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.
Program Overview
Take a closer look at our online MS in Mass Communications – Public Relations program
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.
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.
Among the Best in the South
Ranked #1 among the "Best Value Schools in the South" by U.S. News & World Report (2025)
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
- 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
- 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
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:
| 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:
| Term | Start Date | Application Deadline | Document & Financial Aid Deadline | Priority Registration Deadline | Tuition Deadline | Last Class Day | Term Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 1 | 1/14/25 | 1/8/25 | 1/9/25 | 1/10/25 | 1/13/25 | 3/5/25 | 7 weeks |
| Spring 2 | 3/11/25 | 3/5/25 | 3/6/25 | 3/7/25 | 3/10/25 | 5/6/25 | 7 weeks |
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:
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 AdmissionsMurray State University
B2 Sparks Hall
Murray, KY 42071
Questions? Call 866-906-0541.
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.
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