How a Master of Arts Degree in Strategic Communication Can Translate Across Diverse Industries

Every industry needs communication specialists now more than ever

As the modern workplace becomes more fast-paced and interconnected, effective communication professionals are in demand. A Master of Arts in strategic communication & public relations (SCPR) from Sacred Heart University can provide a wide range of specialized and universal skills. This degree will help position students to become experts in influencing audiences, developing powerful messages and creating impactful campaigns. Foluke Omosun, SCPR program director, has full confidence in the program’s ability to help students succeed.

“Our SCPR students learn how to craft and deploy effective, targeted messages and campaigns using traditional and digital communication channels and platforms to support organizational goals,” she said. “In this goal-oriented industry, whether it is changing attitudes and behaviors, shaping public perception, increasing brand loyalty or customer engagement, these are essential skills that organizations across a range of fields need to perform optimally."

A few industries that these skills are especially valuable for are political communication, nonprofit communication, athletic communication and corporate brand management.

Industries

Athletic Communication

Athletic communication no longer revolves around gameday announcements and postgame press releases. The industry has changed into a much more dynamic field that requires its professionals to work with fans, build team brands and provide up-to-date digital storytelling. For those interested in working in athletics, the degree will equip them with the necessary insights required to work with major teams and organizations on social media strategies, media relations and fan engagement initiatives.

Political Communication

The need for effective political communication specialists has grown exponentially over the past few years. Using the skills from SHU’s SCPR curriculum, you will be able to effect change in many ways. Graduates will gain expertise in creating public information campaigns, enhance community engagement and lead strategic responses to crisis situations. High-quality strategic communication ensures that citizens are correctly informed about policy decisions and government initiatives and can respond appropriately.

Nonprofit Communication

Nonprofits often have more limited resources than other industries. This makes employees and candidates with polished communication skills incredibly valuable. Nonprofits need specialists who know how to engage, inspire and mobilize large groups of people, from donors to activists to volunteers and more. With an SCPR degree, candidates will learn the required skills to create brand awareness campaigns, build donor relationships and develop practical programs that energize and motivate their community. Specialists in nonprofit communication help their organizations enact their mission within the specific community they want to reach.

Corporate Brand Management

In today’s fast-paced environment, brands of all sizes are looking to stand out among their competitors and peers. The need for creative-thinking individuals in brand management has skyrocketed. An SCPR degree from SHU will help you learn the required skills from faculty experts to leverage yourself in the career field. With classes on branding, visual communication and consumer culture, you will graduate ready to elevate brands by creating promotional materials, enhancing strategies and monitoring their public image.

SCPR’s Advantage

Graduates from SHU’s SCPR program will no doubt have the skills and expertise to find a career in many fields and thrive in a magnitude of ways. Omosun echoed this statement.  
 
“Here at SHU, we emphasize hands-on, experiential learning grounded in research to enrich our students’ experiences and help them gain practical skills for the real world,” she said. “Our faculty experts have extensive and diverse industry experience across various sectors, and they encourage and support our students to explore and pursue their own specific interests and passion.”

Interested in a Master’s in SCPR from SHU?

To learn more about how this program can launch your communication career and connect you with professionals in the field, schedule a meeting with Ed Nassr or reach out at nassre@sacredheart.edu or 203-396-6877.