What you’ll learn in this article…
- Minnesota employs nearly 7,000 PR specialists earning a median $67,180 annually.
- No Minnesota university offers a fully online PR master's degree.
- Top nationally available online programs start under $15,000 in total tuition.
Minnesota's public relations sector is anchored by Fortune 500 in-house teams at Target, 3M, Best Buy, UnitedHealth Group, and General Mills, plus a dense agency network across Minneapolis and St. Paul. Yet no Minnesota university currently offers a dedicated master's degree in public relations, leaving working professionals to choose between adjacent strategic communication programs at in-state schools or nationally available online PR degrees.
That gap is why this ranking focuses on accredited online programs from institutions like USC Annenberg, Georgetown, DePaul, and Washington State, all of which enroll Minnesota residents and can be completed remotely. Tuition across these programs ranges from roughly $8,000 to over $70,000 total, a spread that reflects real differences in brand, faculty access, and alumni networks rather than just curriculum depth.
Top Online Master's in Public Relations Programs for Minnesota Students
These online and hybrid public relations and strategic communication master's programs are open to Minnesota residents who want to keep working while they study. Each entry notes what makes the school distinctive, from format and pace to curriculum focus and reported graduate earnings. Our directory does not yet include a verified Minnesota-based PR master's program, so readers should also explore in-state universities and the program search on this page.
How we ranked these
- Graduating on schedule
- Earnings ten years after entry
- Curriculum depth and industry alignment
- Online access for working professionals
- Net price and graduation rates
- Original research on individual programs
- Federal institutional data (NCES-IPEDS) covering graduation rates, retention rates and student-faculty ratios — nces.ed.gov
- State cost-of-living adjustment from BEA Regional Price Parities — bea.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: Federal and policy communicators seeking part-time study
Georgetown University's School of Continuing Studies runs a Master of Professional Studies in Public Relations and Corporate Communications built for working professionals, with online, hybrid, and on-campus formats and entry points in fall, spring, and summer. The 30-credit curriculum pairs writing, planning, and research with ethical practice, and the Washington, D.C. location puts students near agencies, associations, and federal communications offices. Institution-wide, about 95% of Georgetown students graduate, so the broader academic environment is a strong one. Federal earnings data for public relations master's graduates here show a median near $91,000 one year after completion and about $115,000 after four years.
- 30 credits required, completed in 2 to 5 years
- Total program tuition of $52,560
- Full-time or part-time enrollment
- Fall, spring, and summer entry terms
- Online, on-campus, or hybrid formats
- Emphasis on writing, planning, research, and ethics
- Hands-on client projects and media relations practice
- Roughly 6 to 9 hours of coursework per week
University of Southern California
#2Los Angeles, CA · ~$72,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Mid-career communicators seeking leadership-focused study
The University of Southern California's Annenberg School offers a fully online Master of Science in Public Relations Innovation, Strategy and Management for working professionals who want to shape communications strategy rather than only execute it. Students can finish in 12 months or spread the work across two years, and the curriculum adds business, finance, and economics fundamentals to core public relations practice. Annenberg faculty teach the courses, and the program builds in networking with industry leaders. About 92% of USC students graduate institution-wide, and median earnings for PR master's graduates are about $50,600 one year after completion and roughly $89,800 four years out.
- Fully online program for working professionals
- Finish in 12 months or use a two-year track
- Business, finance, and economics fundamentals included
- Coursework in multiplatform content and influencer relations
- Taught by USC Annenberg faculty
- Networking events with industry leaders
- Focus on ethics and data-driven decision-making
Florida State University
#3Tallahassee, FL · ~$11,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Multicultural marketing communicators building campaign skills
Florida State University's College of Communication and Information delivers an online Master of Science in Professional Communication with a strategic communication concentration that blends advertising, public relations, digital media, and cross-cultural outreach. An individualized plan of study lets students steer coursework toward campaign planning, audience analysis, or multicultural marketing, and the degree also lays groundwork for doctoral study. Institution-wide, about 86% of Florida State students graduate, and PR master's graduates report median earnings of about $51,700 a year after finishing and about $77,500 after four years.
- 33 credit hours delivered fully online
- Combines advertising, public relations, and digital media
- Individualized plan of study based on career interests
- Coursework in campaign planning and audience analysis
- Prepares graduates for PR and multicultural marketing roles
- Leads toward advanced doctoral study
- Offered by the College of Communication & Information
- SACSCOC accredited
University of Delaware
#4Newark, DE · $20,000 – $25,000/yr (est.)
