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 changemakers who want careers that make a positive impact. Through hands-on coursework, students use research-based strategic communication to address complex social issues and drive lasting social change. Graduates go on to work with advocacy organizations, agencies, foundations, think tanks, and government institutions.

What is Public Interest Communication?

Once viewed primarily as nonprofit public relations, public interest communication has grown into an interdisciplinary, systems-level field that uses communication to address complex social issues. Public interest communication applies science-based strategic messaging to advance the human condition and influence meaningful behavioral or policy change on issues that extend beyond any single organization.

Through this program, students develop the skills, strategies, theories, and techniques needed to build movements and drive positive social change through strategic communication. The interdisciplinary curriculum combines academic and practical learning and draws from fields such as public relations, journalism, advertising, psychology, sociology, political science, anthropology, and neuroscience. Coursework emphasizes systems-level thinking, cross-sector collaboration, strategic planning, and the core skills required to support effective social change efforts.

Courses prepare students 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 at driving social change
• Create detailed project management and budget plans
• Develop strategic communications campaigns that can bridge divides and find common ground
• Measure and assess the success of public interest communications campaigns

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

The degree includes 36 credit hours, with 33 hours of coursework and three final credits completed through a capstone course. An advisory board of industry experts guides the curriculum, and courses are taught by both industry professionals and University of Florida faculty. Courses run for 16 weeks and are offered three semesters per year in the Fall, Spring, and Summer. Full-time students can 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