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 Professionals
Working professionals who have at least three years of professional full-time working experience have the option to turn relevant work experience into up to eight credits of advanced standing toward program requirements. These eight credits will count towards your full 36-credit hours, allowing you to graduate sooner while decreasing your overall cost of tuition.
Students who are granted advanced standing will be 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 transferable to another institution. If you have questions regarding Advanced Standing, please contact Linda Gallant, Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director of our PR Master’s program, by email at linda_gallant [at] emerson.edutitle="Email Linda Gallant".
Curriculum
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 |
*To be repeated for a total of 8 credits
Elective Courses
| Number | Course | Online | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CC 604 | Strategic Planning and the Managerial Process | Not Available Online | 4 |
| CC 621 | Content Development & Strategy | Not Available Online | 4 |
| CC 623 | Public Diplomacy | Available Online in Fall Semester Only | 4 |
| CC 624 | Campaign Management | Available Online in Fall Semester Only | 4 |
| CC 626 | Crisis Communication | Not Available Online | 4 |
| CC 628 | Entrepreneurship and Creative Problem Solving | Not Available Online | 4 |
| CC 636 | Negotiation and Group Process | Not Available Online | 4 |
| CC 640 | User Experience Design | Available Online in Summer Semester Only | 4 |
| CC 643 | Global Communication | Not Available Online | 4 |
| CC 655 | Project Management and Communication | Not Available Online | 4 |
| CC 690 | Internship in PR | Not Available Online | 4 |
| CC 695 | Seminar in PR | Not Available Online | 4 |
| CC 697 | Directed Study | Not Available Online | 4 |
| CC 620 | Public Relations Management* | N/A | 4 |
| CC 621 | Writing for Marketing Communication* | N/A | 4 |
| CC 653 | Web Page Development and Management* | N/A | 4 |
*These elective courses are through the Marketing Communication Department and may only be taken with the approval of the Public Relations Graduate Program Director.
Thesis or Capstone Class
The degree will culminate with a capstone or thesis, giving you the chance to synthesize everything you’ve learned in a format that works best for you. There are two options:
- The capstone, which can be a client-based communication or creative project, academic paper, or case study, allows you to put theory to practice, with the option to write a crisis communication plan, develop a publication or online program, conduct a comprehensive communication audit, or create a public affairs and communication plan to affect public policy.
- The thesis lets you conduct deeper research on a particular dimension of public relations and is a good option if you wish to further your studies with a Ph.D. in communication.