The University of Delaware offers a fully asynchronous online Master of Arts in Strategic Communication with a public relations specialization for working professionals who want to plan and run campaigns. The 30-credit program takes about 18 months and covers crisis communication, reputation management, branding, and AP style writing, including a service-learning project with a real organization. Institution-wide, about 81% of Delaware students graduate. Program-level earnings data for this degree has not yet been published.
- 30 credits completed in about 18 months
- Fully asynchronous online classes
- Core courses in public relations management
- Crisis communication and reputation management covered
- Service-learning project with a real organization
- Professional writing grounded in AP style
- Brand development and advertising campaign work
Marist College
#5Poughkeepsie, NY · ~$17,000/yr (est.)
Marist College's online Master's in Marketing Communication includes a public relations concentration and is built for professionals who want to advance in marketing and communications roles. The curriculum runs ten courses, six core and four electives, with concentrations in public relations, digital marketing, and health communication, plus stackable certificates. About 80% of Marist students graduate institution-wide, and federal data show median earnings of roughly $70,800 one year after completion and about $90,100 after four years for graduates of the PR-related master's programs.
- Fully online with full-time and part-time options
- 10 courses: six core plus four electives
- Concentrations in public relations, digital marketing, and health communication
- Graduate certificates available alongside concentrations
- Case study approach with social media analytics
- Part-time track finishes in two years
- Faculty with professional industry backgrounds
Washington State University
#6Pullman, WA · ~$15,000/yr (est.)
Washington State University's Global Campus offers a fully online Master of Arts in Strategic Communication with 30 semester credits and spring, summer, and fall start dates. The program welcomes career changers as well as working communicators, requires no GRE, and pairs multimedia content creation and crisis communication with ethics and research methods, capped by a portfolio-building capstone. Institution-wide, about 60% of Washington State students graduate, and the program does not yet report program-level earnings data.
- 30 semester credits, fully online
- Spring, summer, and fall start terms
- 3.0 GPA required with no GRE needed
- Courses in multimedia content creation and crisis communication
- Ethics for professionals and research methods included
- Capstone project builds portfolio-quality work
- Cohort structure with weekly online office hours
- Training on industry-standard tools
Drexel University
#7Philadelphia, PA · ~$39,000/yr (est.)
Drexel University's Master of Science in Strategic and Digital Communication prepares communications professionals to manage reputations, lead teams, and keep pace with a shifting media landscape. Students choose a strategic communication concentration covering public relations and organizational communication, and can complete the degree fully online or fully on campus in Philadelphia, with four start terms a year and no GRE required. About 78% of Drexel students graduate institution-wide, and median earnings for PR master's graduates run about $46,500 one year out and about $70,500 after four years.
- Concentration covers public relations and organizational communication
- Two concentration options available
- Available fully online or fully on campus
- Four start terms each year
- No GRE required; holistic application review
- Coursework in media policy, ethics, and reputation management
- No thesis or capstone required
- Graduate co-op option for on-campus students
Colorado State University-Fort Collins
#8Fort Collins, CO · ~$14,000/yr (est.)
Colorado State University's online Master of Communications and Media Management lets working professionals concentrate in public relations while studying asynchronously from anywhere. The 30-credit degree can be finished in as little as 14 months, with three start dates a year and electives in advertising, web design, and media production, and coursework emphasizes reputation management, crisis communication, media analytics, and ethical decision-making. Institution-wide, about 67% of Colorado State students graduate, and earnings information specific to this program is not yet published.
- 30 total credit hours, finishable in as little as 14 months
- $789 per credit
- Asynchronous online classes with three start dates per year
- Public relations concentration; 10 concentrations offered overall
- No entrance exam required; test optional
- Coursework in reputation management and crisis communication
- Electives in advertising, web design, and media production
- 3.0 GPA minimum and three letters of recommendation
DePaul University
#9Chicago, IL · ~$23,000/yr (est.)
DePaul University's College of Communication runs a Master of Arts in Public Relations and Advertising on its Loop Campus in Chicago, with most classes on weekday evenings and some coursework available online. The two-year program blends digital, social, and traditional media strategy, pairs portfolio projects for real clients with internship connections across Chicago's agency and media scene, and offers tuition awards, scholarships, and graduate assistantships. About 68% of DePaul students graduate institution-wide, and median earnings for PR master's graduates are about $57,900 one year out and about $83,600 after four years.
- Two-year program with weekday evening classes in Chicago
- Hybrid format with some online coursework
- Portfolio projects completed for real clients
- Internship opportunities across the Chicago market
- Admission requires a writing sample and essay responses
- Tuition awards, scholarships, and graduate assistantships available
- Housed in the College of Communication
Lipscomb University
#10Nashville, TN · ~$17,000/yr (est.)
