Public Communication, MA

Master of Arts Degree in Public Communication

University of Nebraska at Kearney

  • Fully Online
  • 36
    Credits
  • $315.00
    In-State
  • $504.00
    Out-of-State
  • Overview
  • Admissions and Requirements
  • Courses You’ll Take
  • Tuition & Fees

Program Overview

The online Public Communication, MA is designed to equip graduates with the expertise to craft nuanced and detailed messaging that will strengthen the relationship between their organization and the public.

Students choose this program to:

  • Gain a fundamental knowledge of communication theory and research.
  • Build specialized skills to communicate with the public.
  • Receive expertise to craft nuanced and detailed messaging that will strengthen the relationship between their organization and the public.

Students will choose between a practicum experience or thesis based on their professional and academic goals.

Career Outlook: Organizations will continue to emphasize community outreach and customer relations as a way to maintain and enhance their reputation and visibility. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for public relations specialists is projected to grow at a rate of 6%, which is as fast as the national average for all professions.

This program is ideal for professionals looking to work as:

  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Human Resources Specialist
  • Training and Development Specialist
  • Advertising and Promotions Manager
  • Public Relations and Fundraising Manager

Admissions and Requirements

To be accepted to this program, you must have:

  1. A Bachelor's degree

  2. 2.75 GPA or above on a 4.0 scale

  3. A written personal statement

    Letter of intent

  4. 2 letters of recommendation

  5. Professional Resume

To apply to this program:

  1. Complete and submit the online application for admissions
  2. Pay the $45 non-refundable application fee

Courses You’ll Take

Course Information

In addition to the core coursework, students must complete nine credit hours of electives. They may choose three additional courses from the curriculum.

Core Courses

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
SPCH 499Communication Theory3
An overview of theory and major theorists in the field of communication. Prereq: 9 hours of core courses completed OR 6 hours completed and 3 taken concurrently.
JMC 460Mass Media & Society3
An examination of the theories, issues, and controversies surrounding the mass media. Particular emphasis will be given to press ethics, freedom and media effects. Prerequisites: junior standing
Select one of the following: 3
SPCH 881 Quantitative Research | SPCH 883 Qualitative Research Methodology
Select two of the following: 6
HIST 848 Readings in American History | JMC 831 Critical Approaches to Media | JMC 835 International Media and Society | PSCI 883P Political Communications | PSCI 884P Media and Public Policy | SPCH 804 Health Communication | SPCH 826 Social Movements and International Media | SPCH 841 Science Communication | SPCH 845P Diffusion of Innovations | SPCH 852P Advanced Organizational Communication
Select two of the following: 6
JMC 801 Social and Emerging Media | JMC 802 Media Technology | MGT 820 Managerial Communications | PSCI 865 Campaigns and Elections | SPCH 803 Strategic Communication | SPCH 851P Leadership Communication | SPCH 855P Communication Training and Consulting
Select one of the following:3
SPCH 875 Public Communication Practicum | SPCH 876 Public Communication Thesis.

Tuition & Fees

Nebraska Residents

Per Credit Hour

Tuition
$315.00
Fees
$56.25
Total
$371.25

3 Credit Hours

Tuition
$945.00
Fees
$168.75
Total
$1113.75

Out of State Residents

Per Credit Hour

Tuition
$504.00
Fees
$56.25
Total
$560.25

3 Credit Hours

Tuition
$1512.00
Fees
$168.75
Total
$1680.75
About Faculty

University of Nebraska online courses are taught by expert faculty who embody the qualities resulting from research experience and professional/field experience. Students learn from faculty with a variety of backgrounds, many of whom are published researchers in their fields. NU faculty who teach online do so in a way that optimizes learning within the online modality and because technology enables students to access education they may otherwise may not be able to pursue.

Application Deadlines
  • Fall SemesterJul 10
  • Spring SemesterNov 10
  • Summer SessionsApr 10