About the Graduate Public Relations Program
Historically named the first communication program in the United States, Emerson College’s on-campus Public Relations MA program teaches you to analyze, communicate with, and gain meaningful insight into communities, cultures, institutions, and lifestyles, while supporting your audience’s beliefs and values.
Housed in the School of Communication’s Department of Communication Studies, our flexible program offers you the opportunity to gain real-world experience by conducting public opinion polls and organizational social media audits, formulating crisis communication plans, writing speeches, and creating digital content. By investigating the ways in which different types of messaging can engage and persuade, you will leave the program with the skill set and strategic insight required to be a compelling advocate for better business practices, improved policies, and social justice.
Program Highlights
- Earn up to 4 Advanced Standing Credits for your professional work experience, allowing you to expedite your degree completion by applying your working knowledge toward your degree
- Full-time and part-time options available
- Courses are offered in the evening to fit your schedule
- No GRE requirements to apply
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4+1 Bachelor’s to Master’s Program
Our Public Relations MA program is available to current Emerson undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing a master’s degree in just one additional year. For more information, visit our 4+1 MA in Public Relations page.
Events
4+1 Information Session: Communication Studies
October 7, 2025, 2:30 p.m. EDT
Interested in getting a leg up in your career by earning a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in just five years? Join Emerson Grad Admissions for a virtual, Communication Studies (MA) 4+1 Information Session! During this live and in-person session, you'll get the opportunity to meet and connect with your admissions liaison, the Graduate Program Director, and representatives from academic advising and financial aid. Drop in and learn about our Political Communication, Sports Communication, and Public Relations 4+1 programs, their application process, and more!
We can’t wait to see you there!
International Graduate Student Information Session
October 9, 2025, 11:00 a.m. EDT
Join us for an international student information session! Staff from Graduate Admissions and the Office of International Student Affairs (OISA) will be available to explain application requirements for international students, funding opportunities, the F-1 Visa process, life at Emerson, and so much more.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Virtual Graduate Application Overview
October 15, 2025, 12:00 p.m. EDT
Join us to learn more about the process of applying to Emerson's graduate programs! Members of the admission team will be available to explain application requirements, answer your questions, and offer insider tips into the graduate school application process.
We can’t wait to see you there!
Graduate Program Director Meet & Greet: Public Relations
October 20, 2025, 12:00 p.m. EDT
Join us for a pop-up information session! During this informal, 30-minute event, you'll get the chance to meet Dr. Mary Anne Taylor, Public Relations’ Graduate Program Director, and Sarah Duffett, Public Relations’ admissions counselor. Pop in, ask questions, and learn more about Communication Studies at Emerson.