Lipscomb University offers a Master of Arts in Public Relations that can be completed in roughly one year by combining on-campus meetings with online coursework. The 36-hour program serves both working professionals and career changers, requires no GRE, and covers campaign management, communication theory, and social media, with an optional thesis track and a 15-hour certificate option. Because the format is hybrid and anchored in Nashville, Minnesota students should expect periodic travel. Institution-wide, about 72% of Lipscomb students graduate, and program-level earnings are not yet reported.
- 36-hour program completed in about one year
- Hybrid format combining on-campus and online coursework
- No GRE required for admission
- Optional thesis track and 15-hour certificate option
- Coursework in campaign management and communication theory
- Social media components built into the curriculum
- Experiential learning and applied research specializations
- Taught by seasoned industry professionals
Why Minnesota Professionals Are Earning a PR Master's Online
Minnesota's PR Landscape Calls for Advanced Skills, Not a Local Degree
If you are searching for a dedicated master's in public relations at a Minnesota university, you will not find one. The state's closest options are the University of Minnesota's Professional MA in Strategic Communication and Minnesota State Mankato's MS in Communication Studies with a Public Relations track. Both are strong programs, but they approach the field through strategic communication or general communication studies rather than delivering a curriculum built entirely around public relations theory, digital PR, and campaign management. For professionals who want a degree with "public relations" in the title and fully online flexibility, looking beyond state borders is the norm.
The Twin Cities' Corporate Demand Makes It Worthwhile
Minnesota does not lack PR opportunity. The Twin Cities metro is home to Fortune 500 headquarters like Target, UnitedHealth Group, 3M, General Mills, and Medtronic, all of which maintain large in-house corporate communications and public affairs teams. Top-tier agencies including Padilla, Carmichael Lynch Relate, and Weber Shandwick's Minneapolis office anchor a vibrant agency scene.2 This concentration of employers means there is steady demand for advanced practitioners who can lead integrated campaigns, manage crisis communication, and use data to shape messaging. A master's degree signals that level of readiness, even if the program is earned online from a provider outside Minnesota.
Online Programs Welcome Minnesota Students with Fair Pricing
Every online master's in public relations program featured on this site accepts applicants from Minnesota. Many institutions have moved to flat-rate online tuition, eliminating the old out-of-state penalty. That means a working parent in St. Paul can enroll in a nationally ranked program for the same per-credit cost as a student living next to the campus. Cohort-based models, like UMN's Professional MA, offer synchronous evening classes that fit a full-time work schedule, while asynchronous options let you engage with coursework whenever your day allows. The key point: you do not have to relocate or settle for a program that only partially aligns with your PR goals. A dedicated online PR master's is fully accessible from anywhere in Minnesota.
What Minnesota PR Professionals Earn: Salary Snapshot
Minnesota employs nearly 7,000 public relations specialists statewide, with the majority concentrated in the Twin Cities metro. The figures below offer an at-a-glance look at current compensation and workforce size. Keep in mind that professionals holding a graduate degree typically earn above these medians, a topic explored in the career outcomes section ahead.
What You'll Study in an Online PR Master's Program
Online master's programs in public relations have evolved to reflect how the profession itself has changed, blending foundational communication theory with emerging digital competencies that today's employers expect. For Minnesota professionals, understanding what a typical curriculum covers helps you evaluate whether a program aligns with both your career goals and industry standards, and exploring best master's in communication programs in Minnesota can broaden your search.
Core Coursework Foundations
Most online PR master's programs organize their curricula around a common set of core courses that mirror the competencies outlined by professional organizations like the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). You can expect required coursework in areas such as strategic communication planning, media relations, crisis communication, research methods, and writing for public relations. Many programs also include courses on digital and social media strategy, reputation management, and ethics in communication.
To verify what a specific program requires, visit the school's official website and look for sections labeled "Curriculum," "Degree Requirements," or "Academic Programs." These pages typically list core courses, elective tracks, and whether the program concludes with a capstone project, thesis, or comprehensive exam.
Elective Tracks and Specializations
Beyond core requirements, many programs offer elective tracks that let you tailor your studies to a particular industry or skill set. Common specializations include corporate communication, nonprofit advocacy, political communication, health communication, and integrated marketing , understanding the difference between public relations and marketing master’s degrees can help you choose the right focus. Some programs allow you to design a custom concentration by selecting electives across multiple areas.
When comparing programs, pay attention to how many elective credits are available and whether the specializations offered match your professional interests. Contacting the admissions or academic advising office directly can help clarify which electives are offered each semester and whether certain tracks require additional prerequisites.
