Masters in Public Relations Programs

Consider a sponsored online MPA program currently accepting applications.

University / School Online Program Admissions
American University
Master's of Arts in Strategic Communication, Digital Communication Strategy and Analytics
2 concentration options
sponsored

Click to view all online MPA programs (and related) that are taking applications now for 2024.

Get Started in Your Public Relations Career

Public relations specialists are at the core of entity-to-individual communications. It is through public relations that businesses can convey their messages to the general public in an effort to bring greater understanding to the company as a whole and the products or services that they provide. Similar to advertising, public relations specialists provide information to encourage the support of the individual or company that they represent.

They are available to bridge the gap between large corporate organizations and society to unify for the common purposes of both. On a different scale, local and national governments also use the expertise of public relations specialists to identify with the public in which they serve. Government officials use public relations specialists to promote their ideas and policies in community settings, in order to provide a personable campaign that the public can relate to. This field provides a great service to individuals and businesses that rely on the public to maintain their function.

MPR programs are available online. If you are interested in being a part of this field, take a look below at some of the methods of obtaining this degree, as well as what is to come after graduation.

Consider a sponsored online MPA program currently accepting applications.

University / School Online Program Admissions
Syracuse University
Executive Master of Public Administration (Executive MPA)
Earn an MPA for Executives from the #1-ranked Maxwell School. Complete in as few as 15 months.
No GRE Required
Grand Canyon University
Online MPA - Government and Policy
100% online, 38 credit hours. MPA degree with a government and policy emphasis focuses on law and administrative processes, public governance and strategic solutions. Additional emphasis available in Health Care Management and Nonprofit Management.
No Application Fee
American University
Online MPAP - Master of Public Administration and Policy
Top-ranked school for public affairs. NASPAA-accredited. Online MPA, MPAP, MPP.
NASPAA Accredited
sponsored

Click for online MPA programs that are currently taking applications.

Masters in Public Relations Online

Technology has changed the way that public relations are managed and has provided even more methods of relating to the public. It has also provided a whole new outlook on education, with the influx of online degree programs. Over the years, the internet has provided a wide range of conveniences that have changed the very dynamic of normal, everyday life.

Online degree programs are no exception. If you want a degree program without the hassle of changing schedules and daily interference, than online Master's in Public Relations programs could be exactly what you are looking for. Online degree programs were designed to give educational opportunities to more people, without requiring a large time sacrifice. This program in particular was designed to provide an in-depth look into public relations and how it is applied in different settings. Take a browse below at some of the common attributes of this online master's degree program.

Consider a Featured Online MPA Program

University / School Online Program Admissions
Ohio University
Online Master of Public Administration
MPA equips you for leadership roles in government, nonprofit organizations, and the public sector. Project Management Certificate option available.
No GRE Required
Arizona State University
Online Master of Public Administration
100% online, 14 total classes (42 credits). NASPAA Accredited. Prepare for high-impact roles in government, the nonprofit sector, more.
NASPAA Accredited
University of Texas Permian Basin
Online Master of Public Administration
Complete in as little as 12 months, six start dates a year, cost-effective tuition.
Johns Hopkins University AAP
Master of Arts in Public Management
Areas of focus in Public Administration and Leadership and Public Policy Evaluation.
Johns Hopkins University AAP
Master of Arts in Government
100% online, part time option.
sponsored

What is the MPA?

The MPA program provides learners with the opportunity to become more effective leaders, better managers, and valuable assets to the companies in which they serve. Through MPA programs, students can learn more about the inner workings of organizations, including those found at the government level, business, and even specific fields such as health care or education. If you are interested in this type of degree program, you can absorb information regarding how these agencies operation, how they budget their spending, and the process through which employees are hired, trained, and managed.

What is the MPR?

The MPR program is different from the MPA program in that it focuses on the public view of individuals and organizations in comparison to what goes on behind the scenes. MPR programs help students understand that effective communication is sometimes vital to the public’s perception of a company and the service it provides to the public. This program can train professionals to represent singular clients, such as politicians or even celebrities, businesses, or public service agencies. Communication and technology research is a huge component of this specific program, while leadership techniques may also be touched upon throughout.

The Master of Public Relations vs. the MPA

These 2 degree programs are very different in regards to their delivery of service. While both play a large role in the improvement of services, each has its own specific responsibility to the company or individual in which is serves. If you are interested in learning about corporate organization and techniques, the MPA program may be a better option. If you are a great public speaker and want to use your communication skills in a public domain, the MPR program may be what you choose.

Are There Online Master of Public Relations Programs?

Our team of education experts has conducted research on the available online programs to help you find options for pursuing your degree. While online degree programs are becoming more popular each year, the quality of degree programs is still the main focus when choosing to pursue your degree via the online domain. Quality educational programs should be from well-known universities and have the proper accreditation.

What About the Online MPA?

The online MPA program is an excellent choice for professionals that are already working in the field, or just do not have the extra time for pursuing traditional degree programs. One university that offers a flexible program for interested students is Villanova University. This university offers an online MPA that can be accompanied by a career-specific concentration. This degree program requires that students complete 36 credit hours in order to graduate. Students can choose from specialties such a City Management or Non-Profit Management, which can provide a more focused perspective on the field that is chosen.

The University of Florida offers students the option of pursuing their MPR in an online environment. This option is important for students that are interested in public relations, since it takes into consideration the need for flexible and workable school scheduling. The online MPR at this university consists of 12 week semesters, which allows students to complete the entire program within 2 years at full-time enrollment. Students must complete 33 credit hours in order to graduate from this specific program.

