Search Hawai’i Pacific University

COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS

MASTER OF ARTS IN STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION

CREATE YOUR OWN PATH AND MAKE AND CHANGE IN THE MEDIA LANDSCAPE WITH HPU’S MASCOM DEGREE

Emphasis in technical design training
Strong international/intercultural component
Accepts transfer credits
Approved for VA benefits

Implement expert communication strategies that advance organizational goals and missions and learn how to capture target audiences with dynamic and effective communication skills! HPU’s MASCOM program will empower you to understand and use strategic techniques and insights that give you a powerful advantage in the world of media. With the program’s wide selection of electives, you will learn how to use your innovation and creativity to maximize your potential in communication strategies.

LENGTH OF PROGRAM: 2 years (21 months)

ENTRY TERMS: Fall

PROGRAM DELIVERY: on-campus

COST OF PROGRAM: $26,154 or $699/credit VIEW THE MASCOM PROGRAM SCHEDULE https://www.youtube.com/embed/BhObRpva2Lc

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

WHY HPU FOR MASCOM?

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

2-YEAR COURSE ROTATION

CONCURRENT REGISTRATION OPTION

Effective communication and the ability to express ideas clearly in both the written and spoken word is a critical skill for everyone, both personally and professionally. Nearly every profession requires successful communication. Graduates of the MASCOM program at HPU are uniquely prepared for thriving careers across a wide spectrum of industries.

HPU’s unique focus on applied technology and global contexts provides MASCOM graduates with the skill sets for careers in marketing, advertising, mass media, social media, digital communication, public relations, entertainment, education, and other fields. Other opportunities for some HPU MASCOM students include advanced doctoral study in communication or other fields.
By their choice of electives and capstone projects, MASCOM students can elect to focus their studies in areas such as strategic communication, social media strategies, public/media relations,integrated communication and more.

WHAT TYPE OF JOBS CAN YOU GET WITH A MASCOM DEGREE?

Public Relations
Mass Media Communications
Multi Media Communications
Communications
Marketing
Social Media Communications
Advertising
Technical Writing

VIEW THE MASCOM PROGRAM PROFILE PAGE

MACOM graduates, such as those listed below, have used their Final Capstone Projects as the genesis for launching sucessful media companies:

Olena Heu (’13), Founder/CEO Lilikoi Ladies LLC, a Marketing Communications Agency specializing in social media, Honolulu, Hawaii. Ms. Heu is a former news anchor, FOX KHON2, and recipient of the Edward R Murrow Award.
Jason Cutinella (’06), CEO & Founder, Nella Media Group, Honolulu, Hawaii.
Naomi Giamrone (’05) Owner and Co-publisher, Element Media, Honolulu, Hawaii.

Other notable alumni have established successful careers in Public Relations, Social Media, Project Management, Marketing, and more:

Reed Pasatiempo (‘19 Graduate Valedictorian), Project Manager at the Audio Visual Company (AVCO); former E-Sports Arena Manager (HPU), Honolulu, Hawaii.
Thitikarn Simreewong (‘19), Marketing Coordinator at Next Design, LLC. Honolulu, Hawaii.
Kawena Lei Carvalho-Mattos (’16), Special Projects Manager at CNHA: Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement.
Edyta Tudruj (‘10), Account Executive, Primum Public Relations, Warsaw, Poland.
Katie Vanes (’09), Public Relations and Social Media Manager at the Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa at Keauhou Bay.

