By adding affordable online Master’s of Communications and Public Relations degrees to their resumes, professionals increase their likelihood of pursuing upper-level promotions in today’s frenzied media industry. Attending a master’s program online can be ideal for assertive, ambitious students to deepen corporate communication strategies and build relationships through a flexible and convenient 24/7 format. Since there is a limited number of universities and colleges that offer either a graduate-level communications or public relations degree and because these two fields overlap in many ways in terms of courses offered, areas studied, and career outcomes, we have combined them into one ranking list for your convenience. To learn more about the top universities and colleges in the U.S. that offer high-quality, affordable online master’s degrees in communications and public relations, check out our list below.
Methodology
The following list of the top 25 most affordable online Master’s of Communications and Public Relations degrees was developed with the goal of helping graduate students find the best program that meets their professional goals. The schools we have chosen offer programs that are available either entirely online or in a hybrid format that requires some on-campus study. To choose these schools, we consulted the institutions’ websites as well as the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), where we conducted a search for the term Master’s of Communications and Public Relations degree. We then narrowed down the list of the 40 schools that matched this keyword phrase into the top 25 programs based on tuition and student-to-faculty ratios.
Average Cost of Attendance
Although many people believe that the higher the tuition, the better the program, such is not always the case. In fact, some of the best online Master’s in Communications and Public Relations degrees in the country are among the most affordable. When considering prospective schools for your master’s online in communications and public relations, it is important to consider how the cost of the program relates to its quality. Since tuition is one of the first thing students look at when determining whether a school and program are right for them, we provided both in- and out-of-state tuition costs for your reference. However, tuition is ranked only on in-state total program costs.
Points:
Under $20,000: 3 points
$20,001 to $30,000: 2 points
$30,001 or more: 1 point
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
Larger schools are known for offering more extracurricular opportunities, a wider range of majors from which to choose, and greater opportunities for external studies, specializations, and concentrations. However, there is something to be said for smaller schools that can provide individualized mentoring options and the chance for students to develop close personal and professional relationships with their faculty members and peers. For this reason, we awarded fewer points to institutions that reported large class sizes of more than 15 students, and we awarded the most points to schools with the lowest student-to-faculty ratios of fewer than 10 students.
Points:
10:1 or lower: 3 points
11:1 to 15:1: 2 points
Higher than 15:1: 1 point
Ranking Top 25 Online Master’s of Communications and Public Relations Degrees
25. University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Points: 4
Program Website
The School of Media and Journalism and the University of North Carolina confers a 30-credit Master of Arts in Digital Communication designed for working communications professionals. Students complete nine courses over two years and spend the final semester working together with a faculty member on a comprehensive project. The broad curriculum balances application and concepts to equip students for management-level decision-making and strategic thinking in diverse subject areas such as research methods and applications, writing for digital media, new media and society, digital data and analytics, strategic communication, leadership, media law, and usability and multimedia design. The program requires two in-person, on-campus experiences, one two-day orientation, and a five-day summer residency at UNC-Chapel Hill.
Degree Options:
M.A. in Digital Communication
In-State Tuition: $22,170
Out-of-State Tuition: $45,780
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
24. Lasell College
Newton, Massachusetts
Points: 4
MS in CommunicationsProgram Website
MS in Public Relations Program Website
Students considering a degree from Lasell College can choose from either a Master of Science in Communication or an M.S. in Communication with a concentration in public relations. The standalone M.S. degree can be completed in 12 to 24 months, and all classes are capped at 23 students. Available both online and on-campus, students pursuing this program can choose from concentrations in health communication, integrated marketing communication, or public relations. The PR focus is available entirely online and is delivered in eight- or 16-week courses. Students must complete 36 credits of coursework, including a capstone project, six credits of electives, nine credits of concentration-specific courses, and 21 credits in the core program curriculum.
Degree Options:
Master of Science in Communication
MS in Communication: Public Relations
In-State Tuition: $21,600
Out-of-State Tuition: $21,600
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
23. Park University
Parkville, Missouri
Points: 4
Program Website
The Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership at Park University is designed for professionals looking to pursue a doctorate, advance to a new position, or build upon their skills. The curriculum allows students to develop the organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills sought by leading organizations. Students complete 36 hours of coursework, including a learning outcomes assessment/program assessment, six credits of electives, 15 credits in an organizational emphasis, and 15 credits of core classes in areas such as cross-cultural communication, human communication perspectives, the epistemology of communication, and research. Students are also exposed to topics in leadership and organizational change. Graduates are prepared for careers as organization development consultants, chief executive officers, and nonprofit executive directors.
