Best Online Master’s in Public Relations for Kansas 2027
Updated September 1, 202625+ min read

Best Online Master's in Public Relations for Kansas 2027

Ranked online PR graduate programs with tuition, outcomes, and flexibility details for Kansas professionals

What you’ll learn in this article…

  • No Kansas university offers a dedicated PR master's degree in state.
  • St. Bonaventure is the only ranked program with ACEJMC accreditation.
  • Top PR graduates can exceed $70,000 in median earnings within four years.

Public relations has moved decisively toward data-informed strategy and integrated digital campaigns, and advanced training has become a common differentiator for leadership roles. That reality poses a specific challenge for Kansas professionals: no university in the state offers a master’s degree dedicated to public relations. As a result, Kansas professionals rely on online programs designed for working adults. These nationally available degrees let Kansas students enroll without relocating, delivering the same curriculum and faculty as their on-campus counterparts. For a communications manager in Overland Park or a nonprofit director in Wichita, the distance format means earning a graduate credential that signals readiness for director-level and VP-level positions, often while holding onto a current role. The absence of a local option has transformed online PR master’s programs from a convenience to an essential pathway.

Why Kansas Students Are Choosing Online PR Master's Programs

Kansas students serious about advancing in public relations are increasingly turning to online master's programs for a straightforward reason: no Kansas university offers a degree specifically in public relations. While you can find broader master's in communication programs in Kansas, these degrees often lack the focused, skills-intensive curriculum that an employer expects when hiring for senior PR roles. That distinction matters when you are competing for positions that require expertise in media relations, crisis communication, digital strategy, and data-driven campaigns. An online PR master's fills the gap with coursework built for the profession, without forcing you to leave your Kansas job or uproot your life.

The Gap in Kansas PR Education

A scan of Kansas graduate programs reveals degrees in mass communications, integrated marketing communications, or organizational leadership, all valuable, but none anchored in the public relations discipline as recognized by the industry. National accrediting bodies like ACEJMC do not evaluate a single Kansas-based graduate program specifically under a public relations banner. This means a student in Wichita or Overland Park who wants to pursue a PR master's has to look beyond the state's borders. The good news is that online master's in public relations programs make it possible to earn a credential from respected institutions while staying in Kansas.

Online Programs Close the Distance

Online PR master's degrees eliminate the usual trade-offs. You do not have to move, you keep your current Kansas employment, and many universities offer flat-rate online tuition that is not tied to residency. Some even offer in-state tuition rates for all online students, regardless of where they live. The flexibility is essential for working professionals managing client demands or agency schedules. A typical online program lets you watch lectures, participate in discussions, and complete assignments on your own time, often with no required campus visits. For Kansas students, this means you can earn a career-advancing credential from a well-known program while staying rooted in your community.

Kansas PR Job Market and Earning Potential

Public relations employment in Kansas stood at 2,160 specialists in 2023, with a mean annual wage of $64,1101. While this trails the national mean of $77,7202, the cost of living in Kansas is significantly lower, making that salary go further. Markets like the Kansas City metro, Wichita, and Topeka host clusters of PR jobs in agencies, corporations, healthcare, and nonprofits. Even Manhattan, home to Kansas State University, shows an above-average concentration of PR specialists relative to all occupations, pointing to stable demand. Statewide unemployment sat at a low 3.8% in mid-20264, intensifying competition for top talent and giving employers reason to value a master's degree. Nationally, the field expects 27,600 annual openings over the coming decade, and a 5% growth rate suggests that mid-level and senior positions will increasingly require graduate-level preparation5.

Staying Connected Locally While Studying Remotely

Earning your degree online does not mean you have to network in a vacuum. The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) maintains active chapters in Kansas, including the Greater Kansas City chapter and events that draw members from across the state. These groups host webinars, in-person mixers, and professional development sessions that online students can attend to build relationships with local practitioners. Additionally, Kansas City's vibrant marketing and communications scene gives you opportunities to volunteer for pro-bono projects, find mentors, or even secure internships, all while completing your coursework from home.

