Emerson College’s on-campus Public Relations graduate program consists of a 32-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
Professionals with 2+ years of related experience waive four credits from the core course CC 645 Research Methods. Advanced standing allows you to graduate sooner and decreases the cost of tuition.
If you are granted advanced standing, you must complete the remaining 28 credits at Emerson College to satisfy degree requirements. Advanced standing credit advances your position within the program, but credits are not granted or transferable to another institution.
Public Relations Curriculum
Core Course Requirements (20 credits)
| Number | Course | Modality | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
CC 652 CC 621 | Emerging Communication Technology or Online Content Strategy | Online | 4 |
CC 645 CC 640 DC 608 | Research Methods & Practice or User Experience Design or User Experience Design | In Person/Online | 4 |
| CC 647 | Organizational Communication | In Person | 4 |
| CD 648 | Public Relations | In Person | 4 |
| CC 692 | Capstone | In Person | 4 |
Elective Course Requirements (12 credits)
| Number | Course | Online | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CC 604 | Strategic Planning and the Managerial Process | In Person | 4 |
| CC 608 | Public Affairs | In Person | 4 |
| CC 621 | Online Content Development & Strategy | Online | 4 |
| CC 623 | Public Diplomacy | In-person | 4 |
| CC 624 | Campaign Management | Online | 4 |
| CC 626 | Crisis Communication | In Person | 4 |
| CC 628 | Entrepreneurship and Creative Problem Solving | In Person | 4 |
| CC 636 | Negotiation and Group Process | In Person | 4 |
| CC 640 | User Experience Design | Online | 4 |
| CC 643 | Global Communication | In Person | 4 |
| CC 655 | Project Management and Communication | Online | 4 |
| CC 690 | Internship in PR | In Person | 4 |
| CC 695 | Seminar Topics in PR | In Person/Online | 4 |
| CC 697 | Directed Study | Online | 4 |
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)
- Elective 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