What you’ll learn in this article…
- Hawaii lacks in-state PR master's programs, making online degrees essential.
- Top-ranked online programs range from roughly $10,000 to $50,000 total.
- Hawaii PR professionals with master's degrees earn a meaningful salary premium.
No university in Hawaii currently offers a master's degree in public relations, which makes accredited online programs the primary route for island-based students seeking advanced PR credentials. That gap matters in a state where PR work sits at the intersection of tourism marketing, state and county government communications, nonprofit advocacy, and environmental stewardship, sectors that together shape Hawaii's public conversation.
The practical tension for most applicants is balancing widely varying tuition across mainland programs, synchronous class schedules set to Eastern or Central time, and the need to build a professional network from 2,500 miles offshore. Program quality varies sharply: accreditation, faculty experience, and a curriculum focused on digital and crisis communication separate serious degrees from generic online offerings.
Why an Online PR Master's Is the Best Path for Hawaii Students
The public relations field in Hawaii is evolving rapidly as organizations balance global tourism marketing with deep community stewardship, and professionals who can navigate both are in high demand.
No In-State Programs: And Why That’s an Advantage
For Hawaii residents pursuing a master's in public relations, the path forward is entirely online, and that is a strategic opportunity, not a compromise. No university in the state currently offers an accredited master’s degree focused specifically on public relations; however, there are communication graduate degrees in Hawaii that can provide valuable expertise. Instead, you can choose from a range of respected online programs offered by mainland universities without ever leaving the islands. This opens doors to nationally ranked schools and specialized curricula that simply do not exist locally, all while you continue working in Hawaii’s PR market and strengthening local connections that are critical to your career.
Hawaii’s PR Landscape Demands Advanced Skills
The islands’ economy creates steady demand for communication professionals with graduate-level training. According to recent labor data, public relations specialists in Hawaii earn an average annual salary of approximately $86,884, with top earners commanding over $127,000.1 The state’s growth industries , health care, construction, accommodation, and leisure , all depend on clear, culturally sensitive messaging.2 Major employers include the Hawaii Tourism Authority, state and local government communication offices, a handful of small but influential PR agencies (most clustered in Honolulu), environmental nonprofits, and Native Hawaiian organizations.3 As PRWeek highlights, understanding Hawaii’s unique blend of local culture and global tourism is essential.3 A master’s degree sharpens your ability to manage complex campaigns, stakeholder relations, and crisis communication in this distinctive environment.
Online Learning Meets Island Life
Hawaii’s geographic isolation makes online education a natural fit. Rather than enduring expensive weekend flights to mainland campuses, you can study on your own schedule , often asynchronously , from your home or office. This flexibility means you can immediately apply new insights to your current job, whether you are crafting a media pitch for a Honolulu hotel or developing a community outreach plan for a statewide health initiative. An online master’s keeps you rooted in the local professional networks that matter, all while earning a credential that signals advanced expertise to employers across the islands.
Top Online Master's in Public Relations Programs for Hawaii Students
Every program below accepts students from Hawaii and can be completed online or in a hybrid format that travels well from the islands. Our directory does not yet list verified online public relations master's programs based in Hawaii, so Hawaii-based learners who want a graduate credential in PR typically turn to mainland programs with established distance delivery. Where a school also runs an on-campus track, the online option is spelled out in the program details.
How we ranked these
- On-time completion within program timelines
- Earnings ten years after entry
- Online delivery available to Hawaii students
- Institutional retention and graduation rates
- Breadth of public relations coursework
- 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
#1Washington, DC · $60,000 – $65,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Working professionals needing part-time flexibility
Georgetown University is a private research university whose School of Continuing Studies runs a Master of Professional Studies in Public Relations and Corporate Communications. The 30-credit degree can be taken online, on campus, or in a hybrid format, with full-time and part-time pacing and fall, spring, and summer entry. Institution-wide, about 95 percent of students graduate, and the program is built around roughly six to nine hours of study a week for working professionals.
University of Southern California
#2Los Angeles, CA · ~$72,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Aspiring brand strategists targeting leadership roles
The University of Southern California is a private research university in Los Angeles with a national reputation in communication and journalism. Its online Master of Science in Public Relations Innovation, Strategy and Management is aimed at working professionals and can be finished in about 12 months or spread across two years. The curriculum folds in business, finance, and economics so graduates can work credibly with executive leadership, and instruction comes from USC Annenberg faculty.
