Best Online Master’s in Public Relations Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Most online master’s in public relations programs have the same admissions requirements as their on-campus counterparts. Exact details may vary, depending on where you apply. However, applicants should expect to submit:

Note that every school maintains its own internal application and admission standards. Some schools may request components or materials not covered here. For instance, competitive programs often hold admissions interviews to help them identify especially strong candidates from fields that include many qualified applicants.

Nearly all programs require you to complete an online application. The application typically asks for your personal information and supporting documents such as transcripts, essays, and letters of recommendation. Larger public universities may use a statewide application system that lets you apply to multiple schools in the same state. However, graduate students typically must apply directly to the school or program of their choice.

Some online master’s in public relations programs require you to submit scores from standardized tests such as the GRE or GMAT. These tests can assess your critical thinking, vocabulary, and quantitative reasoning abilities. Score requirements vary widely among programs. However, careful test preparation may help you achieve your desired score.

Most graduate programs ask for 2-3 letters of recommendation. These letters should come from professors or supervisors familiar with your professional or academic work. Always make sure to ask for letters of recommendation early in the application cycle. This gives your recommenders plenty of time to prepare.

Given the field’s professional focus, most online master’s in public relations programs will ask for your resume. While you may not need work experience in the public relations field, graduate programs may require you to hold 2-3 years of professional experience. Always be sure to revise your resume and/or cover letter to best reflect the program you’re applying to.

Graduate programs usually require you to submit a statement of purpose or other application essays. They give you the chance to present yourself beyond resumes and academic transcripts. Application essays often ask you to discuss your background, your professional goals, or your reasons for applying to the program.

Graduate programs require that you submit your undergraduate transcripts. If you’ve completed another graduate degree or graduate-level coursework elsewhere, you’ll also need to submit these transcripts. Some online master’s in public relations programs may accept transfer credits from other graduate programs. However, you’ll need to check with individual schools to determine credit transferability.

Students must consider many objective and subjective factors when researching online master’s in public relations programs. Common examples include:

You may have additional or different priorities, depending on your situation. For instance, some learners prefer programs with diverse student bodies. Others may place more value on the school or program’s reputation with employers, and the school-to-job pipelines created through recruitment programs and career services.

One way to approach the question of which program to choose is to identify the one thing you hope to get out of your schooling above all else. Then, use that as your starting point as you evaluate and compare school and program options.

Earning a master’s in public relations can prepare candidates to pursue advanced career paths in the field. These jobs usually come with greater responsibilities and higher salary potential. Given the potential for job growth in the field, earning a master’s can be a practical choice for improving your professional outcomes.

If you’re considering graduate school, earning a master’s degree online eliminates some of the biggest obstacles associated with going back to school, such as moving to a new city. You also may be able to keep your current job while in school.

A master’s in public relations can prepare you for higher-level jobs in public relations, communications, fundraising, marketing, and advertising. Graduates commonly pursue careers such as public relations specialist or public relations director. You also may find employment in other fields, such as government and nonprofit work.

Public relations is a versatile discipline. Any organization that offers goods or services needs some level of public communication. This makes the degree applicable to almost any professional field. Industries as diverse as education, media, and religious services all make use of public relations strategies.

The BLS projects strong growth for many jobs in the public relations field from 2020-2030. Jobs for public relations specialists are projected to grow 8%, which is higher than the national average. Jobs for fundraisers are expected to grow 11%. Jobs for market research analysts should grow 19%, a rate far higher than the national average of 5%.

Other careers related to public relations also are expected to experience relatively stable growth through 2031. The BLS projects jobs for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers to grow 10%. Holding a master’s degree may increase your chances of landing a job in the public relations industry.

Master’s degree-holders often may move into upper-level positions with higher salaries. Public relations specialists and public relations managers earn an annual median salary of $62,800 and $118,430, respectively. This wide range demonstrates the salary potential in the field and the gains that can come with advanced education and professional experience.

In general, salary levels in the public relations field vary according to experience level, location, and industry of employment. For example, public relations managers employed at private companies earn an annual median salary of $125,780.

Three of the top-paid career paths available to candidates with a master’s in public relations include marketing managers, PR managers, and fundraising managers. According to BLS data from May 2021, marketing managers earned a median salary of $133,380 per year. In May 2021, PR managers and fundraising managers posted median earnings of $125,780 per year and $100,810 per year, respectively.