Online Master’s in Public Relations: 6 Top Degrees in 2024

Do you want to build community relationships, keep a brand relevant, or maintain a company’s image? If so, a master’s in public relations online can be your roadmap to an exciting new career in this field.

You’ll learn interpersonal, written, creative, technical, and other in-demand skills to become valuable to future employers. Moreover, a degree in PR can help you make a positive impact.

In this article, we’ll delve into the field of public relations, and present some excellent online master’s in public relations. Also, you learn how to choose the best online master’s in public relations for your career goals.

If you’re ready to become a future leader in public relations, then continue reading.

Article Navigation: Public Relations vs. Communications | Top 6 Master’s in Public Relations Online | Graduate Certificate vs. Master’s in Public Relations | Is Getting an Online Master’s in Public Relations Worth it? | Accreditation and Licensing | Start Your Master’s in Public Relations Online Today!

Public Relations vs. Communications

You’ll find many related fields when searching for an online degree in public relations. A few examples include communications and marketing. At first glance, each pathway may appear the same. However, there are unique aspects to each. To begin with, let’s get more familiar with the public relations field.

What is Public Relations?

According to the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), PR involves strategic communication to create relationships between people and organizations. Public relations is about building trust, influence, and interest that benefits both parties.

A positive public image is important for a company, group, or company’s success. If you work in PR, then your purpose is to help facilitate a smooth two-way street between your company and the public. A master’s in public relations online will empower you to build those bridges.

Public Relations vs Communications

Although public relations is deeply rooted in communication, this major has its own unique features. Even though both involve relationship building, there are some nuances.

The easiest way to differentiate the two majors is that a public relations degree will give you skills for external communications. In other words, these programs equip you to face the public. An online degree in public relations has coursework in Campaign Planning, Communication Law and Ethics, and Public Influence. These give students the tools needed to build and maintain relationships. Public relations may also be a specialty within the communications field.

In comparison, an online master’s in communications will teach you to share information. Whether in writing or in person, your job is to convey facts. A sample curriculum features coursework in Research Methods in Communication, Negotiation Theory, and Crisis Management. Students may also receive leadership, marketing, and PR training.

However, the emphasis of the degree can be both external and internal. Graduates can apply skills to improve an organization’s internal communication or develop strategies to build relationships to support PR departments. Rather than nurture community connections, perhaps you will focus more on employee relationships.

Numerous careers intertwine with either degree. For instance, both majors qualify you for jobs like public relations professional or marketing manager. An online communications master’s makes graduates eligible for other roles like communications manager, technical writer, and journalist. PR graduates qualify for roles like event coordinator, media relations manager, or strategic communicator.

Public Relations vs Marketing

It’s also easy to confuse an online master’s in marketing with a public relations degree. Teams of both specialties often collaborate to help their respective organization. The ultimate goal of these disciplines is the best way to tell them apart. Marketing focuses on driving sales for an organization. As we’ve already addressed, public relations strives to make or keep the organization’s brand name and reputation favorable.

A marketing master’s degree online will address focus areas like the psychology of clients, marketing research, and advertising campaigns. Sample coursework includes E-Marketing, Social Media Marketing, and Brand Management. Students build both a strategic mindset and modern skills to help a company grow. A marketing curriculum often features PR-related coursework to sharpen your communication skills.

Think about your long-term goals when considering a degree in PR vs marketing. Marketing graduates can pursue a career in advertising, digital marketing, and marketing research. An public relations online degree can prepare you for similar roles. However, additional related electives may be necessary to broaden your skills.

Top 6 Master’s in Public Relations Online

We’ve narrowed our database to six excellent online master’s in public relations. Besides having accreditation, all of these programs are committed to your success, have fair tuitions, and enhance the student experience with a robust online learning system.

1. Montana State University-Billings

   Degree Offered: Master of Science in Public Relations
   Tuition Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $770 – $844 per credit hour (in-state), $1381 – $1,504 per credit hour (out-of-state)
   Accreditation: NWCCU

   MSU-Billings offers one of the top degrees in the field. Their master’s in public relations online caters to students with busy schedules. Polish your skills in both advocacy and communications with this 30-credit program. Graduates can apply their newly developed expertise across multiple industries.

   All aspects of the degree are online. Coursework will transform how you approach critical thinking, leadership, research, and ethics. MSU Billing’s online PR degree brings you to the real world thanks to engaging projects such as simulated fundraising campaigns. Group discussions create a human element to the program. A wide range of electives lets you design a degree based on your interests. Many internships and assistantships are available to help students hone their skills. Qualified applicants need a 3.0 undergrad GPA, a resume, three references, and a letter of intent. Full-time students can earn a degree in under two years.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Science in Public Relations

    

2. The George Washington University

   Degree Offered: Master of Professional Studies in Strategic Public Relations
   Tuition Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $1,805 per credit hour
   Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education MSCHE

   Learn from dedicated faculty at George Washington University (GWU). Their online master’s in public relations equips graduates for success in this changing field. The program builds future leaders in PR and politics. You will gain communication, advocacy, public policy, and media relations skills.

