University of Southern Mississippi

What you'll study

This master's programme combines theory, research and applied practice in public relations, advertising and integrated communication. Core topics typically include strategic communication planning, communication research methods, media relations, campaign development, crisis communication, persuasion and ethics, digital and social media strategies, and visual communication.

Students commonly follow one of several pathways: a practicum/project route that emphasises hands-on campaign work and portfolio development, or a thesis route that focuses on original research. Typical modules and learning activities include:

• Strategic Communication Planning – development of goals, objectives, audience analysis and evaluation for PR and advertising campaigns.
• Communication Research Methods – quantitative and qualitative methods, survey design, content analysis and measurement of communication outcomes.
• Media Relations and Crisis Communication – building relationships with journalists, preparing media materials and managing communications in high-pressure situations.
• Advertising and Creative Strategy – campaign concepting, message development and integration of paid and earned media.
• Digital and Social Media Communication – platform strategy, analytics, community management and paid social advertising.
• Visual and Interactive Communication – basics of design, multimedia storytelling and using visual assets to support messages.
• Practicum / Internship – applied project work with campus partners, local organisations or agencies to build real-world experience and a professional portfolio.
• Thesis or Capstone Project – option to undertake supervised research or a comprehensive applied campaign as a culminating experience.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Degrees in communication, journalism, marketing, English or related fields are typical, but applicants with substantial professional experience in communications or advertising are also considered.

Required application materials usually include official transcripts, a current CV or résumé, a personal statement outlining professional and academic goals, and letters of recommendation. The programme may consider GRE scores on a case-by-case basis; check the department for its current testing policy. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency by providing appropriate test scores or evidence of prior study in English.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of communication roles across sectors. Typical career paths include public relations practitioner, corporate or internal communications specialist, media relations officer, social media strategist, advertising account executive, brand or marketing communications manager, nonprofit or government public affairs officer, and communications researcher or analyst. The applied practicum route prepares students for immediate professional practice, while the thesis route can lead to research or academic roles.

Why study at University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi offers close engagement with experienced faculty who combine scholarly expertise and professional backgrounds in public relations and advertising. The university's communication programmes emphasise applied learning—students have access to practicum opportunities, internship placements with regional media and organisations on the Gulf Coast, and campus media labs and production facilities to develop practical skills.

Small cohort sizes support personalised mentoring, and the programme's combination of research methods and hands-on campaign work equips graduates with both analytical competence and a professional portfolio valued by employers. The department also fosters links with industry practitioners, providing networking and career development opportunities for students seeking roles in agencies, corporations, nonprofit organisations and government.