Degree Options:
Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership
In-State Tuition: $20,160
Out-of-State Tuition: $20,160
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
22. Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, Tennessee
Points: 4
Program Website
The Department of Communication at Austin Peay State University confers an online Master of Arts in Communication Arts degree that is flexible enough to fit the needs of working professionals seeking career advancement as well as full-time graduate students. The program consists of 34 credit hours, and students taking a full-time load of nine credit hours per semester can graduate within two years. Areas of study include communication law, applied communication theory, pro-seminar in communication, and communication research methods. Students can choose from one of two degree concentrations in either media management or marketing communication as well as specializations in corporate communication or general communication.
Degree Options:
Master of Arts in Communication Arts
In-State Tuition: $18,700
Out-of-State Tuition: $42,466
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
21. Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, Texas
Points: 4
Program Website
The online Master of Arts in Communication Studies at Sam Houston State University is designed for professionals wishing to advance their career as well as for aspiring doctoral students in communication studies. The program focuses on advanced topics in the field, including interpersonal and family communication, organizational communication, gendered communication, and conflict resolution. Students take 36 credit hours of courses, and once they complete the required core curriculum, they may choose from a number of electives to round out the degree. The program culminates with a comprehensive exam that can be taken on-campus or remotely at an SHSU-approved testing center.
Degree Options:
Master of Arts in Communication Studies
In-State Tuition: $18,018
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,018
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 23:1
20. California Baptist University
Riverside, California
Points: 4
MA in Communications Program Website
MA in Public Relations Program Website
California Baptist University offers two online Master’s in Communications and Public Relations degrees. The Master of Arts in Communication consists of 30 units of study and can be completed in 12 months. Students are exposed to areas such as strategic communication and leadership, communication in the digital age, global and intercultural communication, and communication ethics, research, evaluation, theory, and application. The program culminates in a graduate communication project. The Master of Arts in Public Relations consists of 33 units of study and can also be completed in 12 months. Core requirements include courses in specialized writing, research and evaluation, critical thinking and crisis management, marketing, management, and leadership. The program culminates in a comprehensive capstone.
Degree Options:
Master of Arts in Communication
Master of Arts in Public Relations
In-State Tuition: $17,400
Out-of-State Tuition: $17,400
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
19. Ball State University
Muncie, Indiana
Points: 4
Program Website
Students pursuing the Master of Arts in Public Relations from Ball State University can earn their degree entirely online or in a blended format of online and on-campus classes. The program is delivered in an asynchronous format, meaning students can interact at their convenience. The 33- to 39-credit program is designed so that students may earn their degree in five semesters by taking two or three classes per semester. Areas of study include mass communication research methods, public relations theories and applications, social media analytics, business fundamentals and entrepreneurship in public relations, and journalism and communication theory. Concentrations are available in public relations leadership or media analytics. The program culminates in a capstone project such as a thesis, research paper, applied research, or creative project.
Degree Options:
Master of Arts in Public Relations
In-State Tuition: $17,160
Out-of-State Tuition: $17,160
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
18. University of Maryland University College
Largo, Maryland
Points: 4
Program Website
The Master of Science in Management with a specialization in public relations from the University of Maryland University College provides students with a solid grounding in legal and ethical PR issues, campaign strategies, PR theory, and the creative and analytical skills necessary to succeed in the profession. Through the curriculum, students learn about crisis communications, social media monitoring, tactical planning and execution, and public relations strategy development. Students must take a strategic management capstone course before finishing the program, and graduates are prepared for management roles in areas such as crisis management, ethics issues, theory, and campaign strategy in the public relations field.
Degree Options:
Management Master’s Degree With Public Relations Specialization
In-State Tuition: $16,488
Out-of-State Tuition: $23,724
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
17. University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa
Points: 4
Program Website
The University of Iowa confers a Master of Arts in Strategic Communication that consists of 15 hours of core courses and 15 hours of electives. Required areas of study include strategic communications research, digital strategic communication, strategic communication writing, foundations of strategic communication, and a capstone project in strategic communication in lieu of a thesis. Students may further focus their degree through courses in leadership, media management, risk communication, copywriting, finances and budget fundamentals, politics, and campaigns. Most courses meet online once per week in the early evening, but some outside electives and major courses schedule on-campus sessions for those residing in the Des Moines or Iowa City areas.
