Emerson College’s on-campus Public Relations graduate program consists of a 36-credit curriculum. Housed in the School of Communication, the program is versatile, with part-time and 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 public relations professionals with 2+ years of experience can possibly waive 4 or 8 credits, allowing you to graduate sooner while decreasing your overall cost of tuition.
Students granted advanced standing are 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 granted or transferable to another institution.
32-Credit Advanced Standing Public Relations Curriculum
Students with 2+ years of relevant and documented experience who are approved for the 32-credit advanced standing public relations curriculum are required to take 32 credits from the following courses. Course plans will be determined in consultation with your graduate program director.
| 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 |
| **Open Elective | Open Elective | - | up to 8 |
*To be repeated for a total of 8 credits
**Can take up to 2 electives for a total of 8 credits
28-Credit Advanced Standing Public Relations Curriculum
Students with 3+ years of relevant and documented experience who are approved for the 28-credit advanced standing public relations curriculum are required to take 28 credits of the following courses. Course plans will be determined in consultation with your graduate program director.
| 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 |
| **Open Elective | Open Elective | - | up to 8 |
*To be repeated for a total of 8 credits
**Can take up to 2 electives for a total of 8 credits
Sample Curriculum Map
Our Public Relations MA can be completed full-time in two years, or part-time in two-and-a-half to three years. This sample curriculum map is designed to give you an idea of your course load as a full-time student over two years. For full course information, review our course catalog.
Full-time Sample Curriculum Map (September–May)
Fall Semester 1 (8 credits)
- Core Course: CC 652 Emerging Communication Technology
- Core Course: CC 645 Research Methods & Practice
Spring Semester 1 (12 credits)
- Core Course: CC 608 Public Affairs
- Core Course: CC 647 Organizational Communication
- Elective Course: CC 626 Crisis Communication
Fall Semester 2 (8 credits)
- Core Course: CC 648 Public Relations
- Elective Course: CC 643 Global Communication
Spring Semester 2 (8 credits)
- Core Course: CC 692 Capstone
- Elective Course: CC 690 Internship in PR