Master of Arts in Strategic Communication and Public Relations
Make an impact with high-caliber digital media.
Quick Facts
years to complete
total credit hours
per credit hour
Request More Information
Fill out the form below and a skilled and knowledgeable Admissions Representative will get in touch to answer your questions and help with the application process.
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
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 COURSESProgram 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.
APPLY NOWTuition 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 FEESFaculty
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.
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 SHUAt 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 AIDFrequently Asked Questions
If you have a question we don’t cover here, request more information or call 877-791-7181.
In the MA in SCPR, you’ll use the Adobe Creative Suite on the Mac OS to gain a mastery of content creation across various multimedia formats, including HD video.
Job opportunities for advertising, promotions and marketing managers will grow by 8% between 2018 and 2028, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Job prospects for public relations specialists look good as well, with an estimated 6% growth over the same period of time.
BLS also reports advertising and promotions managers earn a median annual wage of $117,130, while marketing managers come in higher at $132,620.
See the Career Outlook page for more information.
Approximately $25,200.
Please note that this amount does not include textbooks, supplies, personal expenses, fees, and other costs you might incur. See the Tuition page for more information.
Work experience is not required. See the Admission Requirements page for more information.
Yes. In addition to your tuition, there are some additional fees:
- Application Fee: $75
- Registration Fee: $115 (charged once per 16-week semester)
- Library Fee: $40 (charged once per 16-week semester)
- Assessment Fee: $30 (charged once per 16-week semester)
No. This is an asynchronous program. This online program allows you the convenience to learn when and where it suits you.
Sources:
- 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.
- 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.