Credits required
30
Cost per-credit*
$353.50
Delivery
Online
Start Terms
3 Per year
Online Master of Arts in Strategic Public Relations and Advertising
Earn your graduate degree in advertising and public relations online
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Advance Your Career with Credit for Your Experience
The Reynolds School of Journalism’s new Online Master of Arts in Strategic Public Relations and Advertising is designed with working professionals in mind. If you hold the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) or have earned distinction as a PRSA Fellow, you may qualify to waive up to 6 credits toward your degree. This pathway honors the expertise and leadership you’ve already demonstrated, helping you complete your graduate studies faster while building on your professional achievements.
*Program tuition. Base in-state tuition cost. Does not include student fees. Please note everyone's net tuition costs are specific to their own situation and will be different for each person. Learn more about tuition and fees.
Who This Graduate Program Serves
PR and Advertising professionals, recent grads and industry leaders work with cutting-edge curriculum and faculty expertise
We offer a fully online Master of Arts in Strategic Public Relations and Advertising, designed for recent graduates looking to hone their skills, seasoned professionals ready to level up and longtime communicators adapting to today’s fast-paced media landscape. This flexible program will provide the tools to lead with clarity, ethics and impact.
Student backgrounds
Our students come from across the country and around the world. They bring experience in public relations and advertising, digital campaigns, journalism and communications roles in other industries. Many are looking to add a master’s to stay competitive in a rapidly changing field.
What You’ll Learn
Modern day storytelling
Today, public relations and advertising go far beyond press releases and promos. They build trust, shape narratives and drive action—whether you’re managing a brand, launching a campaign, or guiding a company through crisis.
You’ll gain advanced knowledge in strategy, engagement, innovation, ethics, analytics, leadership and law through modern curriculum, designed for real-world impact.
Core coursework includes:
- Storytelling I: Writing
- Public relations and advertising law
- Media measurement and media analytics
- Data and media analytics
- Ethics in public relations and advertising
- Media engagement and innovation
- Cybersecurity, privacy and surveillance society
- Leadership in PR and advertising media management
Please refer to the University Course Catalog for complete details.
Your final professional paper or thesis tie it all together, allowing you to apply what you’ve learned in a campaign that reflects your goals.
Admissions and Application Details
Apply online and start your path forward
This graduate degree uses rolling admissions. You can submit your online application through the University of Nevada, Reno Graduate School portal.
Deadlines are Dec 1, April 6 or July 27.
To apply, you’ll need:
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended
- A letter of intent
- Two letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Minimum two years of professional experience
We have rolling admission. Visit the Graduate School for deadlines, application instructions, and graduate special options.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Affordable, flexible and designed for ROI
Tuition is set at $353.50 per credit plus credit differential tuition for the 2025-2026 academic year. With 5 semesters, 30 credit hours required, you can complete the program for approximately $15,200†, including fees or course materials. Tuition rates may vary for online programs and additional fees may apply.
Financial aid is available. Students are also be eligible for the Reynolds School’s scholarship opportunities.
† Additional fees may apply for online programs. Distance education fees and other program-specific costs are not included in base tuition.
Master of Arts in Strategic Public Relations and Advertising Career Outcomes
Where alumni work and what they lead
Graduates of this master's program are equipped for leadership roles in public relations, marketing communication, influencer relations and organizational communication. They lead teams, shape brand voices and influence global audiences.
Our alumni network spans industries, united by a commitment to ethical communication, community trust and data-informed strategies.
Career pathways include:
- Director of Communications
- Public Relations Manager / Strategist
- Brand or Marketing Communications Director
- Crisis Communications Manager
- Digital Engagement or Social Media Director
- Content Strategist / Senior Copywriter
- Media Relations or Public Affairs Manager
- Data & Insights / Analytics Strategist
- Agency Account Director / Client Strategist
- Founder or Principal, Communications Consultancy
Ready to Get Started?
Why Choose Nevada Online for Your Master of Arts, Strategic Public Relations and Advertising?
The Strategic Public Relations and Advertising Master’s program is offered through the Reynolds School of Journalism, a nationally respected institution with more than 100 years of journalism leadership. The Master of Arts in Strategic Public Relations and Advertising is the first fully online master’s tailored for the demands of today’s media professionals.
Benefits of Learning Online with Nevada Online
Classes taught by University of Nevada, Reno faculty
Access to a Carnegie® R1 research university
Choose from accessible, fully online programs
Continue your education from anywhere in the world, free from a fixed schedule