Master of Arts in Public Relations and Advertising

A woman working at a white board, speaking to the camera

You will lead and thrive in the rapidly expanding public relations industry because we prepare you to deliver more — more strategy, more content, more channels, more creativity, and more insights.

We will ensure you are ready to create integrated public relations campaigns that span paid, earned, shared and owned media types. You will learn to weave together storytelling with data intelligence while creating multi-platform content. You will hone your ability to use audience insight mining to inform and execute PR strategies. You will become adept at building influencer relations and advancing brand activations.

Led by our dynamic faculty in one of the world’s great media capitals, you will be empowered to shape your own career path while forging professional opportunities that can span business, marketing, advertising, entertainment, technology, healthcare, advocacy, and beyond.

By the numbers

school for studying public relationsCiting our innovative curriculum and ideal location in L.A., College Magazine ranks USC Annenberg as the foremost school for studying public relations.

Citing our innovative curriculum and ideal location in L.A., College Magazine ranks USC Annenberg as the foremost school for studying public relations.

98% %

of our Class of 2023 employed within 12 months of graduationOur recent graduates have gone on to distinguished careers with employers such as Hello Sunshine, NBCUniversal, Edelman, National Football League, and Disney.

Our recent graduates have gone on to distinguished careers with employers such as Hello Sunshine, NBCUniversal, Edelman, National Football League, and Disney.

80% %

of PR professionals and marketers believe the future is digital storytellingA recent study from USC’s Center for Public Relations found that crafting a compelling story and pushing it out to social channels is one of PR’s greatest opportunities.

A recent study from USC’s Center for Public Relations found that crafting a compelling story and pushing it out to social channels is one of PR’s greatest opportunities.

students per required courseOur students develop intellectual, professional and ethical depth as they engage with our expert faculty in small-class settings.

Our students develop intellectual, professional and ethical depth as they engage with our expert faculty in small-class settings.

Faculty, student and alumni work

Eight people stand on a stage in formal wear and smile at the camera. Two of them hold awards in their hands from PRWeek.

Where PR’s next chapter is being written

USC Annenberg takes home top PRWeek awards, highlighting a culture of innovation, mentorship and industry impact.

Research matters

Master’s students Kate Hoag and Michael Kittilson share how insights, creativity and data come together in their work with USC’s Center for Public Relations and Center for Climate Journalism and Communication.

Lessons from the C-Suite

Alumna Sona Iliffe-Moon shares a behind-the-scenes look at her role as Yahoo’s CCO.

Built together

PR master’s student Joe Carreon and his fellow 2026 grads reflect on the friendships, mentorships, leadership experiences, and career opportunities that shaped their time at USC Annenberg.

Becoming a leader

Through his class, “Improvisational Leadership,” Professor Fred Cook prepares future PR leaders to be courageous, bold and to unapologetically speak up for what they believe in.

Paths to success

Spring Harris, director of public relations at Fastly, joins fellow USC Annenberg alumni to talk about what shaped their career journeys and what advice they’d give to students.

Advance your audience insight and content creation skills

Our state-of-the-art Media Center and Digital Lounge allow you to gain hands-on experience while acquiring the advanced multimedia and analytical skills necessary to tell stories while measuring impact across platforms. Through the center’s Digital Media Analytics Desk, you can learn to monitor the social stream as well as how to collect and analyze data for real-time events, brand communication and advertising campaigns. The Digital Lounge offers a creative makerspace where you can build your technology and content creation skills, including Adobe Certification.

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