   GWU’s online PR master’s degree offers ten engaging courses. You’ll study core subjects, electives, and a final capstone course to complete the 30-credit program. During the week, you’ll connect to recorded lectures. Each class provides interesting discussions and hands-on experiences. The content is industry-focused, so you can apply your new skills directly to the workplace.

   Graduates benefit from a vast alumni network and mentorship. You can join an immersive global residency program abroad. Successful applicants must submit a resume, two recommendation letters, a statement of purpose, and transcripts. Applicants with an undergraduate GPA below 3.0 must submit GRE scores or a work portfolio.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Professional Studies in Strategic Public Relations

    

3. Georgetown University

   Degree Offered: Master of Professional Studies in Public Relations & Corporate Communications
   Tuition Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $1,573 per credit hour
   Accreditation: MSCHE

   Georgetown University has an online master’s in public relations to help you add value to organizations. This 30-credit degree teaches from a global lens to give you a best-in-class education. PRNews voted the program into its Education A-List for its academic prowess three years in a row. Graduates become versed in digital communications as well as PR best practices and leadership skills.

   The online public relations degree has three start dates. You can attend in person or online. Its flexibility allows students to balance hectic schedules while completing asynchronous courses for their degree. Part-time study options are also available. In addition, students can build their professional network, working with real-world clients during their capstone and class projects. No test scores are required to apply. Interested candidates must submit work samples, a letter of intent, a resume, transcripts, and two recommendations.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Professional Studies in Public Relations & Corporate Communications

    

4. Liberty University

   Degree Offered: Master of Science in Healthcare Administration / Public Relations, Master of Business Administration / Public Relations
   Tuition Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $565 per credit hour (full-time), $615 per credit hour (part-time)
   Accreditation: SACSCOC, ACBSP

   Become an PR expert in either business or healthcare at Liberty University. The non-profit school offers an in-depth master’s in public relations online for both fields. These degrees come from Liberty’s ACBSP-accredited business school. Only 3% of business schools have this recognition. Both have condensed eight-week courses that are fully online. You can graduate in approximately two years.

   The online PR MBA is 45 credits long. You will learn how to represent businesses, communicate effectively, and plan strategically. Students can receive personalized mentorship from experienced professors. Similarly, the MHA-PR degree has 48 units. You will learn essential public relations skills to immediately support different healthcare systems like hospitals, nursing facilities, and non-profits. The online PR degree will make you an effective policy-maker for healthcare systems.

   Candidates should have a 3.0 undergrad GPA to apply. MBA students need undergraduate business coursework. On the positive side, no GRE scores are required.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Science in Healthcare Administration / Public Relations
   Master of Business Administration / Public Relations

    

5. Full Sail University

   Degree Offered: Master of Arts in Public Relations
   Tuition Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $921 per credit hour
   Accreditation: ACCSC

   Earn your public relations online degree at Full Sail University. Their PRMA program is rooted in traditional industry practices and bridges the gap to modern media. It integrates real-world elements to give students a complete learning experience. Market research, PR plans, and networking are fundamental aspects of the degree. Also, you will develop technical skills and PR foundational knowledge.

   Full Sail is a student-centered institution. There are monthly start dates, fully online courses, and all textbooks are included in the tuition fees. Since the program is accelerated, you can earn a degree in just one year. Project LaunchBox gives students access to state-of-the-art hardware and software for all. Students complete one course per month, totaling 38 credits. Finally, a capstone project highlights all you’ve learned during the program.

   GRE scores aren’t required. Applicants need a bachelor’s from a related discipline and a 2.0 GPA.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Arts in Public Relations

    

6. Ball State University

   Degree Offered: Master of Arts in Public Relations
   Tuition Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $451 per credit hour (in-state), $676 per credit hour (out-of-state)
   Accreditation: HLC,  ACEJMC

   Take your PR journey to the next level with a public relations degree online from Ball State University. Learn from an elite journalism school that is ACEJMC accredited and PRSA certified. You can absorb knowledge from award-winning professors who have journalism, advertising, and marketing backgrounds. The program’s PR Leadership concentration is a rare opportunity to strengthen your digital literacy and leadership skills. The degree combines intensive research projects with hands-on practice.

   Students can start this 30 credit program in either spring, summer, or fall, and finish in 18 to 24 months. The curriculum has a robust elective catalog, while small class sizes personalize your program. Applicants need a 3.0 minimum undergrad GPA, statement of purpose, resume, and writing sample. Another key point, Ball State’s master’s degree in public relations doesn’t require GRE scores. Select Ball State undergrad students can enroll in the Accelerated Master’s Program (AMP).

