Distance education graduate programs in public relations

Distance Education Graduate Programs in Public Relations – I wanted to let you know about a new distance ed masters degree in PR. One of my first marketing mentors, DeNel Rehberg Sedo, recently launched the program. I met her when I was a student at Simon Fraser University. She went on to do a doctorate and join the faculty at Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax.

In September 2010, MSVU, or “The Mount,” will offer Canada’s first Master of Arts (PR) and Masters of Public Relations via distance. The nationally respected Bachelor of Public Relations attracts students from across Canada – and beyond, and it appears they’ve built on that strong foundation with the MPR and the MA (Public Relations). 

“We are especially proud to offer our courses through both traditional and distance education delivery methods,” says DeNel Rehberg Sedo, a coordinator of the program. “That means that students can be in Halifax or in any other part of the world and still benefit from our faculty and student expertise.”

The program is rigorous, but the community is collegial, according to DeNel. “We expect professional and academic excellence in our students,” she said, “which creates an environment that is engaging and creative.”

Two PR degrees

The MPR is a professional degree designed to develop leaders in the public relations industry.  It attracts communication professionals who wish to gain advanced skills and knowledge in research and management, and a grounding in the communication theories that underpin public relations practice. This program includes a project seminar.

The Master of Arts (Public Relations) degree, which requires a thesis, appeals to those who are interested in conducting original research that will contribute to the growing body of knowledge in the discipline.  Graduates of this degree are well prepared to return to public relations practice with high level research skills, to undertake teaching positions in community colleges or to go on to doctoral study.

Experiential educaton innovator

Years ago when DeNel was at SFU, she helped usher in all sorts of experiential education programs for the communication department. She enlisted me to chair a committee that taught other students essential marketing and communication job skills. Of course, DeNel did this in a way that ensured I developed management, leadership, planning and mentoring skills. And, at the same time, she grew her own position from one of co-op education officer to one that no doubt gave her the skills to gain teaching, research and experiential education skills. There’s no question why I got a fantastic job when I graduated or why I now run a blog teaching people to start and run consulting businesses — and no question why DeNel is a prof creating innovative programs at a great university. DeNel was a powerful mentor for me as a student and it’s no wonder I’ve stayed in touch with her all these years. She encouraged me to start my own consulting business and to do a masters. Anyone who can get into a program that DeNel’s running will find be in a great situation, if you ask me.