Our 36-credit Public Relations (MA) program is versatile with part-time or 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 Public Relations 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 2-3 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.
Core Requirements
| 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
