Program Contact: Laura Willis 203-582-7805
The communications landscape is evolving faster than ever — shaped by AI-powered tools, shifting media ecosystems, and rising demand for strategic, ethical communicators. Quinnipiac University's Master of Science in Public Relations prepares students to lead in this dynamic environment, offering an advanced degree in this highly competitive and growing field.
The program is designed for professionals looking to advance their PR careers and for those transitioning from complementary fields such as business, law, healthcare, technology, human resources, journalism and marketing. Recent graduates seeking a competitive edge as they enter the workforce will also find the program invaluable, as will current Quinnipiac undergraduates, who may apply for the accelerated 4+1 dual-degree program — earning both a bachelor's and master's degree in five years.
Graduates are qualified to work as public relations specialists across corporate, nonprofit, and government sectors — in industries ranging from healthcare to sports, entertainment, technology and beyond. Students study the conceptual and theoretical foundations of public relations, learn how to conduct and analyze public relations research and evaluation, and hone their skills in contemporary public relations practices and techniques. The program stresses professional competence, global consciousness, and professional and social responsibility. The 3-credit capstone course is designed to align with the 10 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) areas tested in the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) exam.
Also available is a Social Media Track for students who want to specialize their degree. Students who choose the Social Media Track take courses that cover social media practices, social and web analytics, and strategic planning. In this track, students learn the fundamental practices that have led to the rise of social media and how to deploy them across multiple platforms and disciplines. Students who complete this track have a firm understanding of the role social media plays in today’s communications landscape as well as the tools to deploy new solutions as this media continues to grow and evolve.
MS in Public Relations Program of Study
To earn the master’s degree, students must complete 30 credits with a minimum 3.00 GPA and no grades less than a C. Any graduate course with a grade of less than C has to be retaken.
Students have two options to complete the program: fast track or part time. Students on a fast track complete the 30-credit program in one calendar year. They take 15 credits in the fall and spring terms, respectively. Students may also elect to complete the program on a part-time basis taking between 3 and 9 credits in a semester.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core requirements | ||
| PRR 501 | Public Relations Principles | 3 |
| PRR 502 | Public Relations Research Methods | 3 |
| PRR 504 | Law and Ethics in Public Relations | 3 |
| PRR 505 | Public Relations Writing | 3 |
| PRR 506 | Public Relations Management | 3 |
| PRR 514 | Public Relations and New Media | 3 |
| PRR 605 | Public Relations Grad Capstone | 3 |
| Public Relations elective requirements 1 | ||
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| Crisis Management | ||
| Global Strategy | ||
| Investor Relations | ||
| Health & Strategic Communications | ||
| Special Topics in Public Relations | ||
| Branding Strategies | ||
| Measurement & Evaluation | ||
| Strategic Public Relations | ||
| Sports Public Relations | ||
| Corporate Public Relations | ||
| Nonprofit Public Relations | ||
| Media Systems and Planning | ||
| Financial Communications and Business | ||
| Graduate Internship in Public Relations | ||
| Strategic Communications Abroad | ||
| Entertainment Public Relations | ||
| Media Relations | ||
| Social Media Analytics | ||
| Access/Diversity/Inclusion in Soc Media | ||
| Social Media Content Strategy | ||
| The Agency | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Free elective | 3 | |
Select one public relations elective (from list above) or elective from other School of Communications graduate programs approved by the graduate director | ||
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students should be able to demonstrate the following competencies:
- Information Fluency and Analysis: Plan, conduct, analyze and report primary research findings based on a survey, focus group or other appropriate research means, as well as interpret secondary industry research for a client.
- Critical and Creative Thinking: Propose measurable, attainable objectives for a client based on primary and secondary research findings and produce campaign strategy and tactics designed to help the client achieve its goals.
- Effective Communication: Demonstrate both written and oral proficiency within a variety of traditional and new industry communication vehicles and message delivery formats.
- Social Intelligence: Demonstrate an ability to work effectively and responsibly within groups and manage relationships with clients, team members and publics to achieve individual and common goals.
- Quantitative and Qualitative Literacy: Propose an evaluation of a campaign to measure the campaign’s effectiveness.
Admission
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Applications are reviewed once all of the required materials have been received. Admission is competitive and based on the following application requirements:
Internal Applicants
Applicants who completed their bachelor’s degree program at Quinnipiac University no more than one calendar year prior to the upcoming fall semester are required to submit:
- A completed application
- An official transcript
- A letter of personal intent (approximately 500 words)
- A resume
External Applicants
Applicants who completed their bachelor’s degree at an external institution or who completed their bachelor’s degree at Quinnipiac University more than one calendar year prior to the upcoming fall semester are required to submit:
- A completed application
- An official transcript
- Two letters of recommendation submitted on your behalf
- A letter of personal intent (approximately 500 words)
- A resume and a portfolio of relevant writing or work samples (i.e., college papers, videos, audio clips or published work of any kind)