What can you do with the MPA?

Before you ever choose a degree program, you should have a good idea of what you want to do with your degree after you have graduated. In the field of public administration, the possibilities are endless in terms of what you can do and where you can exhibit your skills in leadership, policy formation, and organizational efficiency. Our team has listed some of the more popular career titles below, but this is not an exhaustive list by far. There are many opportunities within non-profit agencies, healthcare, finance, education, business, and government for you to choose from.

  • Chief Executive
  • Finance Manager
  • Human Resources Director
  • Community Health Director/Manager
  • News Analyst

What can you do with the MPR?

The MPR program is an extremely innovative degree program that can provide students with skills that are useful in many domains. Public relations as a whole involves communicating on behalf of clients to help improve image and act as a liaison between producer and consumer. MPR programs can assist with finding careers that involve media relations, speech writing, press associate, political lobbying, and much more. In the list below, some popular careers are listed for you to browse. Depending on your personal skills and where you want to work, there are plenty more career options for you to choose from.

  • Public Relations Manager
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Marketing Specialist
  • Director of Communications
  • News/Political Writer

What is the MPR?

In business and other areas of public service, one topic that is important to gathering interest in products and services is public relations. Public relations is an important part of staying in contact with consumers, partners, and interest parties that can have a direct effect on the popularity of the central program. This branch of public service and business is a vital branch for companies that want to help promote positive attitudes regarding their service and help to increase awareness and consumption of goods.

The Master of Public Relations is a degree program that helps students gain the skills to promote interest within their organization. Unlike marketing, which is focused solely on connecting consumers with goods, public relations is a tool that can be utilized in many different facets of society – rather than just business. With a MPR degree, you could find employment in political areas – providing a connecting voice between politicians and the public, the government – communicating new policies and regulations to the public in formal and informal ways, or even business – representing corporate directors or public interest topics that are important for the consumer.

The skills learned in these degree programs can help to influence your ability to communicate effectively with your target population. In order to be knowledgeable within your domain, you might have to choose a specific concentration to help sharpen your skills in a particular area. Regardless of what you choose for your specialization, the most important part of your degree program will likely be your ability to exchange helpful information in a way that promotes your clientele in a positive and inviting light.

What topics are covered in the MPR program?

When you enroll in an online MPR program, you should be prepared to take courses that are structured to increase your skills in communication, technology, and the media. Some of the courses required through this degree program are designed to test your ability to think critically and respond effectively during interviews and presentations. Public relations is all about providing a voice to service agencies that are related to the public. However, public relations specialists can find careers representing organizations, celebrities, politicians, or even brands. Regardless of the client, public relations is all about promoting their purpose from a positive perspective in order to encourage consumption and popularity.

Some of the courses in this degree program include Communication Techniques for Leaders, which is a course designed to teach students effective leadership skills, public speaking skills, and motivational speaking techniques. Each of these courses can help students gain better public speaking skills and even encourage persuasive writing. Reputation Management is another course that is common throughout this degree program, since much of public relations is supportive and protecting the reputation of the individual or company in which you are employed.

More topics that are vital within this degree program are focused around the use of technology and the media as a source of spreading the word. Most people have social media accounts and the media is still a popular source of information regarding the government, business, and entertaining. For public relations specialists, useful integration of these sources is outlines through courses like Social Media Practices, Media Communication, and Knowledge and the Media. In addition to courses that are specific to different forums, courses regarding the law and ethics of public relations may also be found within these degree programs.

Masters in Public Relations and Corporate Communications

Choosing a degree program that is both relevant and competitive in public relations should be one of your main focuses when starting your master’s level transition. There are multiple degree programs available at this level – most of which have the same generalized focus.

One degree program, the Master’s in Public Relations and Corporate Communications, is a great option for those wishing to apply the basic principles of communications technology to consumer relations in the business sector. This degree program can effectively prepare learners for the strategic planning needed to progressively approach public communications. There are many different challenges that are associated with the public, most of which require a wide range of skills to conquer.

Choosing a degree program such as this one can potentially set the stage for future positions providing leadership to others within your profession, as well as providing a foundation that encourages individual involvement from the public. Communications is such a huge part of government and business, since it provides contact with the general public – which is the roots of both. Through degree programs such as this one, you can be introduced to various communication tactics such as planning, research, and effective writing.

Sample Courses for a Master in Public Relations Degree

  • Law & Ethics
  • Communication for Leadership
  • Reputation Management
  • Social Media Practices
  • Crisis Communication

What can I do with a Masters in Public Relations?

There are many different channels for you to potentially indulge with a Master’s in Public Relations. If you have an interest in the government, you could work alongside politicians by arranging press releases, town hall meetings or even news broadcasts. The governmental focus of this field is to gain the public attention and keep it through various methods of contact and indirect advertising.

Communications and Public Speaking

It is not uncommon for individuals in this field to make announcements and give speeches publically. Public relations specialists are also needed to prepare speeches and public appearances for the individuals that they represent on a regular basis.

Business

On the business side of this career path, public relations graduates are needed to help design and implement advertising campaigns that communicate with specific groups or target audiences. In this field, you may be responsible for communicating with customers or related entities via a company website or social media site. Overall, the main focus of public relations in the business field is to promote products, provide information, and maintain sales.