Master of Science in Mass Communications with a concentration in Public Relations online

This degree helps you grow within any professional background to find your place in the world of communications and become an industry leader.

Apply by: 1/8/25
Start Class: 1/14/25
Apply Now

Program Overview

Take a closer look at our online MS in Mass Communications – Public Relations program

$17,445* Total Tuition
As few as 12-18 months Program Duration
30 Credit Hours

Tailor the upward growth of your career with the Master of Science in Mass Communications with a concentration in Public Relations online program from Murray State University. Curriculum encourages critical, creative and independent thinking to help stretch your understanding of media theory and communication practices. In addition to preparing you for exciting new roles, this degree also serves as a path to complement your existing career by adding highly regarded skills in strategy and problem-solving.

The innovative program begins with a strong foundation in mass media and public relations and focuses on advertising, law, culture and race, ethics, strategy and media. You do not need a professional or academic background in communications in order to excel in this program. Murray State faculty offer one-on-one attention and follow the communications industry closely to continuously assess and determine how to best develop your abilities and facilitate success.

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Ranked among the most affordable

The Murray State University mass communications graduate program has been ranked among the most affordable online programs in the country by college resource guide OnlineU.

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Among the Best in the South

Ranked #1 among the "Best Value Schools in the South" by U.S. News & World Report (2025)

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This program prepares you for public relations responsibilities within your existing field (e.g., journalism, political science, social media manager, higher education) or for roles such as:

  • Director of Public Affairs
  • Press Secretary
  • Public Information Officer
  • Marketing Manager
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Communications Director
This program prepares you for public relations responsibilities within your existing field (e.g., journalism, political science, social media manager, higher education) or for roles such as:+
  • Director of Public Affairs
  • Press Secretary
  • Public Information Officer
  • Marketing Manager
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Communications Director

As a graduate of this online program, you will be able to:

  • Understand multiple and diverse audiences
  • Write strategically and persuasively in the corporate environment
  • Synthesize writing, research and public relations principles into a viable action plan
  • Understand current global issues in public relations, including an appreciation for diversity
  • Work professionally on a team and appreciate the importance of diverse perspectives
As a graduate of this online program, you will be able to:+
  • Understand multiple and diverse audiences
  • Write strategically and persuasively in the corporate environment
  • Synthesize writing, research and public relations principles into a viable action plan
  • Understand current global issues in public relations, including an appreciation for diversity
  • Work professionally on a team and appreciate the importance of diverse perspectives
Have questions or need more information about our online programs?

Also available

Murray State offers a variety of online master’s degrees. Check out all of our MBA, MPA and MS online degree programs.

Tuition

Learn more about Murray State’s affordable tuition

The MS Mass Communications with a concentration in Public Relations online program offers affordable, pay-by-the-course tuition. All fees are included.

Tuition breakdown:

$581.50 Per Credit Hour
$17,445* Total Tuition
View full tuition breakdown
Program Per Credit Hour Per Course Per Program
MS – Public Relations $581.50 $1,744.50 $17,445*

*The tuition rate is subject to annual changes based on approval by the Murray State University Board of Regents and the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education. Refer to Graduate Tuition Rates for more information on the cost of attendance for Murray State.

Calendar

Know the upcoming dates and deadlines for our online degree

Murray State University online programs are delivered in an accelerated format ideal for working professionals, conveniently featuring multiple start dates each year.

Now enrolling:

1/8/25 Next Application Deadline
1/14/25 Start Classes

View full calendar  + 

TermStart DateApplication DeadlineDocument & Financial Aid DeadlinePriority Registration DeadlineTuition DeadlineLast Class DayTerm Length
Fall 210/15/2410/9/2410/10/2410/11/2410/14/2412/8/247 weeks
Spring 11/14/251/8/251/9/251/10/251/13/253/5/257 weeks
Spring 23/11/253/5/253/6/253/7/253/10/255/6/257 weeks
Ready to take the next step toward earning your degree online from Murray State?
Apply Now

Admissions

View the requirements for the online public relations program

At Murray State University, we've streamlined the admission process to help you get started quickly and easily. Please read the requirements for the MS Mass Communications with a concentration in Public Relations online, including where to send your transcripts.