APPLY NOW

RESOURCES

Perfect School Search

What is your highest level of education? Select your education level Some High School High School Diploma / GED Some College Associate Degree Bachelor’s Degree Master’s Degree or Higher What subject are you interested in? Select your preferred subject area Agriculture Architecture Biological and Biomedical Sciences Business Communications and Journalism Computer Sciences Culinary Arts and Personal Services Education Engineering Legal Liberal Arts and Humanities Mechanic and Repair Technologies Medical and Health Professions Physical Sciences Psychology Transportation and Distribution Visual and Performing Arts Narrow your preferred subject area American Sign Language – ASL Communication Studies Communication Technology Comparative Language Studies and Services Digital, Radio, and Television Communication English Composition English Language and Literature Foreign Language and Literature Graphic Communications Journalism Public Relations and Advertising Publishing Select your specialty subject area Advertising Public Relations Organizational Communication Where do you want to attend class? Show me all schools Near my home Online schools only I want to choose a state Choose a State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Columbia (D.C.) Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Puerto Rico Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

Popular Schools

The listings below may include sponsored content but are popular choices among our users.

1Boston University
2Michigan State University
3Towson University
4Kean University
5Webster University
6University of Southern Mississippi
7University of San Francisco
8University of Denver
Show more schools…

Avg. Wages For Related Jobs

$20000$40000$60000$80000$100000$120000

Public relations specialists
Public relations managers
Public address system and other announcers
Medical and public health social workers

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Degrees
/
Master’s Degrees
/
Public Relations
/
Is a Master’s Degree in Public…

Is a Master’s Degree in Public Relations Worth It?

Jan 21, 2021Show Me Schools

View 10 Popular Schools »

If you are considering pursuing a master’s degree in public relations, you may be wondering what types of benefits are associated with obtaining this type of degree. Learn more this degree program and how it could change your career options and salary potential below.

Public Relations Master’s Degree Program Information

Individuals who obtain a master’s degree in public relations could potentially become more attractive candidates for a variety of positions that either require a graduate degree or prefer applicants who have earned advanced degrees. Within the field of public relations, there are generally no strict requirements dictating whether a master’s degree is necessary or not, as employers often set their own standards when hiring new employees. Some managerial public relations positions may be more accessible to applicants with master’s degrees in public relations, though it may also be possible to be eligible for some of these positions with only a bachelor’s degree and significant work experience.

Advanced public relations positions may come with higher salaries, which is a factor worth considering when thinking about enrolling in a master’s degree program. However, the tuition and length of time required to complete these programs will likely also be a factor in the decision-making process. Master’s degree programs in public relations can typically be completed in 1.5-2 years. Tuition varies, as students who attend a public school in the state in which they live will likely be legible for in-state tuition, whereas private school tuition is typically much higher. These are all factors that students will want to consider when deciding whether to continue pursuing graduate school.

What Can You Do With a Master’s Degree in Public Relations?

Job Title	Median Salary (2019)*	Job Growth (2019-2029)*
Public Relations Manager	$116,180 (for all fundraising and public relations managers)	9% (for all fundraising and public relations managers)
Public Relations Specialist	$61,150	7%
Marketing Manager	$136,850	7%
Communications Postsecondary Teacher	$70,630	3%

Public Relations Manager

Public relations managers are responsible for managing and overseeing all of a client’s activities that relate to the media and how they interact with the public. They may work on the behalf of an individual or a large organization and are in charge of measuring how the public views the client and organizing various PR efforts to improve or maintain positive public opinion. As a PR manager, you will also likely have a team of employees who you will be overseeing and assigning tasks. Some organizations and companies may require that applicants for a managerial position have a master’s degree as well as several years of relevant work experience.

Public Relations Specialist

As a public relations specialist, you will likely be employed by an organization, company, or individual and will be responsible for managing their public image. Some of your duties could include writing press releases, handling all correspondence with the media, scheduling interviews, and managing social media accounts. PR specialists may also be responsible for trying to determine how the public feels about their client in order to inform their future PR efforts. Generally, a bachelor’s degree is required for this position, though a master’s degree may set you apart from other candidates for more competitive positions.

Marketing Manager

Individuals who have a master’s degree in public relations may also be attractive candidates for positions in related fields like marketing. As a marketing manager, you will be responsible for creating interest in a company or organization’s products and services. Some of your duties may include creating effective marketing plans that are within budget, conducting and evaluating market research studies to understand what consumers want, and managing marketing staff. You may also work closely with other professionals, like advertising managers, to create advertising campaigns.

