Master's Degrees in Public Speaking
Many schools offer master's degree programs that include advanced public speaking courses, as well as written and visual communication courses, that can help you fine tune your skills. With courses in organizational communication, professional speaking and speech writing, these programs can prepare you for a career in public relations or numerous other fields.
What Kind of Master's Degree Programs In Public Speaking Are Available?
<p>Although there aren't currently master's degree programs that are tailored towards public speaking, you may find that public speaking courses are an integral part of master's degree programs in communications. These programs take about two years to complete and focus on both the practical and theoretical aspects of spoken, written and visual communication. You may find master's degree programs like the Master of Arts (M.A.) in Communication with an emphasis in organizational communication or a Master of Science (M.S.) in Professional and Technical Communication.
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<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Program Emphases</b></td><td> Organizational communication, professional and technical communication</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td> Persuasive communication, professional speaking, speech writing, political communication, interviewing</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Online Program Options</b></td><td> Some classes available online; in-person speeches may be required</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Average Salary (2020)</b></td><td> $71,940 (<i>for public relations specialists</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td>7% growth (<i>for public relations specialists</i>)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
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<h3 id="section---WhatTypeOfPublicSpeakingCoursesAreIncludedInThesePrograms">What Type of Public Speaking Courses Are Included In These Programs?</h3>
<p>You will take classes that can help you develop strong public speaking skills and teach you how to apply the communication techniques you learn to your future career. Public speaking courses that you can find in a master's degree program in communications may include:
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<ul><li>Professional speaking
</li><li>Intercultural communication
</li><li>Persuasion
</li><li>Interviewing
</li><li>Political communication
</li><li>Speech writing
</li></ul><h3 id="section---CanICompleteTheseProgramsOnline">Can I Complete These Programs Online?</h3>
<p>Public speaking courses usually require you to stand in front of people and practice your communication techniques. The schools that offer online courses as part of their communications degree program may require you to appear on campus for your the public speaking classes. However, it is also common for schools to include an online component within their master's degree programs so you can complete a great deal of course work online, at your own pace.
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<p>To complete this coursework, you will usually need access to the Internet and any relevant software to access and view different types of media. Much of the software you will need can be downloaded free of charge, including Windows Media Player and Real Player.
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<h3 id="section---WhatCanThisDegreeProgramDoForMyCareer">What Can This Degree Program Do For My Career?</h3>
<p>If you are interested in politics, entertainment, business or any other field where public speaking is utilized, training in communications and public speaking can be valuable. The ability to deliver effective speeches and speak passionately is a vital skill for anyone looking to work in public relations.
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<p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) public relations specialists earned an average annual salary of $71,940 in 2020 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). The BLS also reported that employment growth for these professionals is projected to rise by 7% from 2019 to 2029.</p>