The requirements include:

Online application accepted on a rolling basis
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institutionN
Transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended
GRE waiver available FOR QUALIFIED APPLICANTS
View all admission requirements

You must meet the following requirements for admission to the MS Mass Communications with a concentration in Public Relations online program:

  • Master's degree in a relevant field or doctoral-level degree from an accredited institution
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with:
    • 2.75 undergraduate GPA
    • 2.5 GPA and a minimum total GRE score of 288 with a minimum verbal score of 145

Note: For domestic applicants with below a 2.5 undergraduate GPA who have the necessary exam score, and whose case includes exceptional circumstances, the admissions committee may conduct a candidate review on a case-by-case basis. In such exceptional cases, the admissions committee will review whether a candidate has significant high-level work experience or qualifications and at least five years since earning a bachelor's degree.

Official transcripts, test scores and other documents should be sent from issuing institutions to:

Email address: [email protected]

Mail address:

Graduate Admissions
Murray State University
B2 Sparks Hall
Murray, KY 42071

Questions? Call 866-906-0541.

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Courses

These are the topics you will study in our online MS in Mass Communications – Public Relations classes

For the MS Mass Communications with a concentration in Public Relations online, you must complete 30 credit hours of coursework.

Expand All
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Course is designed to give new graduate students a rudimentary knowledge of mass communication and public relations. It obviously cannot serve the purpose of replacing and entire undergraduate curriculum, but instead will provide a working knowledge of terminology and practices associated with mass media industries, journalism, the advertising industry, and the public relations profession.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An in-depth study of the profession of public relations with a focus on contemporary issues, problems, and challenges using guided discussion and analysis of case studies.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An analysis of theories and research in mass media influences on images of culture, race, and gender in our society. Focus on the role of news, entertainment and advertising media in the construction and perpetuation of systemic views about members of these particular groups.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Course is designed to explore strategic communication strategies for businesses and other organizations which must communicate with the public. The course addresses the media, methods and ethics of institutions' interactions with a variety of publics. This course uses a lab-based format each week to apply the concepts of the course material. Students should be prepared to think, write, compose, and practice strategic communication skills on a weekly basis.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The development of technology in media industries and related businesses, such as consumer electronics and office systems. Topics include the nature of technical innovation, economic feasibility, public policy, social impact, and diffusion models.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An in-depth study of the profession of advertising, with a focus on contemporary issues, problems, and challenges; guided discussion and analysis of case studies.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is a study of marketing as the firm’s strategic link with its customers in a global competitive environment. Major topics include (1) the development of marketing strategy, (2) the formulation of marketing plans, (3) the selection and implementation of marketing tactics, and (4) ethical considerations in marketing. **Suggested first course
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Defines organizations and managers’ roles in those organizations, with special emphasis upon behavioral issues. Examines individual, group and organizational processes in light of the environment within which the organization functions. Special attention is given to managing in non-U.S. settings and the ethical problems faced in the managerial job.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course examines risk-management considerations of businesses that publish online, via social media, with the ability to assess and limit legal liability.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Capstone of the mass communications degree. An individual independent research, creative, or professional project, designed by the student under the direction of the graduate coordinator and one other JMC faculty member.

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Submit the form below, and a representative will contact you to answer your questions.
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Or call 866-906-0541

By submitting this form, I am providing my digital signature agreeing that Murray State University (Murray State) and its agent, Risepoint, may email me or contact me regarding educational services by telephone and/or text message utilizing automated technology or a pre-recorded message at the telephone number(s) provided above. I understand this consent is not a condition to attend Murray State or to purchase any other goods or services. Privacy Policy. SMS Terms.

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