Communications Postsecondary Teacher

While most universities require their teachers to have a doctoral degree, it may be possible to qualify for a position as a postsecondary teacher of public relations and communications in a smaller school or community college with only a master’s degree. As a postsecondary teacher, your responsibilities will include planning classes and lectures on various topics in public relations, leading discussions, assigning homework and projects to students, creating and administering exams, and assessing student performance through grades. You may also be responsible for providing students with career advice and helping them select appropriate courses.

To summarize, there are a number of factors worth considering when deciding whether or not to enroll in a master’s degree program in public relations like cost, length of program, and what kinds of jobs would be available upon graduating.Next: View SchoolsLink to this page

Related to Is a Master’s Degree in Public Relations Worth It?

University of South Carolina Video Review

Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD Video Review

Is a Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering Worth It?Gaining a master’s in chemical engineering will take an average of two years, but in that time individuals will learn how to…
Is a Master’s Degree in Accounting Worth It?Having a master’s in accounting could give you the edge that you need to remain competitive in the financial career field. We…
Is a Master’s Degree in Psychology Worth It?Obtaining a master’s in psychology helps to expand beyond the career choices offered to those with a bachelor’s. Within this…
Is a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering Worth It?Obtaining a Master’s in Electrical Engineering is no easy feat as it takes time and money to do so, but it can allow you to…
Is a Master’s Degree in Economics Worth It?
Texas Colleges that Offer Bachelors Degree in Public Relations
What Wisconsin Schools Have Public Relations Degree
Public Relations Degrees | 2021 Best Degrees in Public Relations

Popular Schools

The listings below may include sponsored content but are popular choices among our users.

An admission advisor from each school can provide more info about:

programs & curriculum
career opportunities
tuition & financial aid
admissions & starting dates