Alignment with Professional Standards
If you plan to pursue the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) credential after graduation, review how a program's coursework maps to the APR exam content areas: research, planning, implementation, and evaluation. The PRSA website publishes a Body of Knowledge and an APR exam content outline that you can compare against course descriptions from schools you are considering. Strong programs typically cover all four areas across their required courses.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics outlines skills and knowledge areas employers expect from public relations specialists. Cross-referencing these expectations with a program's credit-hour requirements and course topics can help you confirm that the degree meets current professional standards.
Capstone and Thesis Options
Most online PR master's programs require between 30 and 36 credit hours and culminate in either a capstone project or a thesis. A capstone typically involves creating a comprehensive communication campaign or strategic plan for a real or simulated client, allowing you to demonstrate applied skills. A thesis, by contrast, involves original research and is often preferred by students interested in teaching or doctoral study.
Ask each program's advising office for sample syllabi or detailed course plans for required courses. This gives you insight into assignment types, readings, and how theory is connected to practice, helping you choose a program whose academic approach fits your learning style and career trajectory.
Tuition and Cost Comparison for Online PR Master's Programs
Tuition is one of the biggest factors Minnesota professionals weigh when choosing an online PR master's program. The table below draws on graduate tuition figures and institution-wide average net price data reported to the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS, 2023). Keep in mind that the average net price reflects an institution-wide estimate across all students and aid types, so your actual cost will vary based on enrollment status, financial aid, and employer tuition assistance. Several of these schools charge the same tuition rate regardless of where you live, which is a real advantage for Minnesota students enrolling from out of state.
| School | State | Graduate Tuition (In-State) | Graduate Tuition (Out-of-State) | Avg. Net Price (Institution-Wide) | Median Graduate Debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern New Mexico University | NM | $5,706 | $7,480 | $4,904 | $16,500 |
| Middle Georgia State University | GA | $4,534 | $13,984 | $12,361 | $19,000 |
| Wayne State College | NE | $5,784 | $10,194 | $15,360 | $19,000 |
| Northeastern State University | OK | $5,771 | $11,981 | $12,710 | $17,367 |
| Columbus State University | GA | $8,268 | $10,140 | $13,115 | $26,000 |
| Trinity Washington University | DC | $15,660 | $15,660 | $9,302 | $28,250 |
| Wilmington University | DE | $9,726 | $9,726 | $15,644 | $20,000 |
| SUNY Buffalo State University | NY | $12,208 | $24,688 | $11,346 | $21,028 |
| Radford University | VA | $13,762 | $23,525 | $14,578 | $24,000 |
| Washington State University | WA | $14,845 | $30,467 | $14,971 | $19,500 |
Career Outcomes and Salary Expectations for PR Graduates
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, public relations specialists in Minnesota earn a median annual wage of $67,180, but professionals with a master's degree typically command salaries well above this benchmark. Program-level earnings data for the online PR master's programs featured in this guide aren't yet available from federal reporting agencies, but occupation-wide trends and industry patterns offer a clear picture of what Minnesota graduates can expect.
What You Can Do With a Master's in Public Relations
A graduate credential opens doors to leadership positions that candidates with only a bachelor's degree rarely access. Common career paths for PR master's holders include:
- PR Director: Oversees all public relations strategy, manages teams, and serves as the organization's primary spokesperson.
- Communications Manager: Coordinates internal and external messaging, often bridging marketing and executive leadership.
- Crisis Communications Specialist: Develops rapid-response protocols and manages reputational threats during high-stakes situations.
- Media Relations Director: Cultivates journalist relationships, pitches stories, and secures earned media placements.
- Corporate Affairs Vice President: Shapes stakeholder engagement at the C-suite level, often reporting directly to the CEO.
- Digital Strategy Lead: Directs social media, content marketing, and online reputation management initiatives.
These roles require the advanced strategic thinking, research competencies, and ethical frameworks that graduate programs emphasize.
Minnesota-Specific Opportunities
The Twin Cities region offers a particularly strong job market for PR professionals. Fortune 500 companies headquartered in Minnesota, including Target, UnitedHealth Group, Best Buy, and 3M, maintain robust in-house communications teams. Agency work is also plentiful, with firms like Padilla, Carmichael Lynch Relate, and Weber Shandwick's Minneapolis office serving regional and national clients. Healthcare and nonprofit sectors present additional demand, given the concentration of major health systems like Mayo Clinic and Allina Health, along with philanthropic organizations such as the McKnight Foundation.