Top Online Master's in Public Relations Programs for Kansas Students

Every program listed here is delivered online or through a flexible hybrid format, and each one accepts students who live in Kansas. Entries show the degrees and concentrations offered along with details that matter to working adults, such as credit totals, start terms, admission tests, and capstone expectations. Where a school reports a net price, keep in mind that it is an institution-wide average across graduate students, not a guaranteed figure for your own bill.

How we ranked these

Factors considered
  1. On-time program completion
  2. Earnings ten years after entry
  3. Graduation and retention rates
  4. Student-faculty ratio and support
  5. Net price after aid
Data sources
  • Original research on individual programs
  • Federal institutional data (NCES-IPEDS) covering graduation rates, retention rates and student-faculty ratios — nces.ed.gov
  • College Scorecard post-completion earnings data — collegescorecard.ed.gov
  • Program-level records maintained in house

Georgetown University

#1

Washington, DC · $60,000 – $65,000/yr (est.)

Best for: Working professionals balancing part-time study

Georgetown's School of Continuing Studies runs a 30-credit Master of Professional Studies in Public Relations and Corporate Communications, available online, on campus in Washington, D.C., or as a hybrid mix. Students can enroll full time or part time and finish in two to five years, with fall, spring, and summer entry points. The curriculum pairs writing and planning with research, speaking, and ethical practice, and roughly six to nine hours of weekly work is expected. Institution-wide, about 95 percent of Georgetown students graduate.

  • 30 credits required
  • Full-time or part-time enrollment
  • Two to five years to complete
  • Fall, spring, and summer entry points
  • Coursework in writing, planning, research, speaking, and ethics
  • About six to nine hours of weekly work
  • Housed in the School of Continuing Studies

University of Southern California

#2

Los Angeles, CA · ~$72,000/yr (est.)

Best for: Mid-career marketers wanting data-driven strategy skills

USC Annenberg's master's in public relations innovation, strategy, and management is built for working professionals and can be finished in 12 months or stretched across a two-year track. Coursework leans on critical thinking, ethics, and data-driven decision making, and it adds business, finance, and economics so graduates can hold their own in leadership conversations. Students also get structured networking with industry leaders and teaching from Annenberg faculty. Institution-wide, about 92 percent of USC students graduate.

  • 12-month completion option, or a two-year track
  • Business fundamentals, finance, and economics included
  • Emphasis on ethics and data-driven decision making
  • Covers multiplatform content, influencer relations, and global brands
  • Networking events with industry leaders
  • Taught by USC Annenberg faculty
  • Designed for working professionals

Florida State University

#3

Tallahassee, FL · ~$11,000/yr (est.)

Best for: Budget-conscious learners favoring public universities

Florida State's College of Communication and Information offers a professional communication master's with a strategic communication concentration that blends advertising, public relations, digital media, and cross-cultural outreach. The 33-credit curriculum covers communication theory and research methods alongside applied work in campaign planning and audience analysis, and an individualized plan of study lets students shape the degree around their goals. Graduates move into roles such as public relations specialist, marketing communications manager, or digital strategist, and the program also prepares students for doctoral study. Institution-wide, about 86 percent of Florida State students graduate.

  • 33 credit hours total
  • Combines advertising, public relations, and marketing communication
  • Strategic Communication concentration
  • Individualized plan of study based on interests
  • Prepares for integrated, digital, and multicultural marketing roles
  • Also builds a foundation for advanced doctoral study
  • SACSCOC accredited

University of Delaware

#4

Newark, DE · $20,000 – $25,000/yr (est.)

Delaware's strategic communication master's includes a public relations specialization built around planning, writing, and executing campaigns. The 30-credit program runs about 18 months with asynchronous coursework, which suits students who need to keep working while they study. Courses span public relations management, crisis communication, reputation management, branding, and AP style writing, and a service-learning project has students build a full campaign plan for a real organization. Institution-wide, roughly 81 percent of Delaware students graduate.

