The Reynolds School of Journalism is proud to introduce its first fully online degree, a Master of Arts in Strategic Public Relations and Advertising, is set to begin in spring 2026.

Designed to cater to the needs of working professionals with an asynchronous online mode of study, the online MA in Strategic Public Relations and Advertising will prepare professionals to grow in today’s ever-evolving media landscape.

The 30-credit program will cover cutting-edge PR and advertising technologies, ethical issues and specialized areas of study such as media use measurement and analytics, public relations and advertising law, writing for public relations and advertising, cybersecurity and privacy as well as media management and leadership.  

“The fast-paced world requires a forward-thinking mindset and a high level of adaptation. Students will advance their data-driven skills and creative strategies for engaging diverse audiences, which will help them excel as advertising and PR professionals,” said Ran Duan, director of the online MA program.

For prospective students, the Reynolds School’s online MA in Strategic Public Relations and Advertising can be tailored to any career stage, from recent graduates to seasoned professionals. The program’s innovative curriculum will support students working across industries—like entertainment, healthcare, sports, tourism, government or nonprofits—that are looking to develop stronger, more strategic communication methods.

“This program is an ideal next step for journalists or communications professionals ready to pivot into strategic roles in public relations and advertising, building on their storytelling and audience insights to shape campaigns that drive impact,” said Alison Gaulden, APR, Fellow PRSA, the program’s assistant director. “Our cutting-edge curriculum and expert faculty at the Reynolds School will offer a transformative experience for our students.”

With a flexible, asynchronous online format, the program is designed for working professionals seeking to advance their careers without having to put their jobs on hold.

"I am thrilled to be bringing this new degree to the Reynolds School of Journalism,” said Dean Gi Woong Yun. “We have an established reputation in journalism, public relations and advertising education, and this program builds on a more than 100-year legacy of excellence.”

This program has been created with collaboration from Nevada Online, the University’s digital learning platform. More information about the Master of Arts in Strategic Public Relations and Advertising and a link to apply can be found online.