The best online MBA in Public Relations programs are designed for ambitious working professionals seeking career advancement opportunities in and out of the business world. The program of study combines advanced knowledge and skills in business administration with specialized skills in public relations that, in turn, enables students and graduates to be above-par competitive for leadership roles in the corporate world, as well as in government agencies and nonprofit organizations.

Public relations is a strategic communication practice where its professional practitioners build and maintain a positive reputation for their organizations and clients including individuals and groups. Their work also involves the management of relationships including communications between their organizations/clients and their stakeholders, such as employees, investors and government agencies, as well as the general public. With the pervasive presence of social and digital media alongside traditional media, public relations professionals must also be updated with advancements in media technology.

At a Glance

Graduate students in online MBA in Public Relations must be prepared for the academic challenges that come with pursuing the degree. Aside from the didactic coursework in business administration, students learn about the principles and practices of public relations as well as research methodologies that can be used in either a capstone project or a master’s thesis.

With hard work comes the rewards of earning an MBA in Public Relations degree – excellent career advancement opportunities, professional recognition, and personal fulfillment!

Best Online MBA in Public Relations Programs

Business schools that offer the best MBA in Public Relations programs are part of regionally accredited colleges and universities – and that in itself is a guarantee of academic quality. The best online MBA programs, furthermore, have programmatic accreditation from one of these accreditation agencies:

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, and it’s the gold standard in business schools accreditation
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
International Accreditation Council for Business Education

Johns Hopkins University

Krieger School of Arts and Sciences and Carey Business School

Online Master of Arts in Communication and Master of Business Administration Dual Degree Program

Tuition per Credit: $1,800
Units Required: 72 credits total
Program Length: 3 years
Financial Assistance Options: Federal financial aid, scholarships and grants

Students pursuing the MA in Communication and MBA dual degree at JHU must complete the academic requirements for 10 courses in the communication degree and 21 courses for the business administration degree. The dual master’s degree was developed for working professionals on the leadership path in public and media relations, organizational leadership and development, and crisis communications, among other fields. The rigorous curriculum strengthens the students’ business acumen and communication skills, as well as develops the strategic leadership skills that enable them to address complex issues.

The master’s degree in communication allows students to pursue one or two concentrations in areas like Public and Media Relations, Health Communication, Applied Research for Communication, and Corporate and Non-Profit Communication. The AACSB-accredited master’s degree in business administration also comes with its choices in concentration including Business Analytics and Risk Management, Public and Private Sector Leadership, and Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Technology.

Indeed, if you’re looking for the best academic credentials to get ahead, then you should consider JHU’s dual degree in communication and business administration! You will gain the in-demand skills that diverse industries look for.

Courses:

Marketing Management
Operations Management
Foundations of Digital Media
Changing Behavior through Communication
Theory of Mass Communication Practices

JHU is an excellent university for experiential learning experiences with case competitions, design teams, and student organizations for students to participate in. Look into the Commercialization Academy, Community Consulting Lab, Hexcite, Impact Sprints, and MIINT Impact Investing Program for more learning and business opportunities.

University of Central Missouri

Harmon College of Business and Professional Studies

Online Master of Business Administration in Public Relations

Tuition per Credit: $413.50
Units Required: 33 credit hours
Program Length: As few as 12 months
Financial Assistance Options: Federal financial aid, loans, employment opportunities and scholarships

The AACSB-accredited MBA in Public Relations program features rigorous coursework that strengthens the students’ business skills and builds their strategic communication skills. Note that UCM’s MBA degree is considered among the best in the nation, and choosing the public relations concentration will boost your competitiveness for leadership positions.

The online public relations degree features professors with extensive work experience in public relations and, thus, are authorities in the subject of strategic communications and strategic crisis communications. Students learn best practices in strategic communications in diverse situations from the best practitioners!

The public relations online program allows students to choose between part-time and full-time enrollment. Public relations students also benefit from the experiential learning opportunities, from the emphasis on applied learning in the didactic coursework to the internships and memberships in professional organizations.