  • 30 credit hours over about 18 months
  • Asynchronous coursework for working professionals
  • $1,153 per credit
  • Covers PR management, crisis and reputation management, and branding
  • Service-learning project with a real organization
  • Six phases of crisis communication
  • AP style professional writing
  • Brand development and ad campaign work

Marist College

#5

Poughkeepsie, NY · ~$17,000/yr (est.)

Marist's master's in marketing communication carries a public relations concentration and can be completed full time or part time over roughly two years. The ten-course structure pairs six core courses with four electives, and students can add certificates tied to the digital marketing, health communication, or strategic leadership tracks. Curriculum topics include social media analytics, global consumer insights, branding, and digital storytelling, taught by faculty with industry backgrounds. Institution-wide, about 80 percent of Marist students graduate.

  • Public relations concentration
  • Six core courses plus four electives
  • Ten courses total
  • Optional certificates in digital marketing, health communication, and strategic leadership
  • Covers social media analytics, branding, and digital storytelling
  • Full-time track or part-time two-year option
  • Faculty with industry backgrounds
  • Immersive case study approach

Washington State University

#6

Pullman, WA · ~$15,000/yr (est.)

Washington State's Master of Arts in Strategic Communication is a 30-credit program with spring, summer, and fall start dates and no GRE requirement. The curriculum focuses on multimedia content creation, crisis communication, ethics, and research methods, capped by a capstone that produces portfolio-ready work. Students move through as a cohort, meet for weekly online office hours, and get hands-on training with industry tools. Institution-wide, about 61 percent of Washington State students graduate.

  • 30 semester credits
  • No GRE required, 3.0 GPA minimum
  • Spring, summer, and fall start dates
  • Courses in multimedia content creation, crisis communication, ethics, and research methods
  • Capstone project required
  • Portfolio-quality work produced
  • Cohort structure with weekly online office hours
  • Hands-on training with industry tools

Drexel University

#7

Philadelphia, PA · ~$39,000/yr (est.)

Drexel's Master of Science in Strategic and Digital Communication is aimed at communication professionals who want to lead rather than participate, and its strategic communication concentration covers public relations, organizational communication, and the theory behind how messages land. Students study media policy, communication ethics, and the evolving relationship between organizations and their audiences, with leadership development woven throughout. Four start terms a year and both full-time and part-time pacing keep it workable for employed students, and admission is holistic with no GRE required. Institution-wide, about 78 percent of Drexel students graduate.

No entrance examTest optional
  • Strategic Communication concentration covering public relations
  • Coursework in communication theory, ethics, and media policy
  • Leadership development woven into the curriculum
  • No thesis or capstone required
  • Four start terms per year, full-time or part-time
  • 3.0 GPA minimum and two letters of recommendation
  • GRE optional with holistic application review
  • $65 application fee, no entrance exam required

Colorado State University-Fort Collins

#8

Fort Collins, CO · ~$14,000/yr (est.)

Colorado State's communications and media management master's offers a public relations concentration inside a program that also spans advertising, web design, and media production electives. The 30-credit degree can be finished in as little as 14 months, with three start dates a year and asynchronous classes. Students work on reputation management, crisis communication, stakeholder engagement, media analytics, and ethical decision making, with electives chosen to align to career goals. Institution-wide, about 67 percent of Colorado State students graduate.

No entrance examTest optional
  • 30 total credit hours, finish in as little as 14 months
  • Public relations concentration among 10 available
  • $789 per credit
  • Asynchronous classes with three start dates per year
  • 3.0 GPA minimum and three letters of recommendation
  • Focus on media analytics and ethical decision making
  • Covers reputation management and stakeholder engagement
  • Application fee waivers offered

DePaul University

#9

Chicago, IL · ~$23,000/yr (est.)

DePaul's Master of Arts in Public Relations and Advertising prepares students for public relations, advertising, and integrated marketing communication work, with digital and social media strategy weighed alongside traditional media. The degree typically takes two years, and most classes meet on weekday evenings at the Loop Campus, with some coursework available online. Students build portfolio projects with real clients and can pursue internships across Chicago's agency and corporate market. The College of Communication offers tuition awards, scholarships, and graduate assistantships, and about 68 percent of DePaul students graduate institution-wide.