Florida State University
#3Tallahassee, FL · ~$11,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Career switchers entering integrated marketing
Florida State University is a public research university in Tallahassee, and its College of Communication and Information offers an online Master of Science in Professional Communication with a Strategic Communication concentration. The 33-credit curriculum blends advertising, public relations, digital media, and cross-cultural outreach, and an individualized plan of study lets students aim the degree at their own career targets. It is one of the more affordable options here, at roughly $18,800 in tuition and fees for out-of-state students.
University of Delaware
#4Newark, DE · $20,000 – $25,000/yr (est.)
The University of Delaware is a public research university whose online Master of Arts in Strategic Communication includes a public relations specialization. The 18-month, 30-credit program is fully asynchronous, and a service-learning component has students adopt a real organization and build a complete campaign plan. Coursework covers crisis communication, reputation management, branding, and AP style writing, with tuition listed at $1,153 per credit.
Marist College
#5Poughkeepsie, NY · ~$17,000/yr (est.)
Marist College is a private institution in Poughkeepsie, New York, offering a fully online master's in marketing communication with a public relations concentration. The degree pairs six core courses with four electives and gives students a choice of concentrations in digital marketing, health communication, or strategic leadership, each with a matching certificate option. A part-time two-year track is available for students balancing a full-time job.
Washington State University
#6Pullman, WA · ~$15,000/yr (est.)
Washington State University is a public research university whose Global Campus delivers a fully online Master of Arts in Strategic Communication. The 30-credit program runs as a cohort, with courses in multimedia content creation, crisis communication, ethics, and research methods, and it finishes with a capstone project. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA and no GRE, and spring, summer, and fall starts keep entry flexible.
Drexel University
#7Philadelphia, PA · ~$39,000/yr (est.)
Drexel University is a private research university in Philadelphia whose Master of Science in Strategic and Digital Communication trains communication professionals to lead rather than simply participate. The program is available fully online or fully on campus, with four start terms a year and full-time or part-time pacing. There is no GRE requirement and no thesis or capstone, and the strategic communication concentration spans public relations and organizational communication.
Colorado State University-Fort Collins
#8Fort Collins, CO · ~$14,000/yr (est.)
Colorado State University is a public land-grant research university in Fort Collins whose online Master of Communications and Media Management includes a public relations concentration. The 30-credit degree is asynchronous and can be finished in as little as 14 months, with electives in advertising, web design, and media production. Ten concentration options and coursework in media analytics and ethical decision-making let students shape the degree around their goals.
DePaul University
#9Chicago, IL · ~$23,000/yr (est.)
DePaul University is a private university in Chicago whose College of Communication offers a Master of Arts in Public Relations and Advertising. The program is hybrid, with most classes held on weekday evenings at the Loop Campus in downtown Chicago and some coursework available online, and it typically takes about two years. Students build portfolio projects with real clients and can pursue internships across the city's agency and corporate communications market.
Lipscomb University
#10Nashville, TN · ~$17,000/yr (est.)
Lipscomb University is a private university in Nashville offering a 36-hour Master of Arts in Public Relations that mixes on-campus meetings with online coursework. The program can be completed in about a year with no GRE requirement, and it includes an optional thesis track plus a 15-hour certificate option for students who want a shorter credential. Coursework covers campaign management, communication theory, and social media, with applied research specializations.
At a Glance: Online PR Master's Program Costs and Outcomes
Hawaii students considering an online PR master's degree will find a wide spectrum of tuition levels and institutional quality across the top-ranked programs. Here is a snapshot of key figures drawn from the programs featured in our rankings to help you budget wisely and evaluate your return on investment.
Cost Comparison: Online PR Programs vs. Hawaii Campus Communication Degrees
Hawaii students considering a master's in public relations have strong incentive to look beyond the islands. The University of Hawaii at Manoa offers a respected MA in Communication, but its resident graduate tuition runs roughly $16,500 to $17,400 per year before living expenses, and no PR-specific master's track is available on campus. Several fully online PR programs from accredited mainland institutions charge less in total program tuition than a single year at UH Manoa, and because these programs are completed remotely, you avoid relocation costs entirely.
| School | Program | Delivery | Estimated Total Program Tuition (Out-of-State) | Credits Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern New Mexico University | MA in Communication, Public Relations concentration | Online | Approximately $7,480 | 24 to 30 |
| Middle Georgia State University | MA in Public Relations | Online | Approximately $13,984 | 30 |
| Northeastern State University | MA in Public Relations | Online | Approximately $11,981 | 30 |
| Columbus State University | MA in Communication, Strategic Communication Management | Online | Approximately $10,140 | 30 |
| Trinity Washington University | MA in Strategic Communication and Public Relations | Online | Approximately $15,660 | 36 |
| SUNY Buffalo State University | MS in Public Relations | Online | Approximately $24,688 | 33 |
| University of Hawaii at Manoa | MA in Communication (no PR concentration) | Campus (Honolulu) | Approximately $17,404 per year | Varies |
What Can You Earn With a PR Master's in Hawaii?
