Master's in Strategic Communication & Public Relations

Allow your skills to shine with the cutting-edge education you need to succeed in strategic communication. Pair theory and practice in a master’s program that provides essential communication knowledge and exciting, hands-on experience.

Why Earn Your MA in Strategic Communication & Public Relations at Sacred Heart?

Students in Sacred Heart’s strategic communication & public relations (SCPR) program acquire the skills and knowledge to succeed in various segments of the communication industries. 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. 

Additional program features:

• Small class sizes, between 10-15 students, which allow for personalized attention and preparation for individual career paths
• Workshops and guest lectures from leading experts
• Access to over 100 nonprofit organizations, businesses and media outlets with relationships to Sacred Heart

Graduate in One Year

Delivered in a hybrid format, the SCPR curriculum is designed so full-time students can complete their degree in one year by attending class two nights a week. Part-time students graduate in two years and only attend class one night a week.

Dual Degree Program

Students apply to the Bachelor’s-Master of Arts in Strategic Communication & Public Relations (SCPR) Dual Degree Program as an incoming freshman and are admitted directly into the graduate program at the same time as your admission as an undergraduate student. Students are encouraged to reach out to your admissions counselor to discuss dual degree options.

Learning Outcomes

Through this program, you will learn to plan, create and distribute multimedia content while developing a theoretical and practical understanding of the field. Additionally, you will:

• Build the technical skills to create and implement strategic communication campaigns, events and presentations
• Enhance your communication, teamwork, problem solving, planning and leadership skills
• Leave with a digital portfolio that demonstrates highly-skilled communication and advanced training in the latest media technologies to potential employers

Meet more of our SCPR Alumni

Facilities & Equipment

The SCMA program is housed in the Frank & Marisa Martire Center for the Liberal Arts, a $50 million, 120,000-square-foot world-class facility offering unparalleled resources. Students have access to media production studios and interactive laboratories designed to advance the skills and knowledge students need for the global marketplace. The Dr. Michelle C. Loris ’70 Forum and media theater are wired to our control rooms via fiber optic cable, enabling students to produce professional multi-camera, live-streamed programs with live audiences.

Integrated Laptop Program

SCPR students receive a MacBook Pro laptop running the latest Apple and Adobe software and their coursework includes training with platforms that have become the industry standard. Students take ownership of their laptop when they graduate.

Internships

SCPR students complete an internship and gain valuable experience while receiving academic credit for their learning experiences. Sacred Heart’s close proximity to the New York City/Tri-State Region strategically positioned in the heart of the creative corridor gives students the opportunity to work at high profile companies and nonprofit organizations. These valuable internships allow students to build meaningful industry connections and professional résumés while earning their degree.

Career Outlook

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. Skilled communicators are needed to fill these positions. Projected growth overall for employment in media and communication occupations between 2022 to 2032 will result in about 114,300 job openings each year. Demand for media and communication occupations is expected to stay steady  with continuing demand to create, edit, translate and disseminate information through a variety of different platforms.

Graduates of the program are prepared for careers in:

Professional Development

SCPR graduate students receive a PRSSA membership. PRSSA offers students professional development, networking opportunities, internship and job listings and news on the latest industry trends.

Faculty Highlights

The SCPR faculty is comprised of award-winning scholars and media professionals.

More Information