  • Two-year completion time
  • Weekday evening classes at the Loop Campus
  • Focus on digital, social, and traditional media strategy
  • Portfolio projects with real clients
  • Internship opportunities in the Chicago market
  • Some coursework available online
  • Tuition awards, scholarships, and graduate assistantships available
  • Writing sample and essay questions required to apply

Lipscomb University

#10

Nashville, TN · ~$17,000/yr (est.)

Lipscomb's 36-hour Master of Arts in Public Relations is aimed at professionals and career changers, pairing on-campus meetings with online coursework so students can finish in about a year at their own pace. No GRE is required, and an optional thesis track sits alongside a 15-hour certificate option. Courses cover campaign management, communication theory, and social media, with experiential learning and applied research built into the degree. Instruction comes from seasoned practitioners, and the program is housed in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, with about 72 percent of Lipscomb students graduating institution-wide.

  • 36-hour program with one-year completion possible
  • No GRE required
  • Optional thesis track
  • 15-hour certificate available
  • Covers campaign management, communication theory, and social media
  • Experiential learning and applied research opportunities
  • Taught by seasoned professionals
  • Specializations available through applied research

Questions to Ask Yourself

  1. Are you prioritizing affordability, program reputation, a specific concentration like crisis communication or digital PR, or flexibility to keep working in your current Kansas job?

    Balancing these factors early helps you focus on programs that actually fit your budget, career goals, and life, rather than wasting time on schools that look good on paper but don't meet your needs.

  2. Do you need ACEJMC-accredited coursework for your career goals, or is regional accreditation sufficient?

    Some employers and doctoral programs prefer ACEJMC accreditation, but many roles accept regionally accredited degrees just as well. Knowing which standard matters for your path prevents overspending on unnecessary prestige.

  3. Are you looking for a thesis track to prepare for potential doctoral study, or a capstone or practicum that builds portfolio pieces you can show employers?

    A thesis provides research skills and a stepping stone to a Ph.D., while a capstone delivers tangible work samples, a direct asset when job hunting. Choose based on whether you see yourself in academia or industry.

Tuition and Cost Comparison for Online PR Master's Programs

The table below ranks online PR master's programs available to Kansas students by estimated program tuition, from lowest to highest. All tuition figures reflect institutional data from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS, 2023). The net price shown is an institution-wide average after financial aid and does not represent a guaranteed per-student amount. Several of these schools charge a flat online tuition rate regardless of where you live, which can be a significant advantage for Kansas residents enrolling out of state. Program-level monthly loan repayment data is not yet available for these programs, so we recommend using the median graduate debt column alongside a federal loan repayment calculator to estimate your post-graduation monthly burden.

SchoolStateProgramIn-State TuitionOut-of-State TuitionFlat Online Rate?Net Price (Avg. After Aid)Median Graduate Debt
Middle Georgia State UniversityGAM.A. in Public Relations$4,534$13,984No$12,361$19,000
Eastern New Mexico UniversityNMM.A. in Communication (PR Concentration)$5,706$7,480No$4,904$16,500
Northeastern State UniversityOKM.A. in Public Relations$5,771$11,981No$12,710$17,367
Wayne State CollegeNEPublic Relations Management (M.S.O.M.)$5,784$10,194No$15,360$19,000
Columbus State UniversityGAM.A. in Communication (Strategic Communication Management)$8,268$10,140No$13,115$26,000
Wilmington UniversityDEM.S. in Digital Communication (PR Specialization)$9,726$9,726Yes$15,644$20,000
SUNY Buffalo State UniversityNYM.S. in Public Relations$12,208$24,688No$11,346$21,028
Radford UniversityVAM.S. in Strategic Communication$13,762$23,525No$14,578$24,000
Washington State UniversityWAM.A. in Strategic Communication$14,845$30,467No$14,971$19,500
Trinity Washington UniversityDCM.A. in Strategic Communication and Public Relations$15,660$15,660Yes$9,302$28,250

Career Outcomes and Salary Potential After a PR Master's

Earning a master's degree in public relations positions you to command higher pay than the typical PR professional working in Kansas. Understanding how graduate-level credentials translate into real salary gains can help you decide if a career in public relations is worth it.

