While the number of public relations graduate programs in the United States nearly tripled since 2000, inconsistent curricula and degree requirements may be lowering the value of this education and creating confusion for students, educators and employers.   Three studies by the Commission on Public Relations Education (co-chaired by IPR President & CEO Frank Ovaitt) include a detailed review of the curricula of 75 U.S. public relations graduate programs, the opinions of a sample of more than 400 public relations practitioners and educators on what should be included in a master’s degree in public relations/communication management, and in-depth interviews with major public relations employers on how a master’s degree in public relations influences hiring decisions.  The studies were funded by the PRSA Foundation and will provide the basis for a commission report and recommendations on standards for graduate education in public relations.

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Heidy Modarelli handles Growth & Marketing for IPR. She has previously written for Entrepreneur, TechCrunch, The Next Web, and VentureBeat.
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One thought on “Setting Standards for Graduate Education in Public Relations

  1. When can we expect the full report on this important study? Can I please be added to the waiting list?
    Thanks
    Margalit

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