Master of Arts in Public Relations and Advertising

Studying Public Relations and Advertising in Chicago

Students enrolled in the MA in Public Relations and Advertising at DePaul University reap many benefits from the university's placement in one of the most beautiful and lively cities in the world. Not only is Chicago an exciting place to live and study, it also is a dynamic professional market that offers students the opportunity to network with industry professionals while studying for their degrees. Some of the nation's largest public relations firms and advertising agencies, as well as leading corporations and non-profit institutions, are based in Chicago, just minutes from DePaul classrooms. Graduate students in public relations and advertising may complete internships for credit with local organizations and/or interact informally with professionals in the field. The program faculty's relationships with Chicago professionals also open the door to insightful exchanges between students and guest speakers who provide practical contexts for classroom discussions and career guidance for those nearing graduation.

Purpose of the Program

The Master of Arts in Public Relations and Advertising offers students the opportunity to explore the theoretical and practical aspects of these related disciplines. The program is designed to produce professionally competent, socially responsible and globally conscious practitioners in public relations and advertising. The course of study begins with an introduction to the conceptual foundations of public relations and advertising and the research methods used by communication professionals. Ethical and legal issues are integrated throughout the curriculum as well as in a special course devoted to helping students become ethical advocates for clients and employers. Classes emphasize the principles and theories of strategic planning/communication, relationship management, critical thinking/analysis, and the creative elements of public relations and advertising programs and campaigns. The PR/Ad graduate program is also flexible enough to allow interested students the opportunity to explore skills-based training in other academic programs in such areas as marketing, research, video production, computer graphics, and the use of media and new technologies.

Learn more about the program from a current student - click here to learn more.