2020-2021 Graduate Course Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Graduate Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Public Relations, MS


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Contact:

Hua Jiang, Interim Chair
318 Newhouse 3, 315-443-9347

Faculty

Anthony D’Angelo, Kelly Gaggin, Brad Horn, Hua Jiang, Dennis F. Kinsey, Joon Soo Lim, Regina Luttrell, Steven Pike

The internationally recognized public relations program at the S.I. Newhouse of Public Communications is one of the few programs in the country that offers public relations education at the undergraduate, Master’s, and mid-career levels. In addition to the Master’s program described below, please note that the Newhouse School offers a distance-learning Master’s program in Communications Management and a joint Master’s program with the Maxwell School, resulting in degrees in Public Relations and in International Relations. Information about these programs can be found under Academic Offerings.

The 40-40.5 credit program in Public Relations is an intensive thirteen months of professional study primarily for recent college graduates seeking entry into the field of public relations. The program also enrolls public relations practitioners with fewer than five years of experience who are seeking to renew and refine their skills. In either case, Master’s degree students have the opportunity to explore in depth both the theoretical underpinnings of the profession and to apply best practices. The program is distinguished by its many fine alumni both nationally and abroad, working and teaching in the full spectrum of public relations specialties.

Students choose between two tracks: one that leads to a career in the practice of public relations, the other to advanced study in preparation for a teaching and/or research career. The professional track is completed by a capstone examination and internship. The thesis track is completed by a thesis.

This 40-40.5 credit program leads to a Master of Science (M.S.) in Public Relations.

Student Learning Outcomes


In addition to the comprehensive Newhouse School learning outcomes listed in the School’s Educational Mission , students in the Public Relations program are expected to achieve the following additional learning outcomes:

  • Apply management principles as related to leadership, strategic planning for public relations departments, collaborating on teams, conducting performance reviews, integrating strategic communications with other organizational functions, and considering fiscal resources.

Professional Track (40 Credits)


Integrated & Digital Communications Elective (3 Credits)


With the help of an academic advisor, students select an elective from a list of approved courses in analytics, digital strategies and other courses in Newhouse and Whitman, especially additional topics in PRL 530.

Professional track total: 40 credits


Thesis Track (40.5 credits)


Research Methods Course (3 credits)


Courses will be chosen with the assistance of the student’s academic advisor.

Theory course (3 credits)


Courses will be chosen with the assistance of the student’s academic advisor.

Thesis Preparation (1 credit)


Thesis (3 credits)


Thesis track total: 40.5 credits


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