Degree Options:
Master of Arts – Strategic Communication
In-State Tuition: $15,000
Out-of-State Tuition: $15,000
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
16. South Dakota State University
Brookings, South Dakota
Points: 4
Program Website
South Dakota State University’s online Master of Mass Communication is designed for professional communicators and working journalists as well as students looking to further develop their professional communication skills. Graduate students are organized into a cohort, and those taking two eight-week classes back-to-back every semester and one during the summer session can earn their degree within 24 months. Core requirements include studies in cross-platform campaigns, media law case studies, cross-platform storytelling, conducting professional research, and an introduction to mass communication. Option B consists of a research/design paper for a total of 32 credit hours, while students pursuing Option C complete only coursework and electives for a total of 36 credit hours.
Degree Options:
Online Master of Mass Communication
In-State Tuition: $14,429
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,429
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
15. Texas Tech University
Lubbock, Texas
Points: 4
Program Website
The online master’s program in strategic communication and innovation at Texas Tech University focuses on preparing students for senior-level positions as strategic communicators. The program is offered in an asynchronous format, allowing students to complete coursework and lessons at their own pace and on their own schedule. Students take seven courses in areas such as communication in organizations, planning and writing, research methods, seminar in mass communication theory, and media management, consulting, and entrepreneurship. Three electives are also required in a variety of topics, including multimedia storytelling, advanced social media practice, interpersonal communication, and audience/data analysis and reporting.
Degree Options:
Online Master’s Program in Strategic Communication & Innovation
In-State Tuition: $12,815
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,815
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
14. University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Points: 4
Program Website
The 30-credit-hour Master of Arts in Communication Studies with a specialization in organizational leadership at the University of Alabama provides students with the opportunity to study both applied and theoretical aspects of interpersonal communication, persuasion, negotiation, and public discussion. Students are required to take 12 hours in organizational leadership specialization courses in group leadership, conflict and negotiation, theory, assessment, and intervention. Core theory courses investigate human communication theory, relational communication, and gender and political communication, while the method requirement consists of a class in qualitative research methods. Graduate students may follow either the professional option which consists of a capstone portfolio and a professional project or the academic option which consists of a comprehensive exam and an approved communication elective course.
Degree Options:
MA in Communication Studies, Specialization in Organizational Leadership
In-State Tuition: $11,820
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,820
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 23:1
13. Missouri State University
Springfield, Missouri
Points: 4
Program Website
Missouri State University offers two options for its Master’s in Communication degree: a traditional path and an accelerated path. The traditional program is comprised of 32-credit-hours that can be completed in two years of full-time study. Within the graduate coursework, students may select either a thesis or a non-thesis option. The accelerated program is designed for undergraduate majors who can take 12 credit hours that apply to both the undergraduate and graduate degree program. Courses are conveniently offered in the evenings or online, and the program balances research and theory with internship and service-learning opportunities, preparing students for a variety of professional settings. Students may choose to specialize in a unique area such as public relations, organizational communication, or conflict.
Degree Options:
Master of Arts in Communication
In-State Tuition: $9,120
Out-of-State Tuition: $9,120
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
12. Eastern New Mexico University
Portales, New Mexico
Points: 4
Program Website
Eastern New Mexico University’s Master of Arts in Communication offers students the flexibility to pursue advanced study in different areas such as criticism, media literacy, journalism, and public relations. Though the program is available entirely online, students may choose to take electives in-person. Students can also select from a thesis option, consisting of 24 semester hours of coursework and an oral defense of the written thesis, or a non-thesis option, consisting of 30 semester hours of coursework and a communication capstone project. Both pathways include communication core classes that cover areas such as communication theory, critical analysis of mass media, mass media and society, and communication research methods.