Courses:

Strategic Communications
Strategic Crisis Communication
Information Management Systems
Management & Strategy

Applicants to the MBA in Public Relations must have a bachelor’s degree in any field but must be proficient in quantitative analysis.

Southeastern Oklahoma State University

John Massey School of Business

Online Master of Business Administration in Strategic Communication

Tuition per Credit: $337
Units Required: 36 credit hours
Program Length: As few as 12 months
Financial Assistance Options: Federal financial aid, scholarships and grants, and loans

The AACSB -accredited MBA in Strategic Communication program emphasizes the knowledge and skills vital in planning, implementing, and evaluating strategic communications campaigns aligned with an organization’s mission and vision. Students learn best practices in the design and development of messaging strategies for internal and external audiences. Of course, as an MBA program, the emphasis is on strengthening core business competencies in Finance, Accounting, and Human Resources Management, among other areas.

If you earn a master’s degree, you have a strong competitive edge for leadership positions, such as a public relations manager, marketing manager, or public relations specialist. The MBA program also encourages public relations majors to take advantage of networking opportunities – and it’s particularly fulfilling, too, considering the diverse student, faculty, and alumni body. There’s also a strong emphasis on applying classroom learnings to real-world situations that, in turn, boosts the exchange of ideas among their peers and professors.

Courses:

Strategic Communication
Effective Crisis Communication
Persuasion and Leadership
Strategic and Organizational Communication

Students with non-business undergraduate degrees must complete four one-week online leveling courses.

Murray State University

Arthur J. Bauernfeind College of Business

Online Master of Business Administration in Global Communications

Tuition per Credit: $564.50
Units Required: 30 credit hours
Program Length: As few as 12-18 months
Financial Assistance Options: Federal financial aid, scholarships and grants, and loans

Students and graduates of the AACSB-accredited MBA in Global Communications program agree that the emphasis on maximum social impact in the curriculum contributes to their leadership styles. The use of the principles and practices of strategic communication in making a positive and profound impact on society means that students become more aware of their crucial roles as business leaders and public relations professionals.

Since it’s an MBA program, the curriculum emphasizes the core business competencies that business leaders must possess to become effective in their jobs. The core courses develop advanced skills in business analytics, accounting and finance, and marketing while the capstone course in strategic management demonstrates the convergence of these skills.

Students pursuing a master’s degree can access the workshops, consulting services, and training programs of the Center for Economic and Entrepreneurial Development. Such is their intensive training that students are well-prepared for management positions like public relations managers or marketing managers.

Courses:

Media, Culture, Gender, and Race
Strategic Communication
New Technologies

Applicants to the MBA program with a non-business bachelor’s degree can keep up with the rigorous coursework through the free, self-paced modules in economics and accounting.

Liberty University

School of Business

Online Master of Business Administration in Public Relations

Tuition per Credit: $565 (Full-time); $615 (Part-time)
Units Required: 45 credits
Program Length: 2 years, on average
Financial Assistance Options: Federal financial aid, scholarships, military and first responder discounts, and flexible payment plans

The ACBSP-accredited MBA in Public Relations program features rigorous courses in business administration and public relations with a robust emphasis on Christian values in contemporary society. With Liberty’s mission being “training champions for Christ:, the emphasis on producing ethical and biblically sound business leaders and public relations professionals is understandable.

As among the best online public relations degree programs, however, the coursework emphasizes proficiency in public relations through the effective and efficient use of communication technology, media technologies and strategic communication. While most of the students are already working professionals, their professors contribute more lessons and insights to increase their knowledge and skills.

Public relations students can also rely on the personalized attention that Liberty’s professors provide for their personal and professional development. Liberty provides exceptional student support services that enable MBA students to thrive in the program and succeed in their careers.

Courses:

Contemporary Issues in Human Resource Management
Communication and Conflict
Media Technologies and Communication Strategies
Strategic Communication Campaigns for the Digital Age

Applicants to the public relations online program must have a bachelor’s degree and submit official college transcripts. Business prerequisite completion may be required.

