Master of Science Program
Program Code: MS-GR
Major Code: PBR
HEGIS: 0604

Deborah A. Silverman
Communication Department
Buckham Hall B120, (716) 878-3606
communication.buffalostate.edu/

The Communication Department’s Master of Science degree in Public Relations, a part-time program (six credits per semester) provides a solid foundation in the principles and practice of public relations for students interested in careers in public relations. It educates students in the principles, theories, research methods and writing techniques that are needed for a career in public relations, with special emphasis on strategic communication planning skills and ethical standards that are required to succeed in public relations. The 33-credit program includes seven required public relations courses, two public relations electives, and two general electives.

Admission Requirements

1. 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.
2. Three writing samples.
3. A 500-word letter of intent describing educational objectives and career goals.
4. 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.

Application Deadline: The application deadline is rolling for summer, spring, J-term, and fall semesters.

In addition, all applicants should review the Admission to a Graduate Program section in this catalog.

Program Requirements