Public Interest Communication

The University of Florida online Master of Arts in Mass Communication concentration in Public Interest Communication is a first-of-its-kind program designed for budding changemakers who seek careers that enable them to do good in the world. Through hands-on coursework, our  students learn to use research-based strategic communications to drive lasting social change. Our graduates go to work for advocacy organizations, agencies, foundations, think tanks and government agencies.

What is Public Interest Communication?

Once viewed solely as non-profit public relations, public interest communication has exploded as an interdisciplinary, systems-level discipline with strategic benefits that reach beyond the communications function of an organization. Public interest communication uses science-based, strategic communications to advance the human condition. It is critical to achieving significant behavioral or policy change on issues that transcend the interests of any single organization. Through this program, you will develop the skills, strategies, theory and techniques required to build movements and drive positive social change using strategic communications.  This interdisciplinary program includes both academic and practical work and draws from practice and scholarship in public relations, journalism, advertising, psychology, sociology, political science, anthropology and neuroscience. The course work  emphasizes working across organizations and sectors, systems-level thinking, strategic planning and the core skills critical to any effective social change effort. Courses are designed to teach students how to:

• Identify issues that can be addressed with public interest communications
• Use systems thinking to identify a specific approach to driving change.
• Evaluate the strengths and limitations of major theoretical paradigms and approaches in public interest communications theory
• Apply both theory and practical skills to use communications to address challenging social issues
• Advocate and advise in the use of visual collateral that can best reach specific communities  
• Conduct research to underpin strategic communications aimed to drive social change
• Create detailed project management and budget plans
• Develop strategic communications campaigns that can drive positive social change
• Measure and assess the success of public interest communications campaigns

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University of Florida Online Master’s Concentration in Public Interest Communication

The online Master of Arts in Mass Communication with a concentration in Public Interest Communication includes 36 credit hours— 33 hours of coursework plus three final credits in a capstone course. The program curriculum is guided by an Advisory Board of top industry experts, with courses taught by industry professionals and University of Florida faculty.  Courses are 16 weeks in length and are offered three semesters per year in the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. Full-time students are able to complete the master’s concentration in as few as 16 months.

Unique Learning Experience

UF CJC Online programs are designed for students who crave:

• Courses that challenge them to grow as communicators through hands-on assignments where they receive detailed constructive feedback from peers and instructors
• The flexibility of online courses where pre-recorded lectures and live online meetings allow students to engage with their courses from anywhere in the world
• Networking opportunities with peers, alumni, instructors, and guest lecturers
• Professional growth and advancement opportunities
• Creative storytelling skills
• A transformative student-centered learning experience
• Personalized attention from highly engaged faculty
• An affordable and respected graduate degree from a top-10 public university