Brenau University

School of Business

Online Master of Business Administration in Communication Management

Tuition per Credit: $785
Units Required: 36 credit hours
Program Length: 1.5 years
Financial Assistance Options: Federal financial aid, scholarships and grants, and loans

Among the foremost benefits of enrolling in the ACBSP-accredited MBA in Communication Management program is knowledge and skills development in business administration and public relations through an intensive curriculum. Students and graduates alike report that their career advancement opportunities improve when employers and clients know about their academic pursuits! This isn’t surprising considering that Brenau University is recognized as a national university known for its economic diversity, social mobility, and campus ethnic diversity.

Working professionals find the MBA program to their liking because of its flexibility – aside from online classes, students can also choose between part-time and full-time enrollment. Students also learn better because of credentialed professors, small class sizes, and extensive coursework.

Courses:

Marketing Strategy
Business Law and Ethics
Budgeting for Managers
Financial Management

The master’s degree program has six start dates and a no-application fee policy. Admission is competitive, however, with applicants considered only if they have a bachelor’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA.

Webster University

George Herbert Walker School of Business & Technology

Online Master of Business Administration in Corporate Communications

Tuition per Credit: $730
Units Required: 33 credit hours
Program Length: As few as 18 months
Financial Assistance Options: Federal financial aid, scholarships and grants, and loans

The ACBSP-accredited MBA in Corporate Communications program promotes maximum learning among students through its small class sizes. The professors, who also teach the on-campus MBA program, possess professional credentials including doctorate degrees and extensive work experiences that make them effective educators. Students benefit from their one-on-one attention in addition to the classroom-based lectures and learning materials, all of which are intended to build their leadership-level business and communication skills.

Students can opt for a part-time or full-time enrollment with time-to-degree ranging from 2.5 years to 18 months. The master’s degree program adopts both synchronous (live stream) and asynchronous (recorded lectures) formats for the utmost convenience for working professionals. Online students can also tap into Webster’s extensive network of corporate partners and numerous professional networking events.

Courses:

Public Relations
Strategic Communications
Organizational Communications
Crisis Management Communications

Students pursuing the communications MBA degree can also participate in the optional international immersion program; the latest trips have been to China, Greece, and Austria. The MBA program also allows students to earn a master’s degree in another field, such as environmental management or finance, among others.

Concordia University Wisconsin

Batterman School of Business

Online Master of Business Administration in Communications and Public Relations

Tuition per Credit: $699
Units Required: 36 credits
Program Length: 2 years
Financial Assistance Options: Federal financial aid, scholarships and loans

The IACBE-accredited MBA in Communications and Public Relations program requires its students to possess excellent communication skills in both the written and oral aspects. Once enrolled, students must develop their professional-level ability to articulate their ideas, opinions and plans, particularly in putting their organizations and clients in a positive light. The MBA program is particularly suitable for working professionals in the business of sales and marketing, corporate public relations, and public image management.

MBA students earn a graduate certificate while earning a master’s degree, too, which will boost their career advancement opportunities. Students develop in-demand skills including critical thinking, problem-solving and analytical thinking skills that complement their communication skills. Core business competencies in both the qualitative and quantitative aspects are just as crucial in their success in and out of the virtual classroom.

Courses:

Publicity and Public Relations
Digital and Social Media Marketing Strategies
Managerial Communication
Public Speaking: Professional Reports and Presentations

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with at least a 2.75 GPA and official college transcripts. Other admission requirements include a one-page essay, a professional resume, and two letters of recommendation.

Concordia University Ann Arbor

Haab School of Business

Online Master of Business Administration in Communications and Public Relations

Tuition per Credit: $699
Units Required: 36 credits
Program Length: 2 years
Financial Assistance Options: Federal financial aid, scholarships and loans

The IACBE-accredited MBA in Communications and Public Relations program emphasizes a well-rounded education in business administration and public relations. Students learn about the major topics that strengthen their communication skills including their public presentation abilities – and these topics include effective business communication, public speaking and public relations, and group dynamics.

