Public Relations, M.S.

Applicants to the online M.S. in Public Relations program must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.

To apply to the program, please submit the following items to the Graduate School:

1. A SUNY Buffalo State Graduate School online application and a $65 non-refundable application fee.
2. Official transcripts. Download transcript request form (PDF).
3. Three writing samples – e.g., news releases, term papers, stories written for the college student newspaper.
4. A 500-word letter of intent describing educational objectives and career goals.
5. Three letters of recommendation that attest to the applicant’s potential as a graduate student.

In addition, international applicants from non-English speaking countries must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of 100 or higher. Because this degree program is writing-intensive, reflecting the nature of public relations jobs, students with a TOEFL score below 100 are likely to have difficulty completing the program.

Also, all applicants should review the Admission to a Graduate Program section in the Graduate School catalog.

How Long Does Admission Take?
The Graduate School typically processes applications within two to four weeks of receiving all required information, depending on the time of year. You can check on the status of your application by logging into your previously submitted application, by calling the Graduate School at (716) 878-5601, or emailing the Graduate School at gradoffc@buffalostate.edu.  

Degree Requirements (33 credit hours)

You’ll begin your program in the fall semester. It includes seven required COM courses including an internship, two COM electives, and two electives from other academic departments.

If you stay on track by taking two or three courses each semester, you could complete the degree in two- to two-and-a-half years.

Here’s a sample sequence:

First Semester (Fall)

• COM 610 Public Relations Principles and Practices
• COM 621 Theories of Public Relations

Second Semester (Spring)

• COM 631 Advanced Public Relations Writing
• COM 641 Research Methods in Public Relations

Third Semester (Summer)

• COM 635 Internship in Public Relations
• Communication elective #1

Fourth Semester (Fall)

• COM 650 Public Relations Management
• Elective #1 from another academic department

Fifth Semester (Spring)

• COM 690 Integrated Communication (Master’s Project)
• Elective #2 from another academic department

Sixth Semester (Summer)

• Communication elective #2

TOTAL: 33 credits