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Frequently Asked Questions

The following are FAQ from applicants and accepted ���Ĵ�ý.

Is there a deadline for admission?

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and are reviewed as they are received.

Can I transfer credits from a previous graduate program?  If so, how many?

Students may transfer up to 9 semester hours of graduate work from a previous institution. Faculty will evaluate course equivalencies on a case-by-case basis.

How long does the program take to complete?

Full-time online or evening ���Ĵ�ý (9 credits per semester) complete the program in two years (four semesters). As course offerings allow, it is possible for those studying full-time to graduate in less than two years.

When are classes offered?

For weeknight ���Ĵ�ý, each course will meet weekly for 15 weeks, either from 4:30-6:20 p.m. or 6:30-8:20 p.m. Some courses may be offered online. Courses run throughout the calendar year, including fall, spring, winter, and summer sessions.

For online ���Ĵ�ý, courses will run during traditional fall and spring semesters.

Can I take a course before I apply?

Prior to enrolling in the program, ���Ĵ�ý may apply on a non-matriculated basis. This is an abbreviated application process that allows ���Ĵ�ý to take up to 12 credits to be used for personal or professional development, as prerequisites for advanced study, or be applied toward a degree in the future.  Prospective ���Ĵ�ý may also check to see course offerings each semester by clicking  and searching for courses under “Public Relations – PR.” All non-matriculated ���Ĵ�ý register through the Office of Graduate Admission under the advisement of the program director. 

How are ���Ĵ�ý connected with internship sites?

MA in Public Relations ���Ĵ�ý have an option of taking an internship through one-on-one advisement with their program advisor. Hofstra’s public relations program has a long-standing history with a wide variety of internship sites in New York City and on Long Island, and it is quite possible for these employers to offer full-time positions to interns after graduation. Students’ interests and long-term career goals guide final placement decisions.

I work full-time. Do I have to do an internship to graduate?

If ���Ĵ�ý' daytime schedules do not give them the flexibility for an internship, they have the option of doing an independent study or registering for an elective course instead. Students will work one-on-one with a professor to craft coursework within a specific area of interest to be done over the course of a semester.

Are scholarships available?  How do I apply?

Merit-based scholarships are distributed on a competitive basis to eligible applicants. No additional materials are needed outside of the MA application to be considered. Applicants are encouraged to meet with representatives in the Office of Student Financial Services to inquire about need-based aid and other resources to finance their degree. Matriculated ���Ĵ�ý may also apply for a variety of campus jobs, which are continually updated on Hofstra’s website. Continuing ���Ĵ�ý may apply for additional scholarships and are alerted when the opportunity arises during the semester.

What is the average class size?

Most courses have a maximum of 15 ���Ĵ�ý per class.

Who is teaching the graduate courses in PR?

Courses will be taught by full-time public relations faculty members and adjunct professors. Adjunct staff will be highly experienced public relations practitioners, each with at least 25 years of experience at corporations and agencies.

What factors do you consider/what qualities do you look for in applicants?

There is no particular academic or professional background required to apply for the MA in Public Relations. The admission committee will look for applicants whose professional goals connect well with the curriculum and competencies for graduation. Applicants to the program will complete the personal statement portion of an admission application, including:
 

• BA, BS, or BFA from an accredited college or university
• An undergraduate overall GPA of at least 2.75
• A 500-750 word essay detailing “personal and educational history, past employment, volunteer work or related experience in the intended field of study, plans for graduate study, and plans for a professional career”
• Two letters of recommendation
• Writing samples (articles, essays, public relations materials, other)
• Current resume
• Transcripts (GRE scores are optional)
• International ���Ĵ�ý must have a minimum TOEFL score of 95 and must demonstrate proficiency in verbal and written English. Additional testing may be required during the application process.

All applicants must be interviewed by the program director for a skills assessment. Evening ���Ĵ�ý may start the program in fall or spring; Saturday ���Ĵ�ý must begin the program in the fall semester. Preference for competitive scholarships, if available, is based on overall GPA and academic potential and is given to early applicants. 

Can international ���Ĵ�ý be successful in this writing-intensive program?

Writing for the many platforms and programs used by public relations practitioners is challenging even for ���Ĵ�ý for whom English is their first language. International ���Ĵ�ý who can master the nuances of the language, AP Style, and the journalist's approach to professional storytelling can excel in the MA in Public Relations program. However, the challenges will be significant for ���Ĵ�ý without a strong command of English prior to entering the program.

Who can I speak with to find out more about the MA in PR program?

You can email, call, or meet with Public Relations Graduate Program Director Jennifer Cline Sargent by contacting her via email (Jennifer.A.ClineSargent@hofstra.edu) or at 516-463-6556.