Academic Programs Catalog

College of Communication Arts and Sciences

Department of Advertising and Public Relations

Graduate Study
Public Relations - Master of Arts

Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree in Public Relations

At least 30 credits are required for the master's degree in public relations under either Plan A or Plan B.

Requirements for Both Plan A and Plan B (15 credits):
1. All of the following courses:
ADV 850 Public Relations Management 3
ADV 855 Public Relations Theories 3
ADV 860 Media Relations 3
COM 803 Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods 3
MKT 805 Marketing Management 3
Additional Requirements for Plan A (15 credits):
1. The following course (4 to 6):
ADV 899 Master's Thesis Research 4 to 8
2. Additional credits from the courses listed below, or in other courses, as approved by the student's academic advisor (7 to 11 credits):
ADV 823 Consumer Behavior Theories 3
ADV 830 Seminar in Social Marketing 3
ADV 836 Media Innovations 3
ADV 843 Strategic Brand Communication 3
ADV 846 Media Strategy 3
ADV 865 Advertising and Society 3
ADV 890 Independent Study 1 to 6
ADV 892 Special Topics 3 to 9
ADV 893 Internship 1 to 3
Not more than 6 credits in ADV 890 and ADV 893 combined may be counted toward the requirements for the Master of Arts degree in Public Relations.
Additional Requirements for Plan B (15 credits):
1. Fifteen additional credits, from the courses listed below, or other courses, as approved by the student’s academic advisor.
ADV 823 Consumer Behavior Theories 3
ADV 830 Seminar in Social Marketing 3
ADV 836 Media Innovations 3
ADV 843 Strategic Brand Communication 3
ADV 846 Media Strategy 3
ADV 865 Advertising and Society 3
ADV 890 Independent Study 1 to 6
ADV 892 Special Topics 3 to 9
ADV 893 Internship 1 to 3
Not more than 6 credits in ADV 890 and ADV 893 combined may be counted toward the requirements for the Master of Arts degree in Public Relations.
The final certifying experience is a poster presentation during the semester of graduation.