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Master of Arts in Strategic Communication and Public Relations

Make an impact with high-caliber digital media.

Total Credits 36

Cost per Credit $600

  • 100% online coursework
  • Complete your MA in Strategic Communication and Public Relations in only 2 years
  • Graduate with a comprehensive portfolio of work — a great asset for job interviews
  • Advertising and promotions managers earn a median annual wage of $117,1301

The online MA in Strategic Communication and Public Relations equips you with advanced theory and a mastery of digital content. Graduate with a high-caliber portfolio demonstrating your skills in creating unstoppable messaging that you can use in your own communications practice or in today’s top firms and organizations.

What Makes Us Unique?

Learn the Latest Technology Tools. In the online MA in Strategic Communication and Public Relations, you’ll learn how to leverage key technologies and software to support your strategies. Gain the skills to create multimedia content, including HD video with the Adobe CS suite.

Have More Questions? Find Answers Fast.

Visit our Prospective Student FAQ Experience to get the online MA in Strategic Communication answers you need fast.

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Complete the form to learn more about this program.

Learn More by Doing More

With Sacred Heart University’s online Master of Arts (MA) in Strategic Communication and Public Relations (SCPR), you’ll develop complete, true-to-life projects in a creative environment that emulates a real agency setting.

Mentored by active professionals, you’ll deliver on all aspects of modern communications campaigns, from ideation to multimedia creation in the Adobe CS suite, including HD video. Plus, you’ll study critical elements of modern public relations, such as crisis prevention and response.

Over the course of the program, you’ll develop a robust portfolio that will provide you with an instant edge over your competition in the job market.

If you’re looking to complete your education on a quicker timeline, inquire about our accelerated one-year program.

Career Outlook: Join the Content Boom

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for roles such as advertising, promotions and marketing managers will grow by eight percent between 2018 and 2028. Advertising and promotions managers earn a median annual wage of $117,130, while marketing managers come in slightly higher at $134,290.1

Across the communications field, content creation is becoming more and more essential. A 2018 survey from Adobe revealed that 60 percent of marketers are involved in more content creation than they were a few years ago, as are 75 percent of agency creatives.2

These skills are quickly becoming not just the exception but the norm for advanced communications positions.

CAREERS AND SALARIES
professional women chatting during a meeting about strategic communications

Curriculum: Become a Strategic Creator

Accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), the online MA in SCPR is made up of 12 courses spanning 36 credit hours. Courses emulate a working agency and each project contributes to a standout creative portfolio.

Increase your knowledge on media ethics, crisis communications and strategic communication for diverse populations and gain the skills to create multimedia content, including HD video with the Adobe CS suite.

PREVIEW COURSES

Program Outcomes: Flex Your Creative Muscle

Through the online MA in SCPR, you will:

  • Master industry-standard multimedia tools, social media platforms and communications with diverse audiences
  • Create a high-quality portfolio to help you take the next steps in your career
  • Gain a theoretical, historical and practical understanding of strategic communication and media ethics
  • Know how to evaluate possible unexpected outcomes of communication and manage PR mishaps
  • Develop a critical and aesthetic understanding of communication and its social impact

Admission Requirements

To apply for the online MA in SCPR at Sacred Heart, you’ll need the following:

  • Completed application
  • Bachelor of Arts or Science degree from an accredited four-year college
  • Transcripts
  • Résumé
  • Personal statement
  • Two recommendation letters from academic or professional references

Work experience and GRE/GMAT scores are not required for admission.

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Tuition Details

Affordability and transparency are priorities at SHU. We want you to have everything you need in order to make a decision about investing in a high-quality education.

TUITION AND FEES

Faculty

Comprised of published scholars and current media professionals, the faculty at Sacred Heart University have both the experience and the credentials to prepare you for a variety of employment opportunities in PR agencies, communications and marketing companies, and mid- to large-size organizations.

Why Learn Online?

Accommodate your busy schedule and learn when and where it’s convenient for you. As an online student, you’ll work with the same accomplished faculty, receive one-on-one support and benefit from the same opportunities as our on-campus students.

ONLINE AT SHU

Financial Aid

At Sacred Heart University, we strive to keep our programs affordable and encourage you to explore all of your financial aid options, including federal aid, military benefits and available scholarships.

FINANCIAL AID

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a question we don’t cover here, request more information or call 877-791-7181.

It takes two years to complete the MA in Strategic Communication and Public Relations program.

You may take up to six years to complete the program.

It may be possible to transfer up to nine credits of coursework that are relevant to this program.

  • Application Fee: $75
  • Registration Fee: $115 (Charged once per 16-week semester)
  • Library Fee: $40 (Charged once per 16-week semester)
  • Assessment Fee: $30 per semester (one-time for students starting Spring 2020 or later)
  • Textbooks, supplies, personal expenses, or loan fees

The program does not require GMAT or GRE scores.

Visit our FAQ page

Sources:

  1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2018 May). Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved September 24, 2019, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/advertising-promotions-and-marketing-managers.htm.
  2. Adobe (2018 October 2). Adobe State of Creative and Marketing Collaboration Survey. Retrieved October 4, 2019, from https://www.slideshare.net/adobe/adobe-state-of-creative-and-marketing-collaboration-survey-117868064.