Graduate Programs

Cultivating creative minds. Leading critical thought.

Murray State University’s Journalism and Mass Communications graduate programs seek students who want to be strategic communicators and thinkers. The Master’s of Science or Master’s of Art in Mass Communication or Public Relations will help you find your place in the world of communications. Our mission is to train industry leaders and global scholars.

Why Mass Communications or Public Relations?

Our classes help stretch your understanding of media theory and communication practices. Critical, creative and independent thought drive each classroom’s curriculum. With our intimate class sizes you will get to know professors with strong academic and industry reputations while having the opportunity to work with diverse classmates.

Graduate Programs Tuition and Fees

Seize your opportunity with numerous career options.

A degree in public relations provides great versatility in numerous sectors. Career options include, but are not limited to:

Director of Community Relations
Public Relations Manager
Communications Coordinator
Media Specialist
Event Planner / Coordinator
Public Affairs Specialist
Director of Development

Testimonials

Jennifer Duck

"As a full-time working journalist and mother, I can't say enough about my experience as a graduate student at Murray State University. The professors spend extra time accommodating students like me who are earning their advanced degrees while working full time. My advisers gave me personal attention and walked me through all of the courses needed to finish a master's degree in a manageable timeframe. Not only did I earn my master's degree, but the curriculum helped me become an even better journalist and researcher. I'm grateful for my time at Murray State and would highly recommend it to other working professionals who are applying to graduate school."

Jennifer Duck – Emmy award-winning producer, CNN; Ph.D. Student

“I had a great experience as a master’s degree student at Murray State University. The university provides a personable atmosphere that helps you get personal attention from your professors and feel that you are part of the Murray State community. Due to the small size of the department and classes, students have greater engagement and collaboration with fellow students and faculty members. The faculty members’ doors were always open for students to discuss their concerns or ideas, which helped me in developing my area of interest. Feeling belonged to the college has ease my experience as an international students and helped me be more motivated to work hard. The diverse area of interest of the faculty members provided a great experience for the graduate students to be exposed to different area of interest from different perspectives.”

Khaled AlKhandari

Requirements for Admission

The GRE is not required for admission. Applicants must meet Murray State University requirements. Additional requirements for unconditional and conditional admission are as follows:

Unconditional

Bachelor’s Degree in any field with a GPA of 2.75 (on a 4.00 scale).
Students whose native language is not English must present a minimum TOEFL score of 550 on paper-based test or 213 on computer-based test.

Conditional

Bachelor’s Degree in any field with a GPA of 2.25 (must maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout the program).
Students whose native language is not English must present a minimum TOEFL score of 550 on paper-based test or 213 on computer-based test before the completion of nine (9) graduate hours.