Abigail Palmer '23, MA ’25
Age: 23
Graduate Program: MA in Strategic Communication & Public Relations (SCPR)
Year of Graduation: 2025
Hometown: Londonderry, NH
Grad SHUdent Spotlight: Why I’m Getting My Master’s in SCPR
Abby Palmer’s name may be familiar as she makes her presence known in the SHU community through her GA position in the School of Communication, Media & the Arts.
Strategic communication and public relations is an industry on the rise. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has predicted that overall employment of public relations managers is expected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
Students in the Strategic Communication & Public Relations (SCPR) Master’s Program acquire the skills and knowledge to succeed in communications-focused jobs in any industry. With the guidance of award-winning scholars and media professionals, students build the advanced skills to communicate effectively across media platforms in an ethical and socially responsible manner.
Why did you choose the SCPR program at SHU?
I chose the SCPR program because I wanted to continue the education of my undergraduate degree. A PR degree is so broad, which is a huge benefit and advantage in my opinion. I know how to succeed in the industry thanks to my undergrad education, but grad school allows me to explore further the various career pathways that a PR degree can lead to before truly diving into the workforce.
What is your favorite part of the program?
I love that I’m taking classes from new professors I never had in undergrad, along with ones I’ve had or known before. It’s refreshing that in my fifth year with the same department I continue to hear from new perspectives and industry professionals, while also seeing a familiar face occasionally.
Why did you choose to continue through grad school at SHU?
I graduated May 2023, summa cum laude, with a bachelor’s degree in strategic communication, public relations & advertising and minors in sociology and theatre arts. I chose to continue through grad school at SHU because I felt so at home here for four years. I was also able to obtain a graduate assistant position in the department of my studies, which helps professionally and financially. I am the graduate assistant for the School of Communication, Media & the Arts.
Do you have a job lined up for after graduation?
Potentially! I have had conversations with one of my past internships about a position that will be available in a year if I want it. No matter what happens, the two degrees I’ll have are so versatile that I’m not anxious about the job application process.
How has your SHU experience prepared you for your future?
I have had the opportunity to be in leadership roles and been given great responsibility that came with high expectations. I am confident I will add important interpersonal and professional skills to wherever I go.
What advice do you have for potential students considering SHU’s SCPR program?
SHU’s SCPR program is giving me the deep dive of the industry that you don’t have time to get into in undergrad. I’m applying the concepts I learned in undergrad and taking them a step further in grad school with new classmates. If you feel that you need more time or unsure of what path to go down, consider grad school to help you discover more about yourself.
Questions about SHU's SCPR Master’s Program?
Please contact Ed Nassr at 203-396-6877 or nassre@sacredheart.edu.
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