SHU Makes Media Publication’s 2024 ‘Education A-List’

PRNEWS names SHU among top universities for public relations and communication studies

Sacred Heart University’s School of Communication, Media & the Arts has been named to the “Education A-List” at PRNEWS for its innovative and high-quality public relations and communication program.

PRNEWS, a media outlet that promotes public relations and communications, describes its “Education A-List” as the “ultimate comprehensive guide” to the country’s best colleges and institutions for public relations and communication studies. To compile the list, editorial staff members examined factors such as curriculum, diversity, faculty composition, academic awards and coursework. They also considered off-campus offerings, such as internships, and how the schools’ coursework reflects the communication field’s ongoing evolution.

Foluke Omosun, director of SHU’s strategic communication & public relations (SCPR) master’s program, said the listing recognizes Sacred Heart’s cutting-edge education. “Sacred Heart is a hidden gem right in the New England-New York area,” Omosun said. “It’s wonderful to be recognized for the work we do molding our students into young professionals—conscious citizens who will go out and impact our communities.”

The undergraduate SCPR program blends theory and practice as students produce in-depth presentations, campaigns and written work across various multimedia platforms. Graduate students benefit from virtual reality-enhanced courses and learn how to use technology to support real-world communication strategies.

Also, each SCPR graduate student receives a new MacBook Pro and a subscription to the latest Adobe software so they have the tools they need to stand out in the industry. “We give them the latest technology,” said Omosun. “It makes a difference to our students coming in, knowing they are equipped for success from day one.”

SHU’s public relations and communication program embraces technology in other ways, too. In Omosun’s crisis communication course, for example, students use artificial intelligence (AI) to simulate media training. “I have them come up with a crisis and tell the AI program to ask them questions, just like the press would. It asks follow-up questions as well, so students must have in-depth responses ready,” she said.

Some exciting initiatives are underway to further prepare students for their future careers. In the fall, the University will launch a student-run public relations agency. “We will have undergraduate and graduate students engaged with the community and gaining professional, real-world experience before they even graduate,” Omosun said.

In addition, Omosun is working with faculty experts to integrate more virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) into classes and foresees numerous ways the technology can be helpful. “In the same way we use AI, we can use augmented reality and virtual reality in teaching crisis communications. We can create a scenario with AR/VR, and students will have to formulate a media response quickly based on what is happening,” she said.

Mark Beekey, College of Arts & Sciences dean, is pleased SHU’s strategic communication & public relations program has been recognized among the top in the country. “This recognition highlights our faculty’s dedication to creating innovative courses that blend disciplinary knowledge, technical skills and professional experiences that prepare our students to become leaders in ever-evolving industries and professions,” he said.