Master's Concentration

Master's in Public Relations

Expertly reach stakeholders, manage your organization’s identity, and maximize the impact of its reputation. You’ll learn strategies to connect with influencers, utilize mass media, and leverage social media, all while employing principles of persuasion and quality content creation. From researching and evaluating audiences, to assessing the value of PR campaigns, you will apply critical thinking, precise writing, and complex reasoning.

Public Relations image

At a Glance

Classes Begin
September 11
Format
Term Length
10 Weeks
Admission
No GRE or GMAT
Master's Degree
Tuition
$38,688
Time
As few as 18 months
U.S. News Best Colleges
Top-Ranked University

U.S. News & World Report Rankings
Diana McQuarrie
Talk to an Enrollment Manager

Diana McQuarrie

Free Application


University College is committed to educational access, and given the difficult circumstances currently impacting millions of people, we are waiving application fees.

Skills You'll Learn


Communicate persuasively to targeted audiences


Create communication and PR plans with measurable results


Develop, manage, and analyze effective media relations practices

Curriculum

Master of Arts in Communication Management with a concentration in Public Relations requires completion of 48 credit hours (12 courses).

All students are required to complete a zero-credit Student Success Course.

4
Core Courses
6
Concentration Courses
2
Elective Courses

Sample Schedule

Plan out your schedule and determine your preferred timeline for completing your master's degree—finish in as few as 18 months or take up to five years.

Time to Completion
Year 1 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Classes 2 2 2 2
Year 2 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Classes 2 2 0 0
Year 1 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Classes 1 2 1 2
Year 2 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Classes 1 2 1 2

Interested in a graduate certificate?


Explore our four and six course graduate certificates in Public Relations.

Take a Course Before You Apply


We know how important it is to get started when you're ready and that's why you can enroll in a course before you officially apply.

Career Outcomes

Predicted outcomes for graduates of Public Relations


Public relations professionals can expect to see a 10% growth of employment as organizations continue to a maintain a public image, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The continued rise of social media will contribute to employment growth for public relations professionals.


Job candidates can expect the highest concentration of job opportunities at larger public relations firms and organizations with larger media exposure. According to Forbes, industries with the highest percentage of PR professionals include civic, professional, scientific and technical organizations.


U.S. News and World Report ranked Public Relations Specialist #2 in Best Creative & Media Jobs for factors such as salary and job market.

Job Titles

Communications Director
Community Relations Director
Public Relations Specialist
Public Affairs Director
Public Relations Director
Public Relations Manager
Consultant

Public Relations Director Salary: National Average

$90,585
(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Get Ahead with Career Services


One-on-one career coaching and mock interviews


Job database dedicated to DU students and alumni


Résumé and cover letter guidance

Hear from Our Students

Theme: Job Satisfaction
Flexible Online Classes

Flexible Online Classes

We understand the demands of balancing work, friends and family, and school can be challenging. That's why at University College, you can complete your program entirely online. Our online learning platform makes it easy to work anywhere at any time.

Advisory Board

Our programs are developed and updated with the input of advisory boards composed of industry leaders and employers. This ensures that you'll learn what employers are looking for, and gain the most current information with a view to future industry trends, connecting you to future success.

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Megan Castle
Communications Manager, Department of Transportation
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Erin Iwata
VP, Digital Marketing Heinrich Marketing
Rich Khleif
Rich Khleif
Senior Director-Communications, Connections, & Customer, Insights Oracle
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Lora Ledermann
Scream Agency
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Andy Mountain
President, GBSM
Bob Noguiera
Bob Noguiera
Director Human Resources, West Division Comcast Cable
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Julie Reeves
Vice President Marketing, Rachio

Featured Instructors

Accreditation

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Higher Learning Commission

University College programs maintain the highest level of accreditation offered by The Higher Learning Commission, one of the regional accrediting bodies recognized by the federal government. The University of Denver and all of its academic programs are regionally accredited by this commission, and regional accreditation is the highest standard for universities in the United States.

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