Master of Arts in Communication: Public Relations & Advertising Concentration

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Full-Time
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Part-Time
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36 Credits

Suffolk’s Master of Arts in Communication with Public Relations & Advertising Concentration program is designed to help you become a strategic communicator in any field. You’ll learn how to identify and analyze target audiences using state-of-the-art social media research instruments and consumer insights tools—and then plan and execute effective advertising and public relations campaigns across media channels. With an emphasis on content creation and brand development, you’ll graduate ready to help businesses and organizations across sectors communicate their messages with confidence.

As a student in Suffolk’s Master of Arts in Communication with Public Relations & Advertising Concentration program, you will:

  • Apply theoretical principles and analytics to improve an organization’s branding and visibility
  • Learn to develop effective messaging and content for advertising and public relations campaigns
  • Create engaging content for social media and traditional media and develop your skills in content management
  • Use social media analytics and other technologies to research and influence target audiences
  • Gain an understanding of how public relations and advertising interact with broader social, cultural, and political contexts

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Success after Suffolk

Here's a sampling of recent graduates’ current job titles and employers.

Account Executive
360PRplus
Public Relations Associate
Allen & Gerritsen
Social Media Manager
Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH)
Head of Public Relations
vivo
Business Development Representative
Real Media Group
Marketing Manager
S2M Group
Associate Connections Planner
Havas Media Group
Manager
Massachusetts General Hospital
Product Setup Specialist
TripAdvisor
Learn more about our Career Community

MAC PR AD Program Overview

Our curriculum seamlessly blends technology and theory to help you create effective advertising and public relations messaging strategies for targeted audiences. Courses cover content creation and maintenance techniques, ad writing and design, web design and SEO, and customer-client relationship skills. You’ll also learn how to collect and analyze different types of social media data and write social media analytics reports, as well as conduct marketing communication research via field observations, focus groups, surveys, and consumer data analysis. Through internships and client-based assignments, you’ll gain real-world experience and develop valuable connections to leading advertising and PR firms here in Boston and across the country.
View the MAC PR AD Concentration curriculum

Requirements

Core Requirements 3 Credits (1 Course)
Electives 12 Credits (4 Courses)
Concentration Requirements
 21 Credits (7 Courses)
Total 36 Credits (12 Courses)

Advising & Other Resources

Our Graduate Student Services team is here to support you every step of the way. From application advising to financial aid counseling and international student resources, we provide a wide range of services to help you get the most out of your education. You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in professional development workshops throughout the year, as well as lifelong access to all of the tools and resources offered by our Center for Career Equity, Development & Success.


Strategic Partnerships

Student making presntation to a class

Our students help clients tell their stories with confidence. You’ll develop the skills you need to conduct marketing communication research such as field observations, focus groups, surveys and consumer data analysis--and apply them to real challenges through class projects and internships.

Social Media Lab

Prepare for today’s lightning-speed and hyper-targeted communication environment by working in our dedicated Social Media Lab. There, you’ll master powerful social media research instruments to help you analyze target audiences so you can plan campaigns with reach and resonance.

Students meeting with employers at a career fair

Hone your skills and refine your interests working with leading organizations in Boston and beyond. Our students have interned with agencies, businesses, sports teams, government agencies and politicians, healthcare organizations and more. Recent placements include:

  • Massachusetts Commission for the Blind
  • The Brooklyn Rail
  • ASTERA Kitchen & Bath Division of YOUNG Corporation
  • Rev’d Indoor Cycling LLC
  • Circular Play

Center for Career Equity, Development & Success

The Career Center will help you explore career options and focus your job search. You’ll find practical help, like how to write an effective résumé or LinkedIn profile, along with valuable connections to exceptional employers and successful alumni, including networking events like our annual “Careers in Advertising and Public Relations” alumni panel. A specific Career Community for Marketing, Analytics, Advertising & Public Relations provides events and information tailored just for our students.

Apply to Suffolk’s MAC PR AD Program

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester: June 15 (International Applicants), August 15 (Domestic Applicants), then rolling
  • Spring Semester: December 1 (International Applicants), January 4 (Domestic Applicants), then rolling

Learn about the advantages of priority applications.

Application Materials

  • Completed application
  • $50 Application Fee (waived for students who visit campus)
  • Resume
  • Unofficial transcripts of all post-secondary work. Admitted students enrolling in the program will need to have official transcripts, including proof of degree conferral, on file prior to their first class
    Goal statement (essay)
  • Two letters of recommendation (learn more)
  • Official TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo or PTE-Academic Scores (international students only)

View details about application materials required.

Cost of Graduate Study at Suffolk

View current tuition and fees for this program

Financial Aid for Graduate Study

Suffolk University is pleased to offer merit-based financial aid to graduate students—these awards can be up to $14,750 per academic year. Merit-based aid is awarded based on the applicant's academic credentials presented on the admission application. No separate application is required for merit consideration.

View estimated cost of attendance

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