By: Raina DeBrouwer
Since 2006, Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU) has been granting students the opportunity to earn something that isn’t currently available at any other Canadian university: a Master of Public Relations (MPR) degree. While the MPR program has always offered practical instruction through case studies and community service learning, it has never before allowed students to participate in an internship to earn credit towards their master’s degree. Until now.
In summer 2026, MSVU’s first Master of Public Relations internship students will embark on their work terms. This program, optional for MPR students to apply to, offers them the opportunity to gain hands-on work experience before graduating.
“Public relations is a field that thrives on practical experience,” says Dr. Alla Kushniryk, Chair of the Department of Communication Studies. “Our students are eager to build on their academic foundation with hands-on opportunities that make them more confident and career-ready. This internship provides exactly that.”
Why Now?
MSVU has a long history of blending theory and practice, and the MPR internship is the latest evolution of that philosophy. The university recognized that graduate students could benefit from a structured, credit-earning work experience that showcases the demands of the industry before they cross the stage at convocation.
What Students Can Expect
Each summer, MPR students will step out of the classroom and into a professional environment where they’ll work alongside seasoned communicators. The internship is a 0.5-unit elective within the five-unit MPR degree, meaning the internship will be for credit. The internship is optional, so MPR students are not required to complete it.
On an MPR internship work term, students can expect to gain exposure in some or all of the following areas:
- Researching, drafting, and supporting the implementation of strategic communication plans
- Creating persuasive marketing content for websites, blogs, social media, advertising, and email campaigns
- Writing and producing tailored print and digital newsletters for diverse internal and external audiences
- Conducting research, interviews, and data collection to support writing projects and presentation materials
- Drafting and refining press releases, backgrounders, and managing comprehensive media contact lists
- Crafting executive-level communication materials, including speeches, formal letters, and feature articles
- Coordinating all aspects of event planning, including venues, catering, entertainment, and guest speakers
- Utilizing Adobe Creative Suite and related design tools to produce professional-quality visuals
- Researching platform-specific trends and supporting multi-platform community management (e.g. Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn)
Who Can Apply
Students must first complete two academic units – including the foundational Strategic Public Relations (GPRL 6304) course – and participate in professional development training through the Co-op & WIL Centre prior to starting their internship. Applications also require written approval from the Communication Studies Department Chair. Eligibility requirements and application information can be found here.
The Role of the Co-op & WIL Centre
The MPR internship program will be administered by MSVU’s Co-op & WIL Centre, which specializes in fostering meaningful work-integrated learning opportunities for students. Co-op & WIL Centre staff will post MPR internship jobs through an internal online portal, and prepare students for applications through resume and cover letter support, interview preparation, and professional development sessions.
The Exciting Path Ahead
The program reflects MSVU’s broader mission to prepare students not only for graduation but for leadership roles in the industry. One way to do that is through work-integrated learning.
“An internship doesn’t just enhance a resume,” says Scott Daniels, Manager of MSVU’s Co-op & WIL Centre. “It gives students the confidence to navigate complex public relations challenges and the connections to launch meaningful careers upon graduation.”
With applications due in early September, the first wave of MPR interns will soon head out into agencies, corporations, and non-profits – ready to turn classroom concepts into real-world implementation.