University of Mississippi

What you'll study

This master’s combines theory and applied practice in public relations, advertising and strategic communication. Core topics typically include strategic communication planning, campaign development, media and message design, media writing, crisis and issues management, and communication ethics. Research and evaluation form a substantial component: students study quantitative and qualitative methods, measurement and analytics for assessing campaign effectiveness.

Students choose between a thesis route or a professional option that culminates in a capstone campaign or practicum. Typical modules and learning experiences include:

• Strategic Communication Campaigns — planning and executing integrated PR and advertising campaigns for real or simulated clients.
• Media Writing and Content Creation — developing press releases, feature stories, advertorials, social content and multimedia storytelling.
• Research Methods and Analytics — survey design, focus groups, content analysis, social media metrics and tools for measuring ROI.
• Crisis Communication and Reputation Management — frameworks and practical response exercises for high-stakes communication.
• Advertising Strategy and Media Planning — audience targeting, channel selection, budgeting and creative development.
• Applied Practicum or Thesis — a client-based practicum/capstone campaign or a supervised research thesis, depending on the chosen pathway.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing, English, political science or a related field. Typical admissions elements include:

• A completed application and official academic transcripts showing satisfactory undergraduate performance.
• A personal statement outlining academic and professional goals and reasons for pursuing graduate study in strategic communication.
• One to three letters of recommendation, preferably from academic instructors or workplace supervisors who can speak to the applicant’s potential for graduate-level work.
• A current CV or résumé and, where available, a portfolio of relevant work (writing samples, campaign materials, digital media examples).
• Proof of English language proficiency for international applicants, usually via recognised tests or equivalent documentation.

The department may consider professional experience in lieu of some academic prerequisites, and standardised test requirements (such as the GRE) vary—check the programme admissions page for current guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a diverse range of communication roles across sectors. Common career paths include public relations practitioner, account executive or manager in PR and advertising agencies, corporate communications specialist, social media strategist, brand manager, media planner, communications consultant and public affairs officer. The programme’s emphasis on applied campaigns and measurement also prepares graduates for roles in research and analytics, content strategy and specialist positions such as crisis communications lead or community engagement manager.

Alumni typically work in regional and national agencies, in-house communication teams at corporations and non-profits, government communications offices and media organisations. The applied nature of the degree, combined with internship and practicum opportunities, supports rapid transition into professional roles or advancement for mid-career communicators.

Why study at University of Mississippi

The University of Mississippi’s Meek School of Journalism and New Media has a long-established reputation for hands-on journalism and communication training. Studying in Oxford offers access to a close-knit campus community and regional media markets, which facilitates internships and client partnerships for practicum projects. Students benefit from experienced faculty who combine academic expertise with professional backgrounds, and from practical learning environments such as student media outlets and digital labs.

The programme emphasises small cohort sizes, personalised mentoring and opportunities to build a professional portfolio through real-world campaigns. Graduates leave with both the strategic understanding and the practical skills employers seek in public relations, advertising and applied communication roles.