Master of Arts in Public Relations

California Baptist University's division of Online and Professional Studies gives you the opportunity to study public relations online. Reach your professional goals and earn your Master of Arts in Public Relations degree now.

Program Highlights:

• Accelerated - Finish your degree in 12 months
• Convenient - Designed for working students as classes are offered completely online or in blended hybrid format
• Flexible - Complete coursework around your schedule
• Savvy - Professional networking and public relations event participation immerses students in the latest trends and developments within the field

Program Purpose and Objectives

The Master of Arts in Public Relations (MAPR) equips students with critical thinking and professional practice skills while challenging them to integrate biblical thought with contemporary cultural concepts.  Graduates of the Master of Arts in Public Relations will exhibit creativity, confidence, and competence as they research, plan and implement action, communicate effectively and evaluate campaigns as needed to accomplish successful public relations efforts.

Maryann Pearson, Ed.D., Program Director

The demand for highly skilled, master’s level public relations practitioners, communications directors and effective leaders who possess superb communications skills and the education to inform and guide their efforts continues to grow. These employees get invited to the boardroom table, providing strategic planning, reputation management, and positioning, branding and long-term marketing communications/public relations.

Public relations practitioners who hold a Master’s Degree are well educated in business, public relations and communication theories and are tech savvy. They communicate with credibility, relevance and impact. They are standard bearers of ethical communications—champions of accuracy, truth and integrity as they lead the field.

“The Master of Arts in Public Relations is an ideal degree for students who wish to join a growing field with incredible employment opportunities. Social media direction, corporate, non-profit and educational public relations specialist are needed,” Mary Ann Pearson, OPS program director of communication studies /public relations said.

The Master of Arts in Public Relations program at CBU not only prepares students in the traditional core of corporate communication/reputation management, internal and executive communication responsibility, community relations and issues management, but includes a strong emphasis on social media direction and gaining valued skills in measuring return on investment.

CBU highlights the importance of a faith-based Christian world-view within the new MAPR program, making it different from what other schools may provide in similar programs. Students can expect to immerse themselves in the growing field of public relations as there are courses on social media, marketing and campaigns, and international public relations.

Designed for Working Professionals

CBU's Master of Arts in Public Relations program is uniquely designed for working professionals seeking to develop technical skills and leadership competencies. CBU offers both online and hybrid courses, allowing students to complete coursework around their own schedule. A master's degree in public relations from CBU will increase opportunities for career advancement, improve professional competencies, and develop interdisciplinary skills. 

Interactive Distance Learning

With small, interactive classes, MAPR students receive individual attention from dedicated instructors while also learning from the diverse experiences and perspectives of fellow scholars. This intimate setting fosters an environment that encourages students to develop interpersonal and team-building skills, while also developing professional networks and supportive relationships. Emphasizing experiential learning through practical application of theory, MAPR coursework incorporates rigorous assignments based on case studies derived from real-world scenarios as well as relevant and contemporary literature. 

Students graduating with the MAPR degree will be able to communicate effectively using traditional and social media platforms to oversee the planned action, including media relations and social media communications in public relations campaigns.

Experienced and Distinguished Faculty

Classes are taught by professors who have excelled in the business and by working professionals who emphasize the importance of research, technology, and the relationship of all media (electronic, print, online and related digital multimedia technology) to public relations in both the public and private sectors.

The links below show the growing job market in the field of Public Relations.