What PR Professionals Earn in Kansas

The median annual wage for public relations specialists in Kansas sits at about $64,860 as of 2025.1 In the Kansas City metro area, that figure climbs to roughly $68,050, and specialists at the 75th percentile earn over $90,000. In Wichita, the median is approximately $63,430, with top earners reaching above $86,000. Nationally, the mean annual wage for PR specialists is about $77,720.3

These figures represent the field as a whole, including professionals with only a bachelor's degree. A master's degree typically moves you closer to the upper quartile of earners, especially as you gain experience and step into senior roles.

How a Master's Degree Lifts Your Earning Trajectory

Program-level earnings data for the specific PR master's programs featured in our rankings are not yet published, so we cannot point to exact post-graduation salary figures for each school. However, broader labor market patterns are telling. Professionals who hold a graduate degree in communications or public relations are more likely to qualify for management positions, where median pay jumps significantly. PR managers nationally earn well above $120,000 per year, and even in Kansas, leadership roles in communications tend to pay $90,000 or more.

The national job outlook is also encouraging. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects roughly 5 percent growth for PR specialist roles over the next decade, with approximately 27,600 openings expected annually.4

Framing the ROI Question

Graduate tuition for the online PR programs available to Kansas students ranges from under $13,000 to over $70,000, depending on the school and format. While program-specific debt figures are not yet reported for most of these degrees, even at the higher end of the tuition spectrum, the math can work in your favor. If a master's degree moves you from the Kansas median of $64,860 into the 75th-percentile range of $86,000 to $90,000, that $20,000-plus annual salary increase can recover your investment within two to four years.

Career Paths a PR Master's Opens

A graduate degree does more than boost your paycheck. It qualifies you for roles that a bachelor's alone may not, including:

  • PR Director: Oversee an organization's entire public image and media strategy.
  • Vice President of Communications: Set high-level messaging and brand positioning across divisions.
  • Crisis Communications Manager: Lead rapid-response teams during reputational threats.
  • Corporate Affairs Specialist: Manage stakeholder relationships and government engagement.

Kansas employers across several industries actively seek these skill sets. Healthcare systems, major agriculture and food-production companies, aerospace firms, and state and local government agencies all maintain communications teams that value advanced training. Online PR master's programs let you build these credentials while continuing to work in your current role, and many graduates find that their capstone projects or practicum experiences connect directly to the strategic challenges they face on the job every day.

PR Graduate Earnings: 1 Year vs. 4 Years After Completion

Program-level earnings data for these online PR master's programs are not yet available through federal reporting. Because most of these programs are relatively new or have smaller cohorts, the U.S. Department of Education has not published median earnings at the one-year or four-year post-completion marks. As more graduates enter the workforce and reporting thresholds are met, future College Scorecard updates should provide a clearer picture of salary growth trajectories for PR master's completers.

PR Graduate Earnings: 1 Year vs. 4 Years After Completion

Common Concentrations and Curriculum Highlights

St. Bonaventure University stands as the only program in this ranking with ACEJMC accreditation for its online M.A. in Marketing Communication. That specialized seal signals a curriculum that meets the rigorous, industry-wide standards of the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications, a differentiator worth your attention as you compare programs.1

Choosing a Program: PR-Focused vs. Broader Communication Degrees

Not all master's degrees that touch on public relations carry the same focus. Several options available to Kansas students are broad strategic communication or integrated marketing communication programs, while others drill directly into PR. Understanding the differences between strategic communication, marketing, and public relations can help you decide which degree structure fits your goals. Liberty University’s online M.A. in Strategic Communication includes a named Public Relations concentration, and Marist College’s online Master’s in Marketing Communication offers a PR concentration alongside digital marketing and health communication tracks. Columbus State University offers a concentration in Strategic Communication Management within its M.A. in Communication. A clearly labeled PR concentration often means you will spend more credit hours on media relations, crisis messaging, and campaign management, while broader degrees may cover advertising, brand strategy, and market research more evenly. Both paths can lead to PR leadership, but a named concentration helps signal subject-matter depth to employers and gives you more electives targeted to the communications roles you are aiming for.

