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MASTER OF ARTS IN PUBLIC RELATIONS AND ADVERTISING

The Master of Arts in Public Relations and Advertising equips students with the expertise and skills necessary to strategically manage an organization’s communication with its publics. The public relations component stresses counseling and relationship management, while advertising combines the management and creative aspects of persuasive communication. The development, implementation and evaluation of research-based programs and campaigns are emphasized throughout the curriculum. Students who complete this course of study gain an understanding of the key principles and theories of public relations and advertising and an appreciation for the ethical requirements of responsible practice in these media-related fields. Additionally, the program offers skills-based training in such areas as speechwriting, media relations, crisis management and creative strategies. Most graduates of this program are industry-bound for successful careers in business, government, non-profit organizations and/or associations .

ADMISSION TO MA IN PUBLIC RELATIONS AND ADVERTISING

A bachelor's degree, or equivalent, is required for admission to this program. To be admitted, applicants must demonstrate, through past academic or professional work, a capacity for achievement. The Department of Communication looks at each application as a unique presentation of a candidate's profile and will consider a variety of information sources. Admission decisions are based on the following:

Two official undergraduate transcripts (minimum grade point average 3.0 on a 4-point scale).
Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores.
Professional resume.
Writing samples that demonstrate an applicant’s ability to communicate clearly and concisely with a variety of audiences.
Applicant responses to four personal essay questions.
Three recommendation forms, along with current letters of recommendation, written by faculty members and/or work supervisors familiar with the applicant's academic and/or professional achievements.
The program director and/or the admission committee may request an interview.

An English language examination is required for applicants who have completed their undergraduate education outside the USA; a minimum TOEFL paper-based score of 590 (or 243 computer-based) is necessary for admission.

Application deadline is March 15. Applications received after the deadline will be considered on a space available basis. New students begin the program in the Fall Quarter only.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

The Master of Arts in Public Relations and Advertising requires 12 courses – five core courses that are common to the study of public relations and advertising, six courses selected from Process and Application electives, and one outside course. The core courses include a degree completion requirement that involves comprehensive exams (plus one additional course), or a research thesis.

Students must maintain a 3.0 average in their graduate work to remain in good standing. Students who drop below this average will be put on academic probation and expected to achieve the minimum requirement in two quarters. Failure to do so will result in dismissal from the program.

Students may take one or more courses per quarter to complete the program. The program requirements are outlined below:

I. FIVE CORE COURSES

PRAD 555 Public Relations

PRAD 553 Advertising

PRAD 585 Research Methods for the Communication Professional

PRAD 575 Communication Law and Ethics

PRAD 599 Professional Project or Research Thesis or Comprehensive Final Exam.

II. THREE COURSES FROM EACH CONCENTRATION

PROCESS

PRAD 500 History of Public Relations and Advertising

PRAD 505 Critical Perspectives on Public Relations and Advertising

PRAD 514 Contemporary Issues in Public Relations and Advertising

PRAD 520 Public Relations Theory

PRAD 530 Public Relations and Advertising Management

PRAD 550 Integrated Communication Campaigns

PRAD 552 Strategic Communication

PRAD 554 Creative Processes

PRAD 556 Strategic Planning in Public Relations

PRAD 557 Advertising Communication Strategy

PRAD 595 Special Topics in Public Relations and Advertising (Processes)

PRAD 597 Colloquium in Public Relations and Advertising

Other approved electives

APPLICATION

PRAD 515 Public Relations Writing

PRAD 551 Advertising and Copywriting

PRAD 510 Speechwriting and Presentation

PRAD 562 Media Relations: Special Topics

PRAD 540 Crisis Communication Management

PRAD 560 Political Public Relations

PRAD 535 Health Communication

CMN 591 Internship

PRAD 596 Special Topics in Public Relations and Advertising (Application)

Other approved electives

III. ONE OUTSIDE COURSE

This course is selected in consultation with advisor.

Please visit http://communication.depaul.edu/ for more information about the program, course descriptions, and application materials. If you do not have a password for Campus Connection you may log on as a guest.