Program Overview
The chief aim of public relations focuses on strategic communication that builds mutually beneficial relationships between clients and/or organizations and their various “publics” or constituents. In Lipscomb’s graduate programs in Public Relations, we focus on the communication theories, models, and research findings for building and maintaining these relationships while exploring current best practices in professional communication applications. However, in our competing message and media saturated world, public relations professionals must have the ability to strategically manage the many methods, tactics, tools and channels available for communicating with their various audiences.
The program prepares graduates for advanced-level careers as strategic communicators, in roles with PR agencies, communication divisions of major corporations, companies and businesses; celebrity representatives; community relations managers for public sector agencies, social service providers, churches or schools; public and private sector health and risk communication directors; public and private sector crisis and emergency communication directors; fundraising, development and philanthropic communication executives for foundations, education institutions, charitable organizations; or any career where the importance of sustaining positive relationships depends on effective communication.
With the convenience of an online program structure combining synchronous and asynchronous online coursework, you will master theory and best practices for successful applications. Learn from experiential and practical applications of communication skills based on theory, research and professional best practices. Gain insight into how public relations fits in the contemporary communication setting, focusing on ethical frameworks, international communication in a globalized economy and cross-culturally diverse world, and explore key components shaping the current models and practices of public relations. You will graduate from our innovative program prepared to meet the market demand for professional communication practitioners with advanced knowledge, skills and abilities.
The Public Relations graduate program is offered in an online hybrid format through our locations in Nashville, Tennessee, and Austin, Texas.
*Completing the program in one year requires full-time study (12 hours) for three consecutive semesters including summer.
Admissions Requirements
Ready to apply? Let’s get started. We’re here to help at every step. Applicants to the program must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and submit the following for admission review and enrollment:
- Completed and submitted online application
- $50 non-refundable application fee
- Official college transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities (including graduate, if applicable)
- Two letters of reference
- Résumé
- Goals statement describing career aspirations
- Interview with faculty (on campus, virtually or by phone)
For transcripts, electronic copies can be emailed directly from your undergraduate institution to gradadmissions@lipscomb.edu.
If you are having a hard copy mailed, have it sent to:
Lipscomb University
Graduate Admissions
One University Park Drive
Nashville, TN 37204
Prior coursework and experience in communication, including advertising, public relations, mass communication or communication social sciences are desirable but not required.
Application Deadlines
Priority deadline for Fall 2021: June 1 with decisions released on June 10
Final deadline for Fall 2021: August 1
Please note: You may submit your application and required materials prior to the priority deadline, and interviews are conducted on a rolling basis.
Courses
Core Courses (9 hours)
CO 6113 - Pro Seminar in Communication and Communication Theory
MC 6003 - Mass Communication Messages and Effects
MC 6013 - Persuasion in Mass Communication
Concentration Requirements (12 hours)
PR 6003 - Public Relations Campaigns
PR 6013 - PR Effectiveness: Measurements and Assessment
PR 6123 - Social Media and New Media Channels
PR 6313 - Seminar in Public Relations
Electives Requirements (9 hours)
Select three courses (9 credit hours) from the following list, or complete additional experiential learning units with the consent of your graduate advisor. Some of these elective courses may only be offered infrequently or based upon sufficient student demand.
PR 6023 - The PR Spokesperson and Executive Speechwriter
PR 6133 - Fundraising and Philanthropy Communication
PR 6213 - Communicating Public Health: Epidemiology and Risk Communication
PR 6243 - Crisis and Emergency Communication
PR 6Xn3 - Special Topics in Public Relations (may be repeated with different topic)
PR 6813 - Independent Study (may be repeated)
CO 6203 - Corporate and Organizational Communication
CO 6313 - Seminar in Health Communication
CO 6323 - Seminar in Intercultural Communication
CO 6593 - Thesis: Communication Research Methods
Required Experiential (3 hours)
Complete 3 credit hours of applied and experiential learning selected with the consent of your graduate advisor. Any of these courses may be repeated for 3 additional hours toward the electives requirement.
PR 6233 - Applied Communication Research in Public Relations
PR 6903 - Graduate Project in Public Relations
PR 6913 - Graduate Internship in Public Relations
PR 6923 - Graduate Externship in Public Relations
Required Matriculation (3 hours)
Choose one option below with the consent of your graduate advisor.
MA Thesis and Oral Defense Option
CO 6593 - Thesis: Communication Research Methods
Non-Thesis Option
Select one additional course (3 credit hour units) from the above electives list.
Graduate Certificate in Public Relations
Required Courses (12 hours)
PR 6003 - Public Relations Campaigns
PR 6013 - PR Effectiveness: Measurements and Assessment
PR 6243 - Crisis and Emergency Communication
PR 6313 - Seminar in Public Relations
Select one additional course (3 credit hours) from the following list:
PR 6023 - The PR Spokesperson and Executive Speechwriter
PR 6123 - Social Media and New Media Channels
PR 6133 - Fundraising and Philanthropy Communication
Tuition & Aid
Whether you take classes through Nashville or Austin, program tuition is $1,030* per credit hour.
*Note: The graduate tuition rates may increase annually, effective each summer semester.