   Find Out More:
   Master of Arts in Public Relations

    

Graduate Certificate vs. Master’s in Public Relations

Whether you choose a graduate certificate or an online public relations master’s degree, both are excellent returns on your investment. Both require a bachelor's degree and will make you more competitive in the job market, boosting your earning potential. While either program can offer valuable insights into the field, they differ in terms of depth, duration, and career outcomes.

Online Graduate Certificate in Public Relations

A graduate certificate in public relations offers a solid introduction to the field. Certificates include 12 to 15 credits of master’s level coursework. You can finish in one or two semesters and pay a fraction of the cost compared to a degree. Graduate certificates help you transition to a new career, acquire different skills, and test whether you like the PR field. Usually, you can stack certificate credits toward a master’s degree.

However, certain certificates may only cover specific skills. Even though they feature the same coursework, certificates don’t compare to a master’s. Therefore, it wouldn’t hold as much weight to employers as much as an online PR master’s degree. Also, certificates may only qualify you for entry-level PR roles.

Online Master’s in Public Relations

A master’s in public relations online is for professionals who are serious about the field. You will work longer and harder compared to a graduate certificate. Often this degree takes at least one or two years to complete. The 30-credit course load is twice as rigorous as a certificate, and degree-seekers must complete a capstone project and a thesis.

Despite the challenges, it will make a difference to employers. A graduate-level public relations degree online is a premier credential. You will become an expert speech writer, public speaker, and communicator. Your job application will rise to the top, competing for roles in top organizations across many industries. Marketing manager, public information officer, and fundraiser are just a handful of exciting careers. In short, you will create stronger job security with a master’s degree.

Accreditation and Licensing

Your online master’s in public relations should be from a regionally accredited institution. Accreditation means a school passed an intensive assessment to determine its academic quality. Since colleges and universities must renew their accreditation every handful of years, this is the most effective indicator of their excellence. Consider accreditation a paramount ingredient before laying the groundwork for your education.

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) are examples of institutional accreditors. Each agency enforces unique accrediting criteria. However, all have respect among professionals and academics.

Besides institutional accreditation, you can also enroll in an accredited PR program. Programmatic accreditation is an extra layer of quality assurance. It means a program has special recognition for its curriculum, student outcomes, faculty, and infrastructure. Students are more likely to receive top training and education.

The Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (ACEJMC) is the leader in PR program accreditation. Only 119 programs across the country have their recognition. Ball State University has an online PR degree on our list with ACEJMC accreditation.

Public relations workers don’t need licensure to break into the field. But there are credentials that can help you break into management roles. In fact, professionals can earn individual accreditation. For example, you can become Accredited in Public Relations from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). The APR credential is the most superior title a practitioner can hold. To qualify, you need at least five years of professional experience. APRs are valid for three years before renewal.

In addition, Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) International offers a specialized credential. A CFRE credential teaches best fundraising practices. It can broaden your job opportunities.

Is Getting an Online Master’s in Public Relations Worth it?

An advanced online public relations degree will develop your professional network and give you the confidence to succeed. You can work in government, healthcare, and business. Salaries are high and job outlooks for PR roles are far ahead of the national average, at 6%.

Public relations specialists work to shape positive views of people, groups, or organizations. They write press releases and create social media plans to influence how the public sees their clients. The median annual salary for this career is $67,440, but top earners earn about $128,450. APR and CFRE certifications can positively impact your earning potential.

California, New York, and Texas hired the most PR specialists in 2022, whereas Washington, D.C., California, and New Jersey had the highest median yearly salaries.

Public relations managers check press releases and support company events to better their organization’s image. They also help explain their organization’s viewpoint to the public through media statements and interviews. They earn a median of $125,620 per year, but top producers earn upwards of $205,230.

California, Washington, D.C., and Texas hired the most PR managers in 2022, and the top salaries can be found in Washington, D.C., New York, and California.

Advertising, promotions, and marketing managers create interest in both products and services for a department, organization, or specific projects. They work with sales teams to brainstorm advertising ideas, oversee ad development, and manage budgets. Their median salary is $138,730.

California, New York, and Texas hired the most marketing managers, while New York, California, and New Jersey paid the highest salaries.

Start Your Master’s in Public Relations Online Today!

You can earn a quality public relations degree online from anywhere. Advances in distance learning let you take classes without making drastic changes to your schedule. Learn from experienced faculty and grow alongside inspired peers.

Public relations is a challenging, innovative, and rewarding profession. You’ll meet people from all walks of life and build strong relationships. It pays well and has more projected job growth than most careers. An online public relations master’s degree can undoubtedly open doors in industries that match your interests. So, what are you waiting for? Start your journey towards a master’s degree in public relations today.