For Hawaii-based communication professionals, the decision to pursue a master's degree often comes down to a single question: does the long-term earning potential justify the upfront cost? While public relations roles in the islands may not always match the highest-paying mainland markets, combining a respected advanced degree with the state's unique media landscape can lead to management positions with six-figure salaries.
PR Salaries in Honolulu and Across Hawaii
Public relations specialists in the Urban Honolulu metro area had a median annual wage of $66,560 in 2023, with hourly wages ranging from $30.01 at the 10th percentile to $32.00 at the 90th percentile.1 Public relations managers in Honolulu earned a median of $116,110, while the 90th percentile hourly rate reached $55.82.1 Across the state, PR specialists reported a median of $67,220, though total employment outside Honolulu was just 140 jobs.2 These occupational wages represent what employers across all industries pay, regardless of educational background.
How Hawaii Stacks Up Nationally
Nationally, the median wage for public relations specialists reached $69,780 in 2024,3 placing Honolulu slightly below the national average. However, the state's high cost of living means that even a comparable salary might stretch further elsewhere. That said, the managerial opportunities in Honolulu often exceed the national trend: a median of over $116,000 for PR managers demonstrates that the island market values senior-level expertise, especially in tourism, government, and nonprofit sectors that dominate Hawaii's economy.
What Graduates of These Online Programs Earn
Program-level earnings data for PR graduates of specific online master's programs are not yet available through federal reporting. However, institutional data offer a useful benchmark. Alumni from top-ranked universities that offer online public relations programs report robust median earnings across all fields. For example, Georgetown University graduates see median earnings of approximately $103,500 a decade after entering the workforce, while University of Southern California alumni report about $92,500. Such figures, drawn from all degree levels, suggest that completing a master's at a high-caliber institution often translates into meaningful salary gains over a career.
Because these programs are designed for working professionals, many students continue to earn while they learn, reducing the opportunity cost. The absence of program-specific outcomes should not detract from the strategic value of an online PR master's when paired with the right school and career focus.
Weighing the Investment: Tuition vs. Long-Term Earnings
Tuition for leading online PR master's programs ranges from about $12,700 at Notre Dame of Maryland University to over $71,500 at USC, with many options clustered between $17,000 and $53,000. When plotted against Honolulu's PR manager median of $116,110 or even the specialist median of $66,560, the payback period can be relatively short, particularly if you qualify for in-state tuition rates or employer reimbursement. The earning potential gap between a public relations bachelor's degree holder and a master's-prepared manager is substantial, and many online programs offer accelerated paths that let you earn the degree in 12 to 24 months while maintaining full-time employment on the islands. For Hawaii professionals looking to climb into strategic communication roles, the numbers suggest that a well-chosen online master's program is an investment that pays for itself over a few years of post-degree work.
Accreditation and Quality Markers to Look For
Accreditation is an independent review that confirms a college or program meets established quality standards. For working professionals in Hawaii who are considering an online public relations master’s, understanding the two main types of accreditation can help you steer clear of worthless credentials and safeguard your financial investment.
Regional Accreditation: The Non-Negotiable Foundation
Regional accreditation applies to the entire institution. It is a requirement for federal financial aid and ensures credits are widely transferable. All schools featured in top online PR master’s rankings hold regional accreditation from bodies like the Higher Learning Commission or Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Without regional accreditation, a degree may not be recognized by employers, licensing boards, or other graduate programs.
Specialized Accreditation (ACEJMC) Sets Programs Apart
In communication fields, the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC) evaluates specific degree programs for curriculum rigor, faculty qualifications, and student outcomes. This stamp is rare among online PR master’s programs. Among top-ranked options, only a handful hold ACEJMC accreditation: - South Dakota State University , M.M.C. in Mass Communication (online)1 - Arizona State University’s Cronkite School , M.M.C. in Mass Communication (online)2 - St. Bonaventure University , online master’s in communication/journalism3 - Buffalo State University , M.S. in Public Relations (online)4
Not all quality programs carry ACEJMC accreditation, especially those with newer online formats. For example, American University’s on-campus M.A. in Strategic Communication is ACEJMC-accredited5, but its online version is not. Still, regionally accredited non-ACEJMC programs often meet employer expectations if the curriculum aligns with industry standards.
