BA Strategic Communication, Public Relations & Advertising

Students in Sacred Heart’s SCPRA program cultivate the critical thinking and technical skills necessary for an ever-changing workplace. By pairing theoretical and historical understanding with hands-on learning, students are able to create meaningful messages and strategic campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences. Students explore the social impact of media to prepare them for the profound ethical and social responsibilities that come with being a professional communicator and engaged citizen.

Full-time and part-time programs available. Part-time students have the opportunity to earn their degree fully online. 

Incoming freshmen with a strong high school academic performance and an expressed interest in communication are eligible to join our combined five-year program, which leads to the completion of both a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Master of Arts (MA) degree in five years.

In our state-of-the-art facilities, students master the latest multimedia tools and social media platforms to develop effective and innovative materials for business, media, nonprofit and political organizations. Through internships and senior projects, our students gain real-world experience, build their professional networks and showcase their unique talents and interests.

Students have access to the successful internship program in the School of Communication, Media & the Arts (SCMA). Not only do students gain valuable experience but they receive academic credit for their internship learning experiences. Sacred Heart’s close proximity to the New York City/Tri-State Region gives students the opportunity to work at high profile companies such as ABC News, NBC, CBS and MTV, among other top corporations.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for strategic communication, public relations and advertising is estimated to be faster than average in these fields. Projected growth for employment in media and communication occupations between 2019 to 2029 will result in about 46,200 new jobs. Demand for media and communication occupations is expected to rise from the need to create, edit, translate and disseminate information through a variety of different platforms. 

Graduates of the program are prepared for careers in:

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.

Learn about the Martire Center

The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) is the foremost organization for students interested in public relations and communications. PRSSA offers students professional development, networking opportunities, internship and job listings and news on the latest industry trends.

Students from across the university can take advantage of the eight different minors offered by the School of Communication, Media & the Arts:

These minors allow non-majors to explore an area of focus within the fields of Communication, Media & the Arts while developing an understanding of media theory, history and technical skills.