Degree Options:
Master of Arts in Communication
In-State Tuition: $8,982
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,230
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
11. Queens University of Charlotte
Charlotte, North Carolina
Points: 5
Program Website
The online Master of Arts in Communication at Queens University of Charlotte pairs emerging media with proven communication theory. The program requires 12 courses for a total of 36 credit hours of study, and students may pursue an optional integrated digital strategy concentration consisting of one additional course that provides the opportunity to develop advanced skills in deploying and using emerging and new digital media. Required courses cover communication fluency, the social creation of organizing, strategic communication for global audiences, and communication and culture in a networked society. The program culminates in a hands-n capstone project that gives students valuable insights into communication practices and strategies.
Degree Options:
Online Master of Arts in Communication
In-State Tuition: $29,700
Out-of-State Tuition: $29,700
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
10. Ithaca College
Ithaca, New York
Points:
Program Website
Ithaca College’s online Master of Science in Communications Innovation is intentionally small and selective. Offered by the Roy H. Park School of Communications, the coursework is based on 32 credit hours to be completed over two years, with most of the classes offered online in an asynchronous format that fits into the busy schedules of working professionals. Graduate students can expect to commit seven to 10 hours per week on their studies, and the curriculum provides a foundation in relevant ethical and legal issues, global leadership, product/interface design, research methods, consumer behavior, storytelling, human perception, systems modeling, and media economics. In addition to online classes, students must participate in several destination-intensive courses taught in various locations over long weekends. The program culminates in a capstone research and development project.
Degree Options:
M.S. in Communications Innovation
In-State Tuition: $28,576
Out-of-State Tuition: $28,576
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
9. Webster University
Webster Groves, Missouri
Points: 5
Program Website
Webster University’s School of Communications offers four Master of Arts degrees in the field of communications: M.A. in Advertising and Marketing Communications, M.A. in Communications Management, M.A. in Media Communications, and M.A. in Public Relations. All programs are available entirely online, offering flexibility that helps working professionals and nontraditional students earn a degree. Each degree consists of 36 credit hours of study, including core courses and electives. Depending on the degree chosen, areas of study may include marketing, research, advertising, management, strategic communications, media communications, business, and international communications.
Degree Options:
Master of Arts in Advertising and Marketing Communications (M.A.)
Master of Arts in Communications Management (M.A.)
Master of Arts in Media Communications (M.A.)
Master of Arts in Public Relations (M.A.)
In-State Tuition: $28,080
Out-of-State Tuition: $28,080
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
8. Mississippi College
Clinton, Mississippi
Points: 5
Program Website
The Communication Department at Mississippi College confers a 31-semester-hour Master of Science in Communication degree in integrated communication. Students can choose from either a generalist concentration or a journalism concentration, the former of which is available entirely online. The most flexible of all master’s degrees offered by the Department, students take 13 semester hours of required courses in persuasion, the process and effects of communication, communication research, and public relations. Students further focus their degree through 15 semester hours of communication electives, selecting classes from topics in communication theory, media sales, negotiation, and intercultural communication. Graduate students have the opportunities to pursue internships, seminars, and field studies, or they may choose to create a thesis as part of their elective requirements.
Degree Options:
Integrated Communication-General, M.S.C.
In-State Tuition: $19,375
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,375
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
7. Washington State University
Pullman, Washington
Points: 5
Program Website
Washington State University’s online Master’s in Strategic Communication degree is designed for graduate students who want to excel in communication management, corporate communication, public relations, and advertising. Offered by the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication, the program is comprised of 30 credits, all of which are available online. Students must complete a three-credit capstone course, 15 credits of strategic communication core courses such as creative media strategies and techniques and brand development and consumer behavior, and 12 credits of professional core courses in areas such as research methods, ethics, crisis communication in global contexts, and professional multimedia content creation. In addition, students benefit from hands-on training in the most advanced techniques, tools, and platforms as they learn video and audio software, publication layouts, new media, and graphic design tools.
Degree Options:
Master’s in Strategic Communication
In-State Tuition: $17,458
Out-of-State Tuition: $17,458
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
6. Asbury University
Wilmore, Kentucky
Points: 5
Program Website
The Master of Arts in Communication with an emphasis on digital storytelling at Asbury University teaches students how to make stories memorable, mesmerizing, and compelling. Through the curriculum, students master the art of storytelling through different lenses, from editing to lighting to cinematography, weaving different production elements to create a finished project. The online program is faith-based and encourages collaboration between students while providing them with powerful feedback from industry professionals, faculty, and peers. Core areas of study include media ethics, research methods, and viral marketing, messages, methods, and media. Students with a bachelor’s degree in a media-related major and working media professionals can complete 30 credit hours to earn their degree, while students with no media experience must take three prerequisite courses, or nine additional credit hours, plus the 30 required credits to complete the program. The prerequisites must be completed on-campus.