Concentration Options Available in Online Programs

When you look beyond the degree title, the range of available specializations can directly shape your skillset. Marist College’s program, for example, includes formal concentrations in digital marketing, health communication, and strategic leadership, all of which can sharpen a PR career in a specific industry. Liberty University’s PR concentration emphasizes public relations writing, organizational change communication, and digital media skills. While some programs do not list separate concentration tracks, their core courses often still let you build expertise in areas like crisis communication, social media analytics, or corporate communication through electives. If you have a clear niche in mind, healthcare PR, tech communications, or nonprofit advocacy, prioritize programs that list a matching concentration or at least enough course flexibility to build that profile.

Thesis vs. Capstone: How to Match Your End Goal

The culminating experience in your master’s program can look very different depending on whether you want to stay on a practitioner track or pivot toward research and academia. Washington State University’s online M.A. in Strategic Communication, Northwest Missouri State University’s online M.A. in Strategic Communication, and American University’s online M.A. in Strategic Communication all require a capstone project, where you apply coursework to a real-world communication challenge and produce a portfolio-ready deliverable. Lipscomb University’s M.A. in Public Relations offers an optional thesis track, which is better suited if you plan to pursue a Ph.D. or want to publish research. For most working professionals in Kansas who intend to accelerate or switch a PR career, a capstone or applied practicum aligns more directly with the outcomes you’ll be paid to deliver on the job.

Accreditation: Why ACEJMC Status Matters

Regional accreditation, held by all schools in this list, is the baseline for academic legitimacy and federal financial aid. ACEJMC accreditation goes a step further for communication and journalism programs, evaluating curriculum, faculty credentials, resources, and student outcomes against standards set specifically for the field. St. Bonaventure’s online M.A. in Marketing Communication carries this ACEJMC designation, something Georgetown University’s MPS degree in Public Relations & Corporate Communications does not, and American University’s online M.A. in Strategic Communication does not.3 Employers who understand the distinction often view ACEJMC-accredited programs as a reliable indicator of communication-specific rigor, but both types of accreditation can support a strong career. If the credential is important to you, look for it explicitly on the school’s program page, as it is awarded program by program, not university-wide.

Admissions Requirements and Application Tips

Most online PR master's programs share a similar set of admissions expectations, but the details vary enough that you should verify requirements with each school well before your target start date. Here's what Kansas students can generally expect.

  • Minimum GPA
    A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is the standard benchmark across most programs. A few schools set a lower bar, SUNY Buffalo State, for example, requires a 2.75, so candidates with GPAs slightly below 3.0 still have strong options. If your GPA falls short, a solid professional track record or high scores on supplemental materials can strengthen your case.
  • GRE and Standardized Test Policies
    The post-COVID trend toward GRE waivers continues in 2026, with many programs, including George Washington University's MPS in Public Relations, offering a waiver option. However, a handful of schools still require a standardized exam; Florida International University's MS in Global Strategic Communications, for instance, asks for GRE scores. Always check each program's current policy, as waiver availability can change from one admissions cycle to the next.
  • Professional Work Experience
    Many online PR master's programs are designed for working professionals and prefer applicants with two to three years of relevant experience in public relations, communications, marketing, or a related field. Some programs treat this as a strong preference rather than a hard requirement, so recent graduates with internship experience should not rule themselves out.
  • Personal Statement and References
    Expect to submit a statement of purpose that connects your professional goals to the program's curriculum, along with two or three professional or academic references. Admissions committees look for evidence that you can articulate how a PR master's degree fits into a concrete career plan.
  • Writing Samples and Portfolios
    Programs with an applied or practice-oriented focus often require a writing sample or small portfolio. Both the University of Alabama's MA in Advertising and Public Relations and SUNY Buffalo State's MS in Public Relations ask for writing samples, so keep polished press releases, campaign plans, or published clips ready.
  • Prerequisite Coursework
    Most programs do not mandate specific undergraduate courses in communications or PR, though some may require foundational coursework, or offer bridge modules, for students whose bachelor's degrees are in unrelated fields. Review each program's prerequisites early so you can complete any requirements before your intended start term.
  • Application Deadlines and Rolling Admission
    Deadlines for online PR programs span a wide window, typically from November through the following July. NYU's MS in Public Relations and Corporate Communication sets an early fall deadline around November, while the University of Alabama's MA uses a June 1 deadline. Many online programs also offer rolling admission, giving Kansas professionals added flexibility to apply when the timing is right.

