What are the highlights of the M.A. in Strategic Public Relations?
The Strategic Public Relations degree program is designed to equip students with the skill set needed to succeed in agency, non-profit,corporate or government public relations. The focus is on strategic rather than reactive public relations. To better prepare students in the areas of strategic communication and crisis, the program features lecturers from top agencies and corporations in Southern California.
What is the admission period for the M.A. in Strategic Public Relations? What is the deadline?Admission is limited to the fall term. The application deadline for admission and consideration for a teaching assistantship or merit-based scholarship is January 4 for U.S. domestic and permanent residents; international students must apply by Dec. 1. Please refer to the graduate application guidelines for specific instructions.
How long does the program take to complete?The M.A. in Strategic Public Relations is a 40-unit program that full-time students complete in two years. An eighteen month option is available.
When are the classes offered?Most of the courses required to complete the M.A. in Strategic Public Relations are offered in the late afternoon or evening.
How many people apply? Are admitted? Enroll?For 2009, 135 applications were received from those seeking admission to the M.A. in Strategic Public Relations programs. Of those applicants, 74 were granted admission, and 49 enrolled.
What were the average GPA and GRE scores of those who enrolled in the M.A. in Strategic Public Relations in Fall 2009?The enrolled class had an average undergraduate GPA of 3.41, and an average GRE verbal and quantitative score of 1190.
What are the minimum admission requirements?In addition to the University graduate admission standards (3.0 undergraduate GPA and 1000 GRE verbal and quantitative), USC Annenberg's School of Journalism recommends a minimum GRE verbal score of 550, and for international students, a minimum TOEFL score of 114-115 (IBT).
What is the public relations essay?The public relations essay is an opportunity to write a 250- to 500-word essay that describes what you understand to be the fundamental role of public relations in society. You might cite a recent example of good or bad PR or an aspect or area of the field that is of particular interest to you.
What type of writing sample should I submit?An academic paper, published article, professional brochure or pamphlet may be submitted.
Will professional references be accepted?References from classroom instructors are strongly preferred. One professional reference may be substituted for a faculty reference.
Is funding available?All applicants, including international students, are considered for departmental scholarships and awards as part of the admission review process. Only 12% of the entering journalism class receives financial support from USC Annenberg. Since most graduate students are self-funded, all U.S. citizens and permanent residents are urged to apply for federal student aid. Refer to
USC Financial Aid for application instructions. International students must demonstrate the financial resources to study and live in the United States. Refer to
USC Graduate Admission for pertinent details and instructions.
What about internships and jobs?USC Annenberg's Career Development Office provides a steady stream of leads on internships and full- and part-time jobs with leading agencies, nonprofit organizations, entertainment companies and government offices.
USC Annenberg interns and graduates can be found working at many of the nations leading media and public relations organizations including: Ketchum Public Relations, Manning Selvage & Lee, Weber Shandwick Worldwide, Oglivy & Mayther, among others.