Degree Options:
Master of Arts in Communication: Digital Storytelling
In-State Tuition: $16,740
Out-of-State Tuition: $16,740
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
5. Tiffin University
Tiffin, Ohio
Points: 5
Program Website
Tiffin University’s Master of Humanities with a concentration in communication prepares students to continue their studies at the doctoral level or to teach communication at a two-year college. The curriculum leads students through the practice and history of communication, media, and related technology from ancient times to the digital ages. The 30-hour program is comprised of 18 hours of courses in the communication concentration as well as nine hours in the interdisciplinary core in areas such as literary theory and aesthetics, and a three-credit capstone project or comprehensive exam. Students will take courses in new media, transmedia storytelling, politics, and the philosophy of communication as they travel through the political, social, and legal ramifications of 21st-century media practices.
Degree Options:
MH With a Concentration in Communication
In-State Tuition: $15,750
Out-of-State Tuition: $15,750
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
4. Purdue University
West Lafayette, Indiana
Points: 5
Program Website
The online Master of Science in Communication is designed for working professionals looking to advance their careers and excel in strategic communication. The 30-credit-hour program is available entirely online and can be completed within 20 months of full-time study. There is no GRE or residency requirement, and students can choose from two career-focused concentrations in either integrated communication and advertising or strategic communication/public relations. A general track is also available. Students are required to take three core courses in communications and ethics, communication research methods, and strategic communication and choose seven electives. Those who pursue a concentration take three core courses, three concentration courses, and four electives.
Degree Options:
Online Master of Science in Communication
In-State Tuition: $15,600
Out-of-State Tuition: $24,600
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
3. University of Arkansas Little Rock
Little Rock, Arkansas
Points: 5
Program Website
The 33-hour Master of Arts in Mass Communication from the University of Arkansas Little Rock emphasizes critical thinking about mass media and its strategic communication and journalistic practices, media content, and effects on the public. Students may choose to pursue either a media research option or a professional mass media option to further tailor their degree to meet their career goals, and all students will either create a professional project or write a master’s thesis for their capstone experience. Elective offerings include courses in international mass communication, ethnic and alternative media in America, Internet policy and regulation, and news media and the First Amendment.
Degree Options:
Master of Arts in Mass Communication
In-State Tuition: $12,639
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,639
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
2. Montana State University Billings
Billings, Montana
Points: 5
Program Website
The Master of Science in Public Relations at Montana State University Billings provides students with the essential practical and theoretical tools they need to pursue careers in public communication and public relations. All courses are offered online, and students can choose from four different program emphases: media and society communication, public communication, health communication, and public relations theory. All four plans of study consist of 30 credits of study and cover topics in research methods and issues in organizational communication. The school also provides extensive internship opportunities as well as graduate research and teaching assistantships.
Degree Options:
Master of Science in Public Relations
In-State Tuition: $8,300
Out-of-State Tuition: $15,454
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
1. Notre Dame of Maryland University
Baltimore, Maryland
Points: 6
Program Website
Notre Dame of Maryland University’s online Master of Arts in Contemporary Communication provides students with the knowledge they need to develop their skills in entrepreneurial communication and new media while mastering new communication approaches. Students must complete six credits in contemporary communication courses as well as 30 credits in discipline requirements, including a minimum of 18 credits in any combination of communication and computer studies classes. The remaining credits may come from a mixture of interdisciplinary studies, computer studies, communication arts, art, philosophy, or English courses. The curriculum is available entirely online, and students learn how to apply technological competence, creative insights, and critical analysis in their current careers or prepare for entry-level positions in communication management, organizational communication, public relations, and social media development.
Degree Options:
M.A. in Contemporary Communication
In-State Tuition: $19,800
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,800
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 7:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Career Options for a Communications and Public Relations Degree?
Earning an online master’s degree in communications and public relations opens upon a number of doors in terms of career options. Depending on your professional experience and concentration, in addition to your interests and personality, you may be eligible to pursue management positions in corporate communications, public relations, advertising, or marketing. If you have specific interests, you may wish to seek employment within a particular industry such as healthcare, or if you enjoy research and numbers, you might consider pursuing a position in market research.