Professional Certification (APR) and How a Master’s Helps
The Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) credential from the Universal Accreditation Board signals advanced competence. It requires a public relations bachelor’s degree, at least five years of full-time PR work experience, and passing a computer-based exam.6 Earning a master’s doesn’t shorten the experience requirement, so you’ll still need that full five years. However, a PR master’s can provide deeper preparation for the exam’s strategic thinking components and may strengthen your candidacy for senior roles in Hawaii where the APR can influence hiring preference and earning potential.
Red Flags to Avoid
Watch out for online programs touting only national accreditation or lacking any recognized accreditor. These degrees often won’t transfer credits if you pursue further education, and some Hawaii employers explicitly filter for regionally accredited credentials. Always verify both institutional and specialized accreditation on the U.S. Department of Education’s database before enrolling.
Hawaii-Specific Considerations for Online Learners
Choosing an online PR master's from Hawaii means confronting distinct logistical realities that mainland students never face. The time zone gap, remote internship logistics, and distance from campus recruiting hubs all demand extra planning, but they also create opportunities for Hawaii-based students to build hyper-relevant local portfolios while earning a nationally respected degree.
Time Zone Strategy: Managing the 5-Hour Gap
Hawaii Standard Time runs 5 to 6 hours behind Eastern Time, which turns synchronous evening classes on the East Coast into midday obligations in Honolulu. A 7 p.m. ET live session starts at 1 or 2 p.m. HST. For working professionals, that can be a dealbreaker. Among top programs, George Washington University’s online master's in public relations explicitly requires synchronous class sessions. If your schedule cannot accommodate mid-afternoon meetings, prioritize fully asynchronous degrees, such as the online master's at Syracuse University or many others that release recorded lectures and let you engage on your own timeline. Before enrolling, confirm with the program coordinator exactly how many live sessions per week are mandatory and whether daytime attendance is observed.
Internships and Practicums from the Islands
Programs like Buffalo State’s online MS in Public Relations require an internship, and Georgetown University’s online PR and Corporate Communications program makes internship opportunities available for credit. The key question is whether you can fulfill that requirement locally. Most online programs allow you to complete field experiences with an approved employer near you, which in Hawaii could mean a tourism board, a Honolulu PR agency, a nonprofit conservation group, or even a remote placement with a mainland firm. Clear the details with the internship coordinator early: ask if remote supervision is accepted and whether prior work experience can substitute for a practicum. Having a local site lined up before you apply strengthens your case.
Building a Local Network Without Campus Visits
Online students miss the casual networking of on-campus career fairs and cohort happy hours, but Hawaii has its own professional ecosystem. The PRSA Hawaii chapter hosts events, mixers, and professional development sessions on Oahu and the neighbor islands. Joining as a student member gives you access to mentors who understand the state's media landscape, tourism-driven communications roles, and crisis PR for local industries. Pair that with virtual networking through your program's alumni platforms, and you can build a circle that spans both the islands and the mainland.
Residency and Travel Obligations
A handful of online programs include in-person components that require mainland travel. George Washington University, for instance, offers an optional global residency. If you opt in, you will need to budget for airfare, lodging, and time away. Even programs without formal residencies may host optional immersion weekends or capstone presentations on campus. Review the fine print for any required on-site events and calculate total travel costs before committing. For Hawaii residents, programs with zero in-person obligations often provide the most friction-free path to graduation.
How to Choose the Right Online PR Program From Hawaii
The public relations field is no longer just about press releases; it now demands mastery of analytics, digital storytelling, and real-time crisis response. For Hawaii-based professionals, finding the right online PR master's means balancing global readiness with an understanding of island-state industries like tourism, sustainability, and military communications. A thoughtful decision framework can help you avoid a mismatch.
1. Format: Asynchronous vs. Synchronous and Hawaii Time Zone
Time zones are a practical reality. Many national online programs schedule live sessions on Eastern or Central time, which can mean 2 a.m. start times in HST. Prioritize programs that offer fully asynchronous coursework, or at minimum a blend with synchronous components recorded for later viewing. Evening and weekend asynchronous content is ideal for working professionals; you can engage with materials when it fits your schedule, not the mainland's. If synchronous attendance is required, confirm that sessions are offered in Pacific or Hawaii-friendly windows.
