Not Available Online | 4 |
CC 620 | Public Relations Management* | N/A | 4 |
CC 621 | Writing for Marketing Communication* | N/A | 4 |
CC 653 | Web Page Development and Management* | N/A | 4 |
*These elective courses are through the Marketing Communication Department and may only be taken with the approval of the Public Relations Graduate Program Director.
Thesis or Capstone Class
The degree will culminate with a capstone or thesis, giving you the chance to synthesize everything you’ve learned in a format that works best for you. There are two options:
- The capstone, which can be a client-based communication or creative project, academic paper, or case study, allows you to put theory to practice, with the option to write a crisis communication plan, develop a publication or online program, conduct a comprehensive communication audit, or create a public affairs and communication plan to affect public policy.
- The thesis lets you conduct deeper research on a particular dimension of public relations and is a good option if you wish to further your studies with a Ph.D. in communication.
Scholarships and Funding
Financial Aid
Emerson College is proud to offer students and families financial aid options and resources. For a full list of our financial aid offerings, visit our Financial Aid page.
Scholarships
Upon applying to an Emerson Graduate Program, the Graduate Admission team automatically reviews every accepted student’s scholarship eligibility. For more information about scholarships, please visit our Scholarships & Grants page.
Gallery
Career Opportunities
Global Networking Opportunities
Emerson’s faculty and alumni span the globe, allowing you exclusive access to our professional networks. Our extensive network connects you to internship and employment opportunities.
Our network has provided students with unique career-building opportunities such as:
- Strategic communication, political, and advocacy support during the U.S. 2016 election, working with international journalists and the U.S. Embassy in Nepal
- Nation-branding seminars in Iceland
- Health communication workshops in Australia and New Zealand
- Campaign work at the Iowa Caucus, California and New Hampshire primaries, and the Republican and Democratic Conventions
- Canadian and Mexican election support
Career Outlook
The field of Public Relations is one of the nation’s fastest-growing industries, with a 7% job growth projected over the next 10 years. Students interested in a career in Public Relations will find flexible career opportunities across many industries.
Careers paths you can pursue include:
- Public Relations Strategist
- Digital Strategy Manager
- Executive Communications Director
- Public Affairs Manager
- Content Manager
- Social Media Coordinator
Student Testimonials
Program Tuition Fee
English Language Requirements
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