The result: Students in the online program are regarded as excellent communicators even before they earn the MBA degree! Of course, earning the MBA degree is a must not just because it results in improved business skills but because it’s also an honor in itself.

Courses:

Publicity and Public Relations
Digital and Social Media Marketing Strategies
Managerial Communication
Public Speaking: Professional Reports and Presentations

While applicants with a bachelor’s degree with a GPA below 2.75 may still be considered, take note that it’s a fairly selective program. Applicants will be evaluated based on a holistic criterion.

Olivet Nazarene University

McGraw School of Business

Online Master of Business Administration in Corporate Communications and Media Strategy

Tuition per Credit: $415
Units Required: 36 credit hours
Program Length: 12-24 months
Financial Assistance Options: Federal financial aid, scholarships and loans

Olivet’s MBA in Corporate Communications and Media Strategy online program provides graduate students with a well-rounded education, too! Students first tackle the core business courses that develop their core business skills and competencies and then tackle the concentration courses in corporate communications and media strategy. The organic progression means students build on their competencies at a gradual pace, but it must also be emphasized that academic rigor demands a commitment to studies.

Courses:

Writing for Internal and External Audiences
Communications Research
Corporate Communications and Media Strategy

The accelerated format works for working professionals, too, and with courses starting every eight weeks, it’s also a convenient format.

Admission to Graduation: What You Need to Know About the Best Online MBA in Public Relations Programs

Online MBA programs offering a public relations concentration vary widely in their admission and graduation requirements. There is then an imperative need for interested individuals to read the fine print, ask questions and make comparisons between several programs before making a final choice. Here are the crucial features of online MBA in Public Relations programs and the like that you should consider.

Admission Requirements

Prospective students of online MBA programs must usually possess the following credentials and submit pertinent documents before being considered for admission:

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, which may or may not be in business administration; students with non-business degrees may be required to complete business prerequisites and/or demonstrate business competencies
Official academic transcripts with minimum cumulative GPA, usually on a 4.0 scale
Acceptable GMAT/GRE scores; check if the program doesn’t require these scores or has an optional policy or offers waivers
Professional resume or curriculum vitae with a minimum number of relevant professional work experience
Letters of recommendation
Statement of purpose or intent

Online MBA programs also have application forms and fees that applicants must complete and pay, respectively. If you’re an international student applying for graduate programs in the United States, you will be required to show proof of English proficiency, among others.

Curriculum and Courses

Every online MBA in Public Relations program has its specific curriculum including the courses and their sequence, prerequisites and outcomes. But public relations majors usually tackle business administration courses, which form the majority of the coursework, before moving forward to the public relations courses.

The core business courses in online public relations programs include but aren’t limited to:

Financial Accounting
Human Resources Management
Supply Chain Management
Managerial Accounting
Project Management
Business Statistics
Managerial Economics
Organizational Behavior
Business Strategy
Marketing Management
Financial Management
Operations Management
Business Ethics

As for the concentration courses, the most common are in:

Public Relations Strategy and Planning
Crisis Communication Management
Media Relations and Media Writing
Reputation Management
Digital and Social Media Communication
Integrated Marketing Communication
Strategic Communication Management
Public Relations Campaigns
Persuasive Communication
Stakeholder Management

Elective courses are also offered, and these are intended to broaden the students’ MBA education in alignment with their personal interests and professional goals.

Capstone and/or Thesis Requirements

Online students in MBA in Public Relations programs are also required to complete either a capstone course with a corresponding final project or a master’s thesis. In both cases, students are usually required to conduct research although with a different focus.

On one hand, a capstone course with a project has a more applied research emphasis where students apply their knowledge and skills in suggesting solutions for real-world issues. Students engage in the entire cycle of communication planning, implementation and evaluation that demonstrates their business and public relations competencies.