2. Specializations That Serve Hawaii’s Key Industries
Look for concentrations aligned with Hawaii's economy. Crisis communication and reputation management skills are valuable for tourism-dependent organizations navigating natural disasters or global events. Digital and social media strategy is essential for promoting the islands' brand internationally. Programs that weave these topics into the core curriculum, rather than treating them as electives, will give you immediately applicable skills. A generalist degree is fine, but a clear specialization can set you apart when applying to Hawaii's major resorts, airlines, and public affairs agencies.
3. True Cost and Return on Investment
The cheapest program is rarely the best long-term value. Consider total tuition, not just per-credit rates. For example, Washington State University's online MA in Strategic Communication costs around $30,500 for out-of-state students, while a private university like Johns Hopkins charges roughly $64,700. However, federal earnings data shows that Johns Hopkins graduates see median earnings of approximately $87,500 ten years after entry, while WSU alumni report closer to $68,900. Programs at Georgetown and USC carry higher price tags but report median earnings above $92,000, a payoff that can justify the upfront investment. Ask yourself: will the premium boost your earning trajectory enough to offset the higher debt?
4. Practicum Flexibility for Remote Students
Hands-on experience matters, but you shouldn't have to fly to campus to get it. Investigate whether the program allows you to complete a practicum or capstone project with a local employer in Hawaii. Some schools maintain partnerships with national organizations that have Pacific offices; others let you design your own project with faculty approval. Avoid programs that mandate on-site internships unless you're willing to travel. The best online PR master's treat remote practicums as a standard offering, not an exception.
5. Career Services and Pacific-Region Alumni Networks
A strong alumni network on the West Coast and in the Pacific can accelerate your next career move. Ask admissions whether they have active alumni chapters in Honolulu or connections with agencies in Asia-Pacific markets. Career services that offer virtual coaching, resume reviews, and employer connections tailored to communications roles are non-negotiable. Look for evidence that graduates land jobs at firms with a Hawaii presence: this signals that the degree travels well across time zones.
Narrow Your List and Make the Call
Once you have identified three or four programs that meet these criteria, contact each admissions office directly. Ask specific questions: "How do you support Hawaii-based students with time zone differences?" "Can I complete the practicum with a tourism board or local PR agency?" "What does your career services team do for graduates seeking roles in the Pacific region?" The answers will reveal whether a program truly values remote learners or simply tolerates them. For working professionals, the right fit is one that bends to your life, not the other way around.
Admission Requirements for Online PR Master's Programs
Admissions policies evolve frequently, so always verify requirements directly on each program's official website before applying. Below is a general overview of what most accredited online PR and strategic communication master's programs expect.
- Transcripts and GPANearly all programs require official transcripts from every institution you have attended. While minimum GPA thresholds vary, many competitive programs look for a cumulative undergraduate GPA in the 3.0 range, though some will consider applicants holistically if other credentials are strong.
- Standardized Test ScoresMany leading online PR master's programs are now GRE-optional or have permanently waived standardized test requirements. This is a welcome shift for working professionals, but policies can change from cycle to cycle, confirm the current stance on each program's admissions page before assuming a waiver applies.
- Statement of PurposeA well-crafted personal statement or statement of purpose is a cornerstone of most applications. Programs want to understand your career goals, why you are drawn to public relations or strategic communication, and how graduate study fits into your professional trajectory.
- Letters of RecommendationExpect to submit two or three letters of recommendation. Recommenders who can speak to your professional accomplishments or academic potential carry the most weight. Former supervisors, clients, or professors are all appropriate choices.
- Professional ResumeA current resume or CV is standard. Some programs prefer applicants with one to two years of relevant work experience, but this is often a preference rather than a hard requirement, recent graduates with strong portfolios or internships are frequently admitted as well.
- Additional MaterialsCertain programs may request a writing sample, professional portfolio, or short video introduction. Check each school's admissions page for any supplemental requirements unique to that program.
- Authoritative Resources for Further ResearchFor the most current program listings and industry context, consult resources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics at BLS.gov, the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), and the National Communication Association's directory of accredited programs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online PR Master's Programs for Hawaii Students
Choosing an online public relations master's program from Hawaii brings up practical questions about accreditation, cost, admission timelines, and professional credentials. The answers below draw on authoritative sources you can consult directly to verify the details that matter most for your career.
More Online PR Master's Programs to Consider
Beyond the ranked programs above, this directory covers additional online and hybrid public relations master's degrees that accept Hawaii students. Programs based in Hawaii are not yet in our directory, so it is worth exploring local community colleges, vocational-technical schools, and the program search on this page alongside these options. Tuition and format details below come from each program's published information, and you can request details directly from any school that fits your goals.
