Master of Arts in Public Relations

About the Program

For more than 30 years Rowan University’s Master of Arts in Public Relations (PR) program has helped students build successful careers in public relations and its related fields. All graduate faculty members also serve as practitioners—as consultants, trainers, planners, and researchers. This means you will work directly with experienced educators and practitioners in public relations, public affairs, and integrated marketing communication.

The MA in Public Relations emphasizes real-world applications of theories and techniques offered in an environment that emphasizes collaborative learning. It attracts a cross section of students with experience levels ranging from recent graduates to senior managers. The MA in Public Relations curriculum grounds students in four key areas: writing, research, problem solving, and planning. The program is divided into three areas of focus: Corporate Public Relations, Educational Public Relations, and Public Affairs. The emphases enable students to focus on a specific area of public relations based on their preferences.

Curriculum

Program Code: MA-PR / Major Code: G895

  • Total semester hours required graduate work for program completion: 33 s.h.
  • Students must pass a comprehensive exam with both a written and an oral component to complete the M.A. program. Taking the comprehensive exam helps prepare students to pass the APR exam and become accredited.
  • Thesis Requirement: Yes

Coursework (Program Semester Hours: 33)
The courses listed here are not official and are subject to change. For an official list of available courses please visit the CGCE section tally.

Required Courses: 21 Semester Hours (s.h.)

Course Number Course Title Semester Hours
MAPR 01551 Public Relations Overview 3
MAPR 01547 Techniques in Communication 3
MAPR 01550 Introduction to Communication Research 3
MAPR 01553 Case Studies 1
MAPR 01544 Public Relations Planning 2
MAPR 01561 Advanced Techniques in Communication 3
MAPR 01620 Seminar in Public Relations (2 semesters) 6

Elective Courses: 12 Semester Hours (s.h.)
Approved Modules and Electives (Depending on Specialization)

Admissions Requirements

The following is a list of items required to begin the application process for this program. There may be additional action or materials required for admission to the program. Upon receipt of the materials below a representative from the CGCE Admissions Processing Office will contact you with confirmation or indicating any missing items.

  • CGCE Graduate Application Form (pdf)
  • $65 (U.S.) non-refundable application fee
  • Bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) from an accredited institution of higher learning
  • Official transcripts from all colleges attended (regardless of number of credits earned)
  • Current professional resume
  • Typewritten statement of professional objectives
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Recommended undergraduate cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale)
  • Submission of official GRE test results
  • Writing sample
  • CGCE Foundation Course Completion Form (pdf)

Start Dates & Application Deadlines

Below is a list of anticipated start dates. The start dates indicated are based on the university calendar or the CGCE schedule. Your actual first day of class will depend on the course sequence which will be provided by a CGCE Enrollment Advisor once you have matriculated in the program.

Entry Term & Module Start Date(s) Application Deadline(s)
Summer 2013 05/13/2013 04/01/2013
Fall 2013 Late Aug./Early Sept. 08/01/2013
Spring 2014 TBD 12/01/2013

Tuition & Costs

$630 tuition + $141.90 in fees = $771.90
(this rate applies to academic year 2012/2013 and is subject to change)

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