Online vs. Hybrid: Choosing the Right Format as a Working Professional

Deciding between a fully online or hybrid PR master's program often comes down to your daily schedule, career goals, and how much you value in-person interaction. Both formats can deliver a rigorous education, but each comes with trade-offs worth weighing carefully. Among the programs ranked on this page, the majority are offered fully online, while a smaller number follow a hybrid model that blends virtual coursework with periodic campus visits.

Pros
  • Fully online programs offer maximum scheduling flexibility, letting Kansas professionals complete coursework without relocating or commuting.
  • Online formats frequently feature flat-rate or reduced tuition, which can lower the total cost regardless of your Kansas zip code.
  • Hybrid programs provide face-to-face networking with classmates, faculty, and visiting PR professionals during on-campus sessions.
  • Hybrid formats often include hands-on experiences such as media labs, agency simulations, and direct access to campus career services.
  • Online programs allow Kansas students to choose from a national pool of accredited universities without geographic limitations.
Cons
  • Fully online students may miss organic networking opportunities that come from sharing physical space with peers and industry contacts.
  • Hybrid programs require periodic travel to campus, which can be costly and time-consuming for professionals based in Kansas.
  • Hybrid options are more limited in number, potentially narrowing your choices if few programs align with your specialization interests.
  • Online learners sometimes report feeling less connected to their cohort, which can affect motivation and collaborative project quality.
  • Hybrid schedules with set residency dates may conflict with work obligations, making them harder to manage for those with unpredictable hours.

Frequently Asked Questions About PR Master's Programs for Kansas Students

Choosing the right graduate program in public relations raises many practical questions, especially when you are balancing work, family, and coursework in Kansas. Below are answers to the questions we hear most often from prospective students in the state.

As of 2026, no Kansas university offers a master's degree specifically in public relations. However, Kansas students have strong options through nationally accredited online programs at schools such as Ball State University, the University of Nevada, Reno, and George Washington University. Because these programs are fully online, you can earn your degree from anywhere in the state without relocating.

Yes. Several regionally accredited universities offer fully online PR master's programs that do not require any on-campus visits. Ball State University's online M.A. in Public Relations1 and the University of Nevada, Reno's online M.A. in Strategic Public Relations and Advertising2 are two well-regarded examples. Most programs use asynchronous coursework so you can study on your own schedule.

Most online PR master's programs require 30 to 36 credits and can be completed in 18 to 24 months of part-time or full-time study. Some accelerated options finish faster; Lipscomb University's hybrid M.A. in Public Relations, for example, can be completed in about 12 months and represents an accelerated online communication master's. Your timeline will depend on course load and whether you attend year-round.

For many working professionals, the answer is yes. A graduate degree can qualify you for senior roles in corporate communications, crisis management, and agency leadership that typically require advanced credentials. Graduates also tend to command higher salaries than those with only a bachelor's degree. The investment is strongest when you choose a program aligned with your career goals and maintain professional connections while studying.

The two degrees overlap significantly. A PR master's focuses specifically on media relations, reputation management, and crisis communication. A strategic communication degree is broader, often covering advertising, organizational communication, and digital marketing alongside PR coursework. Some programs, like the University of Delaware's M.A. in Strategic Communication4, offer a PR specialization that combines both approaches.

Most do not. The majority of online PR master's programs have dropped the GRE requirement entirely as of 2026. Ball State University1, the University of Nevada, Reno2, and Lipscomb University all waive the exam, offering no gre online masters. George Washington University waives the GRE for applicants with an undergraduate GPA above 3.03. Always check each school's current admissions page for the latest policy.

