Master's of Public Relations and Communications
The Master’s in Public Relations and Communications empowers communicators in government, nonprofit, and corporate sectors to lead and thrive. Our program equips professionals with essential knowledge, skills, and ethical grounding for success in public relations, public affairs, and communications. Combining academic rigor with real-world challenges, students excel in building strategic communications, media relations, crisis management, and digital skills, while driving meaningful social change.
Program at a Glance
30 credits
You can earn your master's in just 30 credits. Less than 18 months to becoming a credible PR Practitioner.
Classes Held Online
Classes meet online. Students attend class one or two weeknights per week on a synchronous schedule.
3 Concentrations
Choose from Corporate Communications, Government Communications and Public Affairs, and Nonprofit Communications.
Storytelling Made Powerful by You
With the media cycle moving at such a rapid pace, today’s leading public relations practitioners must go beyond traditional methods to accomplish their communications goals. Digital and social media-based communication and 24/7 access to breaking news have heightened the need for PR strategists to be informed and ready to respond at all times. We offer a comprehensive learning experience to help our students manage this ever-changing landscape for their clients, companies, and/or causes.
Program Objectives
From developing strategic communication plans to mastering writing and digital skills, media relations, crisis management, and organizational communications, students gain a comprehensive toolkit for success. Upon completion of the Masters of Professional Studies in Public Relations and Communications, students will be able to:
- Develop, implement, evaluate, and deliver strategic communication and public relations plans that align with organizational/client goals and ethical standards of practice;
- Conduct research, analyze and synthesize data, and apply insights to inform or evaluate communication strategies;
- Identify and execute the most effective communication strategy by leveraging digital platforms and/or cultivating and sustaining relationships with media outlets, journalists, or other stakeholders;
- Adapt communication strategies in a variety of contexts, including for diverse or international audiences; in high-stakes, crisis situations; and for effective change or reputation management;
- Collaborate and communicate effectively with other professionals and potential clients.
Where You'll Study
The program is offered fully online. Students attend class one or two weeknights per week on a synchronous schedule.
What You'll Study
You can complete this 30-credit master's program in as little as 18 months, including a two-semester, hands-on capstone project.
This program caters to current and aspiring public relations and communications professionals, offering a comprehensive curriculum aimed at developing strategic communicators adept at shaping narratives, building relationships and credibility, and responding to contemporary and emerging challenges.
The curriculum includes:
- Core Courses taken by all students;
- Skills Courses focused on practical skills, such as Public Speaking and Presentations, Social Analytics and Digital Media, Risk/Issues Management and Crisis Communications;
- Three Concentrations for students to tailor their studies in alignment with their career aspirations within the public relations & communications industry.
Choose a Program Concentration that Aligns with Your Career Goals
Corporate Communications Concentration
Equips students with advanced skills in strategic planning, media relations, digital communication, and crisis management, preparing them for leadership roles in diverse corporate environments.
Government Communications and Public Affairs Concentration
Prepares students for leadership roles by teaching strategic communication, public policy advocacy, and media relations within governmental and public sector contexts.
Nonprofit Communications Concentration
Trains students in strategic communication, media relations, and advocacy, specifically tailored to the unique needs and goals of nonprofit organizations.
Who You'll Study With
Students learn from experts with experience working in Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, journalism, and government. They bring vast experience in issues and crisis management, media relations, and global public relations. The result is a hands-on, practical education that teaches you how to get results on target and on budget.
Our faculty, composed of seasoned practitioners and scholars, are committed to mentoring students toward their individual career objectives. Through hands-on learning opportunities and projects with prominent Washington, DC-based entities, students not only gain theoretical understanding, but also practical experience, ensuring they are well-prepared to advance in their careers.
Admissions Information
Applicants to the MPS in Public Relations and Communications must have:
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning or international equivalent;
- An overall GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale is normally required (contact Admissions for additional information).
You’ll also have to complete our online application and submit the necessary required materials, including two letters of recommendation (academic or professional), a Statement of Purpose and a Resume. If you need assistance, please contact us by emailing applycps@gwu.edu.
- Costs & Aid
Graduate tuition and fees at GW are comparable to the national average for private universities. These costs, set by the GW Board of Trustees, generally increase from year to year and may vary by program and location.
Tuition is made up of many variables, so all calculations are estimates based on current tuition rates and fee structures. Total tuition and fees will adjust depending on the courses taken and the rate at which you complete your coursework. Please use this information as an approximate tuition amount based on current information and not your final investment which will appreciate over time.
2024-2025 Rates in Effect for Summer 2024, Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 Terms
Tuition: 30 credits @ $1,880 per credit hour $56,400 Online Registration fees: 5 sessions @ $35 each $175 TOTAL: Tuition + fees over the average completion time $56,575 (approx.) Other costs to consider: Application fee $80; Textbooks $600; Matriculation Fee (one time) $200.
- Benefits & Scholarships for Veterans
GW's Military & Veteran Services provides wide-ranging resources and support to the military community, including GW scholarships and assistance with benefits:
Since Military and Veterans Services was created in 2008, GW has been an annual recipient of the Military Friendly Award and is also annually recognized as a Military Times “Best for Vets” higher education institution.
A maximum of one legal specialty course required for the degree may be approved for transfer to the Graduate Certificate in Paralegal Studies from credit earned while enrolled as a non-degree student at GW or from another degree-granting school of this University or another accredited college or university.
A maximum of two legal specialty courses required for the degree may be approved for transfer to the Master’s degree in Paralegal Studies from credit earned while enrolled as a non-degree student at GW or from another degree-granting school of this University or another accredited college or university.
For transfer credit to be approved, all of these conditions must be met:
- the coursework must be from an accredited institution and must have been taken within the two years prior to matriculation;
- it must be approved as part of the student’s program of studies;
- it must not have been applied to the completion of requirements for another degree;
- it must be post-baccalaureate graduate-level coursework; and the student must have received a minimum grade of B in each course for which transfer credit is requested.
Requests for transfer credit must be submitted in writing and approved by the program director and the Dean during the student’s first year in the program. An official transcript of the coursework must be on file before the request can be considered.
Deadlines
Applicants that have complete applications are eligible to request an application fee waiver by 11:59 p.m. on the Priority Deadline.* To request an application fee waiver, contact your program representative before submitting your application. Fee waiver details.
Fall Admissions
- Fall Priority Deadline: April 1*
- Fall Final Deadline: July 1
Spring Admissions
- Spring Priority Deadline: September 1*
- Spring Final Deadline: November 1
Summer Admissions
- Summer Priority Deadline: March 15*
- Summer Final Deadline: May 15
Note: Applications received after the Final Deadline will continue to be processed, space permitting.
"Our focus on the nonprofit, corporate, and government sectors is at the core of where the world is heading and GWU is proud to be at its forefront. Thoughtful curriculum, meaningful education, and memorable experiences will exist in our school to shape the future of PR practitioners who want to make a change. And they will."
Lesley J. Lopez
Program Director & Assistant Professor
Contact Us
To learn more about the Public Relations and Communications (PRC) program, please email the PRC recruitment and admissions team.
202-994-2083