University Waivers for APR

In recognition of the mastery of strategic communication practice, competencies and ethical standards achieved by those who have earned APR, there are several universities that offer special opportunities for professionals that hold the designation.

APRs can receive advanced standing credit toward a Master's Degree. Special bonus: earning an advanced degree qualifies you for automatic reaccreditation during that three-year maintenance cycle.

Belmont University

Belmont University offers academic credit opportunities to APRs in its M.S. in Strategic Communication & Leadership.

  • Students in Belmont University’s Master of Science in Strategic Communication & Leadership who hold or earn the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) may receive elective graduate credit through the university’s Credit by Challenge Examination process. Depending on the scope, timing, and review of the credential, students may receive up to six elective credit hours. In Belmont’s 30-credit program, this can reduce the total number of required credits, saving time and tuition. The challenge process includes a university fee, and the APR process may serve as the basis for evaluation, so an additional Belmont-written examination is not ordinarily required.

Learn More about Belmont’s M.S. in Strategic Communication & Leadership — a fully online graduate program that prepares strategic communication leaders to navigate complexity, shape organizational direction, and lead with purpose, integrity, and influence.

Boston University

Boston University grants academic waiver to APRs in their Master of Science in Health Communication

  • Boston University will waive two courses, upon acceptance to the school's Master of Science in Health Communication (MSHC) program, reducing tuition cost by an estimated 20 percent. APRs will save time by completing the master's program in as few as 14 months, taking a total of eight courses rather than 10. 

Learn more about the course waiver and view a short video exploring the MSHC program with Professor Steve Quigley, APR—a former delegate to the PRSA Assembly, recipient of its 2011 Outstanding Educator Award, and former president of the PRSA Boston Chapter.

Buffalo State University

Learn how APRs can waive two courses in the SUNY Buffalo State University’s online M.S. in Public Relations program.

  • Public relations professionals who hold the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) will receive credit for two master’s-level courses upon acceptance to SUNY Buffalo State University’s online Master of Science in Public Relations program, saving time and money. Special bonus: earning an advanced degree qualifies you for automatic reaccreditation during that three-year Renewal cycle.

Marquette University

Marquette University offers academic waivers to APRs in their Master's of Arts in Corporate Communication

  • Marquette University will waive two courses (six credit hours), upon acceptance to the school's Master of Arts in Corporate Communication (MS CCOM) program, reducing tuition costs by estimated 20 percent. APRs will save time completing a total of nine courses rather than 11.

Learn More about how the two-course waiver recognizes the mastery of strategic communication practice, competencies, and ethical standards achieved by those holding the APR.

Northeastern University

APRs have advanced standing in Northeastern University's Master of Science in Corporate Organizational Communication

  • Learn more about how APRs are able to complete the Master’s in 12 courses rather than 15, with a corresponding 20 percent savings in tuition. This Master’s is available both online and in Boston, making it easy for APRs anywhere to take advantage. Special bonus: earning an advanced degree qualifies you for automatic reaccreditation during that three-year maintenance cycle.

Purdue University

Purdue University’s Brian Lamb School of Communication offers academic waivers to APRs in their Online Master of Science in Communication

  • Purdue University will waive two courses (6-credits) upon acceptance to the School’s Master of Science in Communication), a 30-credit (10-course) program focusing on Strategic Communication. This corresponds to a 20% reduction in tuition costs and reduces the number of required course credits from 30 to 24.

Learn More about the Brian Lamb School of Communication, the two-course waiver, and their highly customizable program of study for communication professionals engaged in industry practice. 

Syracuse University

Syracuse University’s Executive Master’s Degree Program in Communications Management accepts the APR in lieu of GRE scores as part of the admission process.

West Virginia University

West Virginia University offers academic waivers to APRs in their Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications

  • West Virginia University will waive two courses upon acceptance to the school's Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications program, reducing tuition costs by estimated 20 percent. APRs will save time completing a total of eight courses rather than 10.

Learn More about how the two-course waiver recognizes the mastery of strategic communication practice, competencies, and ethical standards achieved by those holding the APR.