Total tuition varies widely depending on the institution and credit requirements. Programs typically range from 30 to 36 credits, with per-credit costs that differ by school. You can compare estimated totals in the tuition comparison table elsewhere in this article. Many online programs offer the same tuition rate regardless of residency, which is a notable advantage for Kansas students attending out-of-state schools.

More Online PR Master's Programs Available to Kansas Students

The programs below sit just outside our ranked list and welcome Kansas students through online or hybrid delivery. They include dedicated public relations master's degrees, strategic communication programs, and communication degrees with a PR concentration. Treat this as a browsing directory: compare formats, structures, and locations before narrowing your shortlist.

Azusa Pacific University
An online Master of Arts in Strategic Communication that blends digital analytics, global strategy, and case studies, with ethics woven through traditional and digital practice. Graduates prepare for roles such as communication director or public relations manager.
Saint Peter's University
This 33-credit Master of Arts in Communication and Public Relations covers strategic planning, brand development, press release writing, and crisis response. Hybrid delivery combines live remote lectures with asynchronous coursework.
Northwest Missouri State University
A 30-credit Master of Arts in Strategic Communication delivered fully online in 7-week courses. The curriculum centers on communication campaigns, public relations, research, and argumentation, and can be completed in as few as 12 months.
Hofstra University
A 30-credit Master of Arts in Public Relations covering strategic writing, audience research, digital communication, and crisis strategy, with optional concentrations in Reputation and Crisis Management or Marketing. Hybrid delivery includes both on-campus and online options.
Liberty University
A 33-credit Master of Arts in Strategic Communication with a Public Relations specialization, offered 100% online in 8-week terms with multiple start dates each year. Coursework focuses on PR writing, strategic planning, organizational change communication, and digital media skills.
Trinity Washington University
An online Master of Arts in Strategic Communication and Public Relations taught by industry professionals, with evening and weekend formats built for working adults. The curriculum concentrates on practical communication and PR skills for leadership roles.
Notre Dame of Maryland University
The Master of Arts in Contemporary Communication offers a Public Relations concentration through face-to-face evening classes, hybrid study, or 100% online completion. Small classes and a data-driven approach prepare students for PR, social media, and organizational communication work.
Columbus State University
A 100% online Master of Arts in Communication with a Strategic Communication Management concentration and 30 required graduate credits, offered full-time or part-time. Students learn to craft strategic messages, manage campaigns, and reach diverse audiences through digital media.
Northeastern State University
A 30-credit Master of Arts in Public Relations completed over five semesters, with fall, spring, and summer start terms. Fully online coursework covers crisis management, brand and media, media ethics, social media practice, and intercultural communication.
University of Southern Mississippi
A 30-hour Master of Science in Public Relations delivered 100% online, suited to students pursuing career advancement or doctoral study. Core courses in PR theory and campaigns are supplemented by electives, an internship or research option, and a comprehensive exam.
Lasell University
A 36-credit Master of Science in Communication with a Public Relations concentration, available in hybrid or online formats and completable in 12 to 24 months. Courses include Writing for Public Relations, Crisis Communication, and Media Relations.
Johns Hopkins University
The MA in Communication offers a Public and Media Relations concentration through 10 courses that can be finished in 12 to 24 months. Students study online or on campus in Washington, D.C., with evening and weekend classes designed around working schedules.
SUNY Buffalo State University
An online, part-time Master of Science in Public Relations requiring 33 credits, including seven required PR courses, two PR electives, and two general electives. The writing-intensive curriculum emphasizes strategic planning, research methods, and ethical standards.
Point Park University
A 36-credit Master of Arts in Public Relations, Advertising and Social Media offered fully online with 8-week asynchronous courses and two concentration choices. Hands-on assignments build a professional portfolio, and students select a professional or thesis track.
Middle Georgia State University
A fully online Master of Arts in Public Relations structured as a one-year degree with 11 career-based electives. Coursework spans PR writing, strategy, multimedia production and design, campaigns, social media communication, and a practicum.

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