Master of Arts in Public Relations

Program Contacts and Leadership:
Graduate Program Coordinator: Dr. André Nicholson
Office: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Toll-free: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Interim Dean, School of Arts and Letters: Dr. Sheree Keith
Chair, Department of Media, Culture, and the Arts: Dr. Michael North

Credit hours: 30
Delivery format: 100% online
Curricular structure: 24 credit hours of required coursework plus 6 hours of electives
Related certificate: Graduate Certificate in Strategic Business Communication

Program Overview
The MAPR prepares students for public relations and strategic communication roles across professional settings. The curriculum emphasizes public relations writing, campaigns, research, communication theory, and applied strategic communication.

Program Mission and Learning Outcomes
To prepare students in public relations writing and strategy, multimedia content creation, public relations ethics, research, and social media communication strategies.

Admission Requirements
Applicants should meet the general admissions requirements for graduate study and these specific requirements: (i) Preferred undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or better; or successful completion of at least 6 hours in Middle Georgia State University’s Graduate Certificate in Strategic Business Communication. (ii) Letter of application stating the applicant’s interest in and goals for the program. (iii) Current resume.

Program Format
The program requires 30 graduate credit hours, including 24 hours of required courses and 6 hours of approved electives. 

Master of Arts in Public Relations

 

Required courses (24 hrs):

MCOM 5000	Public Relations Foundations and Theory	3
MCOM 5010	Public Relations Writing and Research	3
MCOM 5020	Media Relations and Ethics	3
MCOM 5030	Crisis Communication	3
MCOM 5050	Public Relations Research Methods	3
MCOM 6010	Public Relations Campaigns	3
COMM 5200	Data Storytelling	3
COMM 6610	Social Media Communication and Advertising	3
	OR
ITEC 6620	Managing Technologies for Social Media	3

Electives - Students Choose Two (6 hrs):

MCOM 5040	Fundraising and Planning	3
MCOM 5131	News Writing and Reporting	3 credits
MCOM 6000	Production and Design for Public Relations	3
MCOM 6020	Public Relations Practicum	3
NMAC 5108	Writing and Publishing in Digital Environments	3
MKTG 5000	Marketing Communication	3
MGMT 5610	Leadership in Theory and Practice	3
CRWR 5700	Narrative Journalism	3
ENGL 5106	Technical Writing in the Digital Age	3
ENGL 5206	Public and Professional Writing	3
ENGL 5990	Graduate Internship	3
ITEC 5300	Web Development	3

Graduation / Certification / Completion Requirements
Complete the required coursework and approved electives for 30 graduate credit hours.