Top 10 Best Online Master’s of Public Relations Ranked 2025

Affordability

The price of a master’s in public relations degree online is generally lower than that of other degrees, especially when compared with its in-person counterpart. An online master’s program may offer in-state tuition rates for all students. There may also be cost savings for housing, and miscellaneous fees like parking and printed textbooks.

Even better, financial aid and student loans can make the cost of education more affordable for master’s in public relations students. For more information about financial aid, visit the Federal Student Aid website.

Length

An online master’s in public relations typically takes two years of full-time study to complete. However, many underlying factors can influence the length of the program. For instance, every school may come with different program requirements.

Career Paths

Whether you’re seeking a career in business, the academia sector, government, or other industries, a career in public relations can take you nearly anywhere. There are many well known career paths in this field, including advertising and marketing, account management, public relations or public information for businesses, agencies, or organizations.

Public Relations Writing or Content Creation

This course aims to highlight the creation of the most effective PR written content. Through this course, prospective public relations students will polish their content creation skills. This course also includes trial and error of different PR content strategies.

Media Communications and Technology

Every aspiring PR professional should enroll in this subject. This course aims to engage audiences through technology and media tools. By the end of this course, students become savvier with diverse communication tools and platforms.

Consumer and Audience Analytics

To improve messaging and collect consumer data, this course examines the major tools and techniques available.

Public Relations Ethics

Students will learn how to communicate ethically in public. Integrity, respect, honesty, loyalty to clients and to the industry are important ethical values in public relations.

Despite challenges, PR professionals should uphold these values and strive to impact society positively. Incorporating social responsibility is given in this subject matter for PR master’s students.

Application

Online applications are required for nearly all programs. You must fill out a typical application form and provide supporting documents, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statements, and test scores.

Letters of Recommendation

It is common for graduate programs to ask for at least two letters of recommendation. You can seek advisors, professors, or employers who are familiar with your academic or professional work. Someone who you’ve worked closely with will be able to share more details about your skills and abilities.

Test Scores

You may have to submit GRE or GMAT scores for a master’s in public relations program online. These tests can assess your ability to think critically, use a wide vocabulary, and make quantitative conclusions.

Some schools set specific ranges for the test scores that they require. The best way to attain the required score is to prepare carefully for the test.

Official Transcripts

Transcripts from your undergraduate studies are required for graduate programs. These transcripts are also required if you have completed graduate coursework elsewhere or another graduate degree.

Many online master’s in public relations programs allow you to make use of your past credits. Check with each school you are considering to determine if any credits are transferrable.

Resume and Work Experience

A resume or curriculum vitae (CV) can help you get admitted to your desired online master’s in public relations program. It is possible to get into a graduate program without working in the public relations field, but you may be required to have some professional experience.

Personal Essay

A written personal essay is almost universally required when applying for a graduate program. This can be in the form of a personal statement.

The essay will give you the opportunity to present yourself in a more personal way than test scores and resume can. This is your best chance to position yourself in a good light, other than acing the personal interview.

Bottom Line: Some online master’s in public relations programs may also require an interview, either in-person or remotely.

PR Manager

A PR manager is an essential role among many corporations and large businesses. PR managers usually work at the upper levels of organizations, overseeing strategies for engaging with audiences and potential donors. A Public Relations manager is often responsible for directing an organization’s overall image and identity.

Market Research Analyst

A market research analyst analyzes the market to find out the best way to sell products or services. They analyze market conditions to forecast trends. Market research analysts also conduct and gather data which is helpful in deciding and structuring marketing strategies.

PR Advisor

Public relations specialists help clients create favorable public images. Many brands and marketing agencies hire PR advisors. Media and various other communication channels are used to communicate their message and influence people.

PR advisors determine whether public relations strategies are effective at communicating vision to audiences and clients.

Communications Director

The communications director designs and coordinates media relations campaigns for a client/employer. They handle the public and press, and oversee messaging and branding efforts on behalf of the client/employer.

Public Affairs Director

This PR professional oversees the public relations efforts and strategies of a company/organization. They coordinate with various public relations and marketing campaigns and assess the relative effectiveness of efforts to protect and promote the public profile of the company/organization.

Bottom Line: An online master’s degree in public relations will yield many career opportunities and public relations related careers.