Information on Master’s Degree Programs in Public Relations Management
Majors Overview June 29, 2015This article talks about master’s degree programs in public relations management and their education requirements, coursework, career choices, job and wage outlook, and continuing education choices.
Master’s Programs in Public Relations Management
Few schools, if any, offer specific master’s degree programs in public relations management, though they may be available in some accredited schools. Coursework in a master’s degree program in public relations management covers different topic areas in marketing, human resources, and business. Core coursework also covers specialized courses in group psychology, organizational behavior, and statistical analysis.
In order to graduate from a master’s degree program in public relations management, students are required to complete a research dissertation supervised by an assigned faculty member. Undergraduate students are required to be taught courses by master’s candidates enrolled in some programs.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a bachelor’s degree, in addition to submission of GRE scores and a transcript of undergraduate grades. Potential candidates may also have to meet with faculty members and admissions counselors for an interview.
Coursework
Coursework covers a wide array of subject areas in business operations, human resource management, and financial analysis. Core coursework may cover topic areas such as:
•Strategic marketing
•Communication theory
•Public relations research
•Basic accounting
•Public relations campaign planning
Career Choices
Program graduates can choose from job opportunities in numerous fields, including media management, corporate marketing, and advertising. Apart from public relations management, other possible job positions available to graduates from a master’s degree in public relations management include:
•Copywriter
•Human resource manager
•Community outreach director
•Press consultant
•Public relations specialist
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, a job growth rate of 13% has been predicted for public relations managers (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). During the same decade, public relations specialists are expected to see a faster-than-average job growth rate of 12%. In 2012, public relations managers brought in an average annual wage of $95,450 while specialists banked $54,170 (BLS).
Continuing Education Choices
Program graduates seeking continuing education may pursue enrollment in professional schools, including law school, or doctoral degree programs, such as a Ph.D. in Advertising and Public Relations program.