Addressing the ROI Question
Graduate students often weigh tuition costs against potential earnings gains. Among the programs in this guide, total tuition ranges from approximately $12,700 at Notre Dame of Maryland University to $71,515 at USC. Median graduate debt for students at these institutions generally falls between $10,000 and $25,000. When you consider that PR managers and directors routinely earn $85,000 to $120,000 annually in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, the investment can pay for itself within a few years of graduation. Even entry-level roles for master's holders tend to start above the occupation median, positioning graduates to recoup their educational costs relatively quickly while building toward senior leadership positions.
Online vs. On-Campus: Choosing the Right PR Master's Format
Deciding between an online and on-campus PR master's program is one of the most consequential choices you will make, and there is no single right answer. Your ideal format depends on your career stage, learning style, and personal obligations. Several of the top ranked programs also offer hybrid formats with optional immersive residencies, giving you a middle path worth exploring.
- Online programs offer exceptional flexibility, letting working Minnesota professionals complete coursework around full-time schedules and family commitments.
- You can access top nationally ranked PR and strategic communication programs without relocating from Minnesota.
- Many online programs charge flat rate or in-state equivalent tuition, which can significantly reduce your total cost of attendance.
- On-campus programs provide an immersive learning environment with face-to-face faculty mentoring and deeper peer collaboration.
- Campus-based students gain direct access to PR labs, agency partnerships, and on-site recruiting events that can accelerate job placement.
- Hybrid formats with optional residencies let you blend online convenience with short, intensive in-person experiences for networking and hands-on skill building.
- Online students may have fewer organic networking opportunities and limited access to campus-based recruiting events or career fairs.
- Completing a degree online requires strong self-discipline, time management, and comfort with asynchronous communication tools.
- Minnesota does not currently have a dedicated on-campus PR master's program, meaning campus-based study typically requires relocation to another state.
- On-campus attendance generally carries a higher total cost when you factor in relocation, commuting, and reduced work hours.
- Campus-based programs offer far less schedule flexibility, making it difficult to maintain full-time employment while earning your degree.
Admissions Requirements and How to Apply
Applying to an online PR master's program looks different from applying to a traditional graduate program in one important way: most top programs have moved away from standardized testing and toward evaluating your professional voice, writing samples, and career trajectory. Understanding what admissions committees actually want will help you build a stronger application.
Core Academic Requirements
Nearly every online PR master's program requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, but the good news for career changers is that your undergraduate major usually doesn't matter. Whether you studied English, business, biology, or political science, you can apply. Programs typically expect a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0, though a lower GPA can often be offset by strong professional experience or a compelling application narrative.
Professional experience is preferred but not universally required. Some programs, like USC's online Master of Science in Public Relations Innovation, Strategy & Management, welcome both early-career professionals and mid-career communicators looking to level up.
The GRE Trend: Testing Is Largely Optional
The trend toward online masters no gre is evident: USC's online MSPRISM program does not require the GRE1, and its on-campus MA in Public Relations & Advertising doesn't require or consider it either. This shift reflects a broader recognition that writing samples and portfolios reveal more about PR aptitude than standardized test scores.
Application Components to Prepare
Expect to submit most or all of the following:
- Statement of purpose: A focused essay explaining your goals, why PR, and why this specific program.
- Writing samples: Required by programs like USC's MSPRISM1, these demonstrate your ability to communicate clearly under real-world conditions.
- Letters of recommendation: Typically two, ideally from supervisors or professors who can speak to your professional potential.
- Resume or CV: Highlighting communication-adjacent experience, leadership, and measurable results.
- Application fee: Often around $901, though some programs waive it during promotional windows.
- English proficiency scores: International applicants to USC's MSPRISM need a TOEFL of 114 or IELTS of 8.02.
Some programs also require a short video interview so admissions can evaluate presence and communication style firsthand.
How Long Will It Take?
Most online PR master's degrees run 24 to 36 credits. Part-time students, which describes the majority of working professionals in Minnesota, typically finish in 18 to 24 months. Accelerated full-time tracks can wrap up in 12 to 15 months. USC's MSPRISM, for example, is a 24-credit program that full-time students complete in about 12 months, while part-time students finish in 18 to 24 months1. That flexibility is precisely why the online format works so well for professionals balancing a career and a graduate degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing the right PR master's program raises plenty of practical questions, from cost and duration to career payoff. Below, we answer the questions Minnesota professionals ask most often when exploring their options.
More Online PR Master's Programs to Consider
Not every strong PR master's program fits neatly into a ranked list, so this directory adds more online and hybrid options open to Minnesota students. Each entry notes the host campus, delivery format, and the program's own emphasis. Reported net prices are institution-wide averages and will differ once financial aid is applied. If a Minnesota-based program is missing here, it is simply not yet in our directory; check with local colleges and use the program search on this page to keep comparing.