- Health Services and Medical Managers: Professionals in the field of communications who specialize in healthcare may work with medical professionals to manage a facility’s reputation, design effective and successful public health campaigns, and ensure that all communications adhere to federal confidentiality laws.
- Authors and Writers: Although some authors and writers create books, many others write branded content in the form of resumes, marketing copy, newsletters, or within the digital space. Writers also create speeches, video scripts, and magazine articles, and some focus on technical, niche topics such as information technology. A master’s degree can help authors and writers command a higher salary due to the focused specialization.
- Market Research Analysts: These professionals take data obtained by market researchers whose job it is to converse with the public. Market research analysts are responsible for sifting through data and finding critical pieces that marketers can use in their positions. They may also be responsible for designing effective campaigns through collaborations with creative marketing teams.
- Fundraising and Public Relations Managers: These professionals represent high-profile people, government agencies, nonprofits, and corporations to the public. Public relations managers are responsible for trying to stop negative situations as they occur that might damage their clients’ reputations. Many clients appreciate the additional knowledge and skills that a master’s degree in strategic communication provides to professionals in the field of public relations.
- Marketing, Promotions, and Advertising Managers: These professionals are responsible for increasing brand awareness by overseeing the related design programs and departments. They may be tasked with managing designers, writers, or account managers. Although some graduates may seek a position with only a bachelor’s degree, earning a master’s degree gives candidates the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in higher positions.
How Much Can You Earn in This Field?
Due to the diversity of the field of communications and public relations, it is difficult to pinpoint the exact salary that one can command while pursuing a job in this industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for media and communications occupations was $56,340 in May 2017, which was higher than the average yearly salary for all occupations of $37,690. The field can be broken down into the following occupations and median pay:
- Technical Writers: $70,930
- Authors and Writers: $61,820
- Public Relations Specialists: $59,300
- Editors: $58,770
- Film and Video Editors and Camera Operators: $58,210
- Interpreters and Translators: $47,190
- Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technicians: $42,650
- Reporters, Correspondents, and Broadcast News Analysts: $40,910
- Photographers: $32,490
- Announcers: $31,500
As indicated above, the BLS reports that public relations specialists earned a similar salary of $59,300 per year as of May 2017. The highest 10 percent earned more than $112,260, while the lowest 10 percent earned less than $32,840. The top-paying industries for public relations specialists include the government, educational services, advertising and public relations, and business, political, labor, and professional organizations.
According to the BLS, advertising, promotions, and marketing managers earned $129,380 per year in May 2017. The median annual wage for marketing managers, specifically, was $132,230, with the top 10 percent earning more than $208,000 and the lowest 10 percent earning less than $68,490. The best-paying industries for marketing managers include wholesale trade, manufacturing, finance and insurance, management of enterprises and companies, and technical, scientific, and professional services. The median annual wage for advertising and promotions managers was $106,130 the same year, with the top 10 percent earning more than $208,000 and the lowest 10 percent earning less than $48,150. The best-paying industries for advertising and promotions managers include wholesale trade, information, management of enterprises and companies, and public relations, advertising, and related services.
Are There Any Professional Organizations in Communications and Public Relations?
Professional organizations are valuable resources for students pursuing graduate degrees in communications and public relations as well as for those who have recently completed a master’s program. Perks of belonging to a professional organization include job leads and career counseling, invitations to networking events and conferences, professional training and development opportunities, and access to trade publications and academic journals. Several of the most prominent organizations for professionals in these fields include:
- American Marketing Association
- National Human Resources Association
- Public Relations Society of America
- National Black Public Relations Society
- International Public Relations Association
Regardless of whether you decide to pursue a Master’s in Communications, a graduate degree in public relations, or a program that offers a little bit of both worlds, earning a degree beyond the bachelor’s can open up a variety of career paths and opportunities. Nearly every program can be completed in one to two years, and courses in strategic public relations, communications in the digital age, media law, and research design will give you the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in whatever career you choose. Through our list of the top 25 most affordable online master’s in communications and public relations degrees, we hope that you find several colleges and universities that offer the academic experience you are seeking for your professional future.
AS Staff
This concludes our ranking of the Top 25 Most Affordable Online Master’s of Communications and Public Relations Degrees.
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