Rollins College

What you'll study

This master's combines theory and applied skills across public relations, advertising and strategic communication. Core topics typically include strategic communication planning, media relations, integrated marketing communications, advertising strategy, research methods and audience insight, digital and social media strategy, crisis communication, ethics in communication and campaign evaluation.

Teaching emphasises hands‑on learning: students usually develop and defend strategic campaigns, complete media plans, undertake applied research projects and work on client briefs. The programme commonly culminates in a capstone project or practicum placement that integrates campaign design, implementation and measurement.

• Strategic Communication and Campaign Planning
• Media Relations and Messaging
• Advertising Strategy and Creative Development
• Digital Media, Analytics and Content Strategy
• Research Methods for Communication
• Crisis Communication and Reputation Management
• Ethics, Public Policy and Communication Law
• Capstone Practicum or Applied Research Project

Entry requirements

Applicants are typically expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree. Admissions commonly consider academic transcripts, a current CV or résumé, a personal statement outlining professional goals and how the programme fits them, and one or more letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees.

Programmes often welcome applicants with professional experience in communications, marketing, media or related fields; such experience can strengthen an application. Some cohorts may request a writing sample or brief portfolio of communications work. For applicants whose first language is not English, proof of English proficiency through an accepted test is normally required.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of communication roles across corporate, agency, non‑profit and public sectors. Typical job titles include public relations specialist, communications manager, media relations officer, social media strategist, content strategist, advertising account executive, brand manager and crisis communications consultant.

The programme also prepares students for roles in stakeholder engagement, public affairs, organisational reputation management and client services within creative agencies. Alumni may progress to senior management positions in corporate communications or choose to specialise further or move into academic research and teaching.

Why study at Rollins College

Rollins offers a small‑cohort, liberal‑arts environment that emphasises close faculty mentoring and experiential learning. Students benefit from personalised feedback, opportunities for collaborative projects and access to internship placements in the wider Orlando metropolitan media and business market.

The college’s approach combines contemporary industry practice with research‑informed methods, preparing graduates to design measurable, ethical communication programmes. Career Services and faculty networks support internship and job placement, while the programme’s applied capstone ensures students graduate with portfolio work employers recognise.