Strategic Communication and Public Relations (M.A.)

Faculty

Dr. Jamal Watson, Director of Strategic Communication and Public Relations (program chair)
Dr. Peggy Lewis, Executive Dean, School of Business and Graduate Studies and School of Professional Studies

Description

Trinity’s Master of Arts in Strategic Communication and Public Relations program trains the next generation of communication experts to think critically, strategically, and creatively. The program’s unique blend of technical and tactical course work prepares its graduates to practice the craft of communication ethically and equitably, and with a focus on building relationships that aid in achieving social justice in society.

For those seeking to advance in their current communication role or seek a career change, the Master of Arts (M.A.) degree positions graduates to navigate within the upper echelons of any corporate, nonprofit, government, or private sector organization.

The program is designed for students interested in attaining careers in strategic communication management, public relations, public affairs and digital media. The C-Suite needs communications advisors who serve as counsel that aid in aligning organizational goals with communications efforts.

At the completion of the program students will earn the skills needed to become specialists in all things communication – from content creation to digital strategy – enabling them to have a competitive edge in the marketplace.

The Strategic Communication and Public Relations program requires 36 credits for successful completion. Courses are offered in an accelerated format in the evenings in eight-week term course offerings. Significant individual study and guided independent learning throughout each course are required to meet the objectives of each course and the overall goals of the program. Students normally take three courses per semester and complete their degree in two academic calendar years (21 months), although students may elect to complete the degree in three academic calendar years by taking two courses per semester.

Requirements

Core Courses (9 credits)
ALL of the following courses
SCPR 520 Multicultural Media History
SCPR 540 Journalism and Public Relations Writing
SCPR 600 Media Law

Research Competency Course (3 credits)
ONE course required:
SCPR 606 Strategic Communication Research Methods

Professional Skills Courses (15 credits)
TWO courses required:
SCPR 620 Advance Public Relations Writing Across Digital Platforms
SCPR 670 Public Relations Campaigns or SCPR 675 Public Relations Management

Select THREE of the following Electives:
SCPR 530 Crisis Communications
SCPR 532 Social Responsibility in Public Relations
SCPR 534 Public Relations Case Studies
SCPR 560 Digital Analytics
SCPR 570 Web Design
SCPR 588 Gender, Race and Class in PR and Media
SCPR 605 Media Ethics Case Studies
SCPR 622 Digital and Visual Storytelling
SCPR 624 Social Media for Public Relations
SCPR 625 Visual Communications
SCPR 626 Speechwriting
SCPR 627 Persuasive Writing
SCPR 630 Political Communications and Campaigns
SCPR 634 Dynamics of Strategic Event Planning
SCPR 645 Non-Profit and Advocacy Public Relations
SCPR 691 Public Relations Practicum

Capstone (3 credits)
ONE degree capstone course:
SCPR 699 Strategic Communication and Public Relations Capstone

Program Policies

Comprehensive Assessment:

The Strategic Communication and Public Relations degree program requires students to complete a comprehensive final project in the Capstone Seminar course.  Student are required to interact with a real client and develop a strategic communications plan based on an issue, product, problem, or opportunity, or needed publicity campaign determined by you and the client. Students will present their findings at the end of the semester in a formal presentation to the client and a panel of faculty. Students must earn a grade of “B” or better on this project to complete the program.

Elective Courses:
All courses must be at the 500-level or higher to count toward the degree.

Grades in Graduate Courses:

Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 to graduate and no more than one grade of “C” may appear on their transcript.

Pass/No Pass:

Graduate students may not take courses on a Pass/No Pass basis; courses taken Pass/No Pass do not fulfill certificate requirements.

TELL Policy:

TELL credits are not applicable toward the degree.

Transfer Policy:
Students may transfer up to six (6) graduate credits from other appropriately accredited institutions of higher learning toward the degree with approval from their faculty advisor. Associations recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHEA) confer appropriate accreditation; these associations include but are not limited to regional accreditors.

Course Descriptions

SCPR 520 Multicultural Media History
SCPR 530 Crisis Communications
SCPR 532 Social Responsibility in Public Relations
SCPR 534 Public Relations Case Studies
SCPR 540 Journalism and Public Relations Writing
SCPR 560 Digital Analytics
SCPR 570 Web Design
SCPR 588 Gender, Race and Class in PR and Media
SCPR 600 Media Law
SCPR 605 Media Ethics Case Studies
SCPR 620 Advance Public Relations Writing Across Digital Platforms
SCPR 622 Digital and Visual Storytelling
SCPR 624 Social Media for Public Relations
SCPR 625 Visual Communications
SCPR 626 Speechwriting
SCPR 627 Persuasive Writing
SCPR 630 Political Communications and Campaigns
SCPR 634 Dynamics of Strategic Event Planning
SCPR 645 Non-Profit and Advocacy Public Relations
SCPR 670 Public Relations Campaigns
SCPR 675 Public Relations Management
SCPR 691 Public Relations Practicum
SCPR 699 Strategic Communication and Public Relations Capstone