MS in Public Relations

Quinnipiac University

As a public relations specialist, you are the eyes, ears and voice of individuals and organizations. You conduct in-depth research to understand the needs of various publics, create strategic messaging for print, mobile and digital outlets and coordinate programs that effectively communicate a client’s message and goals. We’ll teach you the skills you need for a career as a social media manager, public affairs officer, community relations officer or media relations specialist.We build upon your current skills and prepare you for leadership roles. You’ll learn to plan and manage PR campaigns as well as mitigate potential crisis situations. Electives enable you to specialize in such sub-fields as international public relations, investor relations and health care public relations, depending on your career goals. Our program additionally offers the flexibility of both full- and part-time study, while the fast track option allows you to complete the program in one year.Our curriculum covers the most critical elements of an effective communication strategy, as outlined by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). You’ll explore crisis management, branding, reputation management and ethics on a global level before choosing from an array of specialized electives to customize your focus, including a social media track. The capstone experience allows you to further delve into a topic that aligns with your career goals through an independent research project of your own design.In addition to this on-ground program, Quinnipiac University also offers an online MS in PR program designed for working professionals.Social Media TrackSocial media has grown to be something greater than a personal soapbox or networking tool - it is an invaluable asset for modern public relations professionals and an integral component to any PR strategy. This concentration teaches the fundamental practices that have led to this rise, how to deploy them across multiple platforms and disciplines and how to develop new solutions and strategies as this media continues to evolve.Businesses, politicians and entertainers alike rely heavily on social media to reach the public. A series of deftly crafted Facebook posts, Tweets or Instagram photos can make or break customer relationships and brand loyalty, public image, voter turnout and beyond. In our graduate PR program’s social media concentration, you’ll cover basic and advanced social media practices, community management and social and web analytics. You’ll also learn how to effectively integrate marketing concepts and practices with PR strategy to achieve the best possible results for a diverse range of clients.

School of Communications