Overview & Career Outcomes

The Master of Science in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations prepares students with the experience necessary to develop targeted messages, identify key audiences, and work with stakeholders and the media to effectively communicate a brand. You’ll engage with emerging topics such as data analytics – a key capability in a competitive job market – and develop essential skills and knowledge in media and government relations, crisis communication, and legal and ethical issues.

Accelerate your success

Join Lasell’s vibrant community of working professionals and gain access to a wide range of resources to develop your expertise and expand your network. As a Lasell graduate student, you will:

  • Benefit from the experience of your faculty and peers, who bring deep expertise and a unique point of view to every class discussion and group project
  • Expand your network and learn to position yourself as a leader in your field
  • Engage with an active alumni community
  • Participate in career services programs that include webinars on salary negotiations and developing a career plan

Curriculum

If you are looking for a graduate program in public relations, the Lasell University MS in Communications with a concentration in Public Relations is a flexible curriculum that advances students' professional interests and goals through hybrid and online formats.

The curriculum includes a capstone in which you can choose 1 out of 4 options: professional internship, comprehensive exam, thesis, or special study project.  

The program is structured as follows:

  • 36 credits are required, of which up to 6 may be waived based on prior academic work.
    • 21 credits (7 courses) comprise the core offerings.
    • 9 required concentration credits (3 courses)
    • 6 related elective credits (2 courses) Students may take any courses offered at the graduate level to fulfill their elective credits.

Get information on our Course Schedules.

Wondering what types of classes, you will be taking? Below is a sample of the curriculum provided to get a sense of what your academic path looks like. If you want to see the full curriculum visit the academic catalog.

COM738
Persuasion & Public Opinion
3 credits
COM701
Communication, Ethics & Society
3 credits
COM703
Communication Research
3 credits
COM702
Organizational Communication
3 credits
COM705
Media Relations
3 credits
COM709
Negotiations & Conflict Resolution
3 credits
COM796
Comprehensive Examination
3 credits
COM797
Thesis
3 credits
COM798
Special Study Project
3 credits
COM799
Professional Internship
3 credits
COM713
Writing for Public Relations
3 credits
COM721
Principles of Public Relations
3 credits
COM722
Crisis Communication
3 credits

Requirements

Candidates seeking admission to Lasell University's Communication graduate degree or certificate programs must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and demonstrate through academic background and/or work experience the ability to succeed in graduate studies. 

No GMAT/GRE scores are required for admission. 

International Students need to submit English equivalency from one of the following: TOEFL scores: minimum required score is 80 (iBT) or IELTS, minimum required score is 6.0; or Pearson PTE Academic minimum score is 53; or Duolingo minimum required score is 105. The English equivalency scores may be waived for international applicants who have earned a bachelor's degree at an accredited college/university in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada.

Admission Requirements Checklist:

  1. Online application
  2. Official transcripts of all college-level coursework*
  3. A one-page personal statement describing your goals, strengths, and potential for achievement in graduate school
  4. Resume

Materials can be provided through MyPortal or emailed to gradinfo@lasell.edu.

International Applicants:

This program is F-1 eligible. 

All International applicants need to submit English equivalency from one of the following: TOEFL scores: minimum required score is 80 (iBT) or IELTS, minimum required score is 6.0; or Pearson PTE Academic minimum score is 53; or Duolingo minimum required score is 105. The English equivalency scores may be waived for international applicants who have earned a bachelor's degree at an accredited college/university in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada.

For additional requirements please visit our International Admission Requirement page.

Materials should be submitted through MyPortal or emailed to gradinfo@lasell.edu:
The Office of Graduate Enrollment
Lasell University
1844 Commonwealth Ave.
Newton, MA 02466

Questions about your application? Call/text us today at 617-243-2400!