1Boston UniversitySchool InfoSchool locations:
- Massachusetts (1 campus)
Program InfoAreas of study you may find at Boston University include:
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Post Degree Certificate: First Professional Certificate, Post Master’s Certificate, Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Communications and Journalism
  - Communication Studies
  - Comparative Language Studies and Services
  - Digital, Radio, and Television Communication
  - English Composition
  - English Language and Literature
  - Foreign Language and Literature
  - Journalism
  - Public Relations and Advertising
    - Advertising
    - Health Communication
    - Public Relations
Get Started with Boston UniversityResearch Boston University’s Programs
2Michigan State UniversitySchool InfoSchool locations:
- Michigan (1 campus)
Program InfoAreas of study you may find at Michigan State University include:
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Coursework
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Communications and Journalism
  - Communication Studies
  - Comparative Language Studies and Services
  - Digital, Radio, and Television Communication
  - English Composition
  - English Language and Literature
  - Foreign Language and Literature
  - Journalism
  - Public Relations and Advertising
    - Advertising
    - Health Communication
    - Public Relations
Get Started with Michigan State UniversityResearch Michigan State University’s Programs & Degrees
3Towson UniversitySchool InfoSchool locations:
- Maryland (1 campus)
Program InfoAreas of study you may find at Towson University include:
- Graduate: Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master’s Certificate, Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Communications and Journalism
  - Communication Studies
  - Communication Technology
  - English Composition
  - English Language and Literature
  - Foreign Language and Literature
  - Public Relations and Advertising
    - Public Relations
Get Started with Towson UniversityResearch Towson University’s Programs & Degrees
4Kean UniversitySchool InfoSchool locations:
- New Jersey (1 campus)
Program InfoAreas of study you may find at Kean University include:
- Graduate: Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master’s Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Communications and Journalism
  - Communication Studies
  - English Language and Literature
  - Foreign Language and Literature
  - Graphic Communications
  - Public Relations and Advertising
    - Public Relations
Get Started with Kean UniversityResearch Kean University’s Degree Programs
5Webster UniversitySchool InfoSchool locations:
- Missouri (1 campus)
Program InfoAreas of study you may find at Webster University include:
- Graduate: Doctorate, Master
- Non-Degree: Coursework, Diploma
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Communications and Journalism
  - Communication Studies
  - Communication Technology
  - Comparative Language Studies and Services
  - Digital, Radio, and Television Communication
  - English Language and Literature
  - Foreign Language and Literature
  - Graphic Communications
  - Journalism
  - Public Relations and Advertising
    - Advertising
    - Public Relations
Get Started with Webster UniversityResearch Webster University’s Programs
6University of Southern MississippiSchool InfoSchool locations:
- Mississippi (1 campus)
Program InfoAreas of study you may find at University of Southern Mississippi include:
- Graduate: Doctorate, Master
- Non-Degree: Coursework, Diploma
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Communications and Journalism
  - Communication Studies
  - Comparative Language Studies and Services
  - Digital, Radio, and Television Communication
  - English Language and Literature
  - Foreign Language and Literature
  - Journalism
  - Public Relations and Advertising
    - Advertising
    - Public Relations
Get Started with University of Southern MississippiResearch University of Southern Mississippi’s Programs
7University of San FranciscoSchool InfoSchool locations:
- California (1 campus)
Program InfoAreas of study you may find at University of San Francisco include:
- Graduate: Doctorate, Master
- Non-Degree: Coursework
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Communications and Journalism
  - Communication Studies
  - Comparative Language Studies and Services
  - English Language and Literature
  - Foreign Language and Literature
  - Public Relations and Advertising
    - Advertising
    - Public Relations
Get Started with University of San FranciscoResearch University of San Francisco’s Programs
8University of DenverSchool InfoSchool locations:
- Colorado (1 campus)
Program InfoAreas of study you may find at University of Denver include:
- Graduate: Doctorate, Master
- Non-Degree: Coursework, Diploma
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Communications and Journalism
  - Communication Studies
  - Comparative Language Studies and Services
  - Digital, Radio, and Television Communication
  - English Language and Literature
  - Foreign Language and Literature
  - Journalism
  - Public Relations and Advertising
    - Advertising
    - Public Relations
Get Started with University of DenverResearch University of Denver’s Programs & Degrees
9Suffolk UniversitySchool InfoSchool locations:
- Massachusetts (1 campus)
Program InfoAreas of study you may find at Suffolk University include:
- Graduate: Doctorate, Master
- Non-Degree: Coursework, Diploma
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Communications and Journalism
  - Communication Studies
  - Communication Technology
  - Comparative Language Studies and Services
  - English Language and Literature
  - Foreign Language and Literature
  - Graphic Communications
  - Journalism
  - Public Relations and Advertising
    - Advertising
    - Organizational Communication
    - Political Communication
    - Public Relations
Get Started with Suffolk UniversityResearch Suffolk University’s Degree Programs
10Rowan UniversitySchool InfoSchool locations:
- New Jersey (1 campus)
Program InfoAreas of study you may find at Rowan University include:
- Graduate: Doctorate, Master
- Non-Degree: Coursework
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Communications and Journalism
  - Communication Studies
  - Communication Technology
  - Comparative Language Studies and Services
  - English Language and Literature
  - Foreign Language and Literature
  - Journalism
  - Public Relations and Advertising
    - Advertising
    - Public Relations
Get Started with Rowan UniversityResearch Rowan University’s Programs

Download the app

Working Scholars® Bringing Tuition-Free College to the Community

© copyright 2003-2021 Study.com. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.Curriculum, relevancy of sample programs, and outcomes will vary by school.Terms of Use Privacy Policy DMCA Notice ADA Compliance Honor Code For Students

is a masters in public relations worth it

MASTER OF ARTS IN STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION