The on-ground program is best for people coming directly from undergraduate programs, while the online program is designed for working professionals. Our master of science in public relations programs offer students the opportunity to pursue an advanced degree in a highly competitive and growing field. We offer two MS in PR programs, one on ground and one online. The on-ground program helps recent graduates with bachelor's degrees in public relations and other disciplines gain a competitive edge as they enter the workforce. Quinnipiac undergraduate students may apply for the combined, five-year bachelor/master's degree program. The online program is designed for working professionals interested in advancing their careers in public relations and/or transitioning into public relations from other fields such as finance, law, healthcare, technology, human resources, journalism and marketing. Students learn the conceptual and theoretical foundations of public relations, practice how to conduct and analyze public relations research and evaluation, and hone their skills in contemporary public relations practices and techniques. The program stresses professional competence, global consciousness and professional and social responsibility. Graduates of the program work as public relations specialists in both the public sector and private sector with expertise and skills applicable to corporate, non-profit and government institutions. Reasons to consider graduate studies in public relations at Quinnipiac:
Highly qualified faculty with professional experience: Most courses are taught by full-time members of the faculty, which includes internationally recognized and rising scholars who also have extensive professional experience in the field. Part-time faculty offer special expertise in their respective practice areas. Professional connections: The public relations faculty have close ties to industry, offering students opportunities for networking and professional development. The School of Communications also provides students the services of a professional career counselor and internship opportunities. Learn more about graduate career services
Curriculum: Unlike many master's degree programs, in which public relations is one of a number of concentrations in mass communications, our programs focus exclusively on professional practice in public relations. Classes reflect contemporary trends and practices and address emerging issues in the field. Through elective courses and the capstone project, students have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as international public relations, investor relations or healthcare public relations. Our curriculum is designed to prepare students in line with the knowledge, skills, and abilities assessed through the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) credential through the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). Certification: Our Public Relations programs are certified by the Certification in Education for Public Relations (CEPR) through PRSA. Our MS in Public Relations program is one of five graduate programs worldwide to receive the CEPR designation. The CEPR offers approved academic programs, such as Quinnipiac’s, the opportunity to have an outside evaluation team review and endorse undergraduate and master’s level programs for meeting standards in curriculum, faculty, students, resources and facilities, assessment, professional affiliations, relationships with the total unit, and the university and diversity and global perspectives.
