摘要：This qualitative study of public relations employers sought information and clarification about the perceptions those who employ public relations graduates have about university-based master’s degree programs in public relations. Conducted as part of the efforts of the most recent Commission on Public Relations Education, this study reports on the disconnect between what universities provide and what those who hire public relations practitioners want. The timing of this research is appropriate since it comes when an increasing number of master’s degree programs in public relations are being introduced throughout the nation coupled with the void in previous research systematically examining public relations practitioner’s perceptions of the value of a graduate degree in public relations. Major findings include a call for more dialogue and collaboration between practitioners and academics in curriculum planning for public relations master’s degree programs, the need for a greater emphasis on business acumen and experimental learning opportunities (e.g., practicums and internships) and a more pronounced emphasis on practical applications especially in those programs currently dominated by an abundance of theory.