On the other hand, a master’s thesis emphasizes theoretical research where students conduct in-depth research on their approved topics. The main goal is to add to the existing body of knowledge and/or promote public relations as a whole.

Check if the online MBA program you’re interested in requires a capstone project or a master’s thesis since it will affect your time to degree. In general, a capstone project can be completed faster than a master’s thesis but it doesn’t make it easier.

Time-to-degree

Online MBA in Public Relations programs usually have the same time-to-degree as their on-campus counterparts. But your time-to-completion will be determined by your enrollment status – full-time or part-time – and your continuous matriculation. You can also transfer earned credits from a previous master’s degree program to speed up your time-to-degree and/or consider enrolling in an accelerated program.

In general, full-time students can earn an MBA degree in 2-3 years while part-time students take 4-5 years.

Online Learning Experiences

Online MBA in Public Relations programs provide unique learning opportunities and experiences for their students. But there are similarities, too, in the following aspects.

Flexibility

Students agree that the 24/7 access to most of the learning materials, discussion forums, and student support services, among other features of the learning management system (LMS), makes it easier to maintain a good work-life balance.

Interactive online platforms

The LMS used in online MBA programs have user-friendly, intuitive and interactive features that foster collaboration, communication and even camaraderie among students. These include chat rooms, discussion boards, and virtual classrooms as well as video conferences.

Multimedia course materials

The diversity of the course materials means that there’s a more effective and efficient way for students with different learning styles (e.g., visual or auditory) to maximize their study time. Video lectures, case studies, simulations, and interactive modules are popular.

Group projects

In addition to individual assignments, MBA programs also give group projects that encourage students to work together and establish connections.

Student success support services

Online learning continues to be popular despite the return to face-to-face classes because of the fast, easy and convenient access to student support services, career services, and networking opportunities

As for exams, online MBA programs usually use proctoring services, open-book exams, and online assessments in the evaluation of student performance.

Residency Requirements

Some online MBA in Public Relations programs have in-person residency requirements that can be for one or more of the following purposes:

Onboarding or orientation sessions in the campus
Internships or practicum
Thesis presentation and defense
Networking opportunities through seminars, workshops and conferences

There are online programs that give students the option of participating in international immersion programs.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Like it or not, MBA programs usually require significant monetary investment before financial aid comes into the picture! There’s good news, however – first, an MBA in Public Relations degree is worth it (e.g., marketing managers earned $135,030 per year on average); and second, there are financial aid options that decrease the total out-of-pocket costs.

Popular Career Paths

With an MBA in Public Relations degree, there are several well-paying occupations that you can pursue! Just the MBA degree alone will open doors of career advancement opportunities in business and financial occupations. The median annual wage in these occupations is $76,570 (May 2021) while its projected 10-year growth in employment is 7%, meaning now is the best time to pursue an MBA degree.

With the public relations concentration, more career paths open up, too, including:

Public relations specialists
Marketing communications managers
Public relations managers
Marketing managers
Fundraising managers
Corporate communications managers
Digital communications managers

If you’re into entrepreneurship, you can also set up your own public relations firm!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you pursue an MBA in Public Relations degree even if your bachelor’s degree isn’t in business or public relations or communications?

Yes, you can! Public relations professionals come from diverse backgrounds and work in diverse industries, too – and such diversity is reflected in graduate degree programs.

How do online MBA programs ensure the same academic quality as on-campus programs?

In addition to accreditation, on-campus and online programs usually share the same curriculum and professors teach both on-campus and online classes.

What are the professional organizations that a graduate student can join?

As a graduate student pursuing an MBA in Public Relations degree, you can join professional organizations like:

Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSA)
International Public Relations Association (IPRA)
International Association of Business Communicators (IABC)

These professional organizations are excellent venues for personal and professional development, networking opportunities, and keeping updated with industry trends. You may also consider enrolling in a doctoral program to further improve your knowledge and skills in public relations.

Before you go, see the following: