Strategy and Communication…Yes, They Go Together
Strategy and Communication…Yes, They Go Together
Communication is a critical—and often neglected—skillset, especially for college graduates as they dive headfirst into a rapidly changing professional landscape. Thankfully, SUNY New Paltz’s new Master’s in Strategic Communication program, which debuted in Spring 2024, is equipping students with the versatile tools they’ll need to be successful.
“Our program is intended to take students into unexplored territory in strategic communication, preparing them for the intricacies of the world,” said Program Director Jason Wrench. “The reality is that strategic communication is evolving on a daily basis. Every time we turn around, there are new technologies, new crises that organizations have to face, and there are new types of stakeholders that organizations need to deal with. Strategic communication is something that isn’t stagnant…it’s constantly evolving.”
Throughout the program, students are tasked to identify, examine, and solve many of industry’s most pressing communication problems. With courses that include Conflict, Mediation, and Negotiation (CMM706), Talk Technology and Society (CMM716), Organizational Reputation (CMM726), and Global Communication (CMM730), they have the unique opportunity to dissect strategic communication in both theory and practice.
The program also offers special electives and concentrations that reflect the many routes students can take with their degree from business and government to the non-profit sector.
For Sarah Fulton, a local college graduate who now works in the development office at The Storm King School, joining the Strategic Communication program made ‘perfect’ sense.
“One day, as I was driving over the Mid-Hudson Bridge, I saw the billboard for the program,” said Fulton, who studied public relations at Mount Saint Mary College. “I hadn’t considered completing a master’s degree but after years of working in education, I felt that it was a good way to bolster my credentials. I was drawn to the program because it aligns perfectly with my passion for communication, leadership, and problem solving. It’s my opportunity to refine my strengths and grow into a more strategic and influential communicator.”
Built with the working professional in mind, Strategic Communication currently functions as a ‘low-residency’ program, where students conduct most of their work online but have the opportunity to meet on-campus with colleagues and faculty a few times per semester. Considerations are also being discussed for those who wish to complete the program fully online.
An accelerated pathway in Strategic Communication is also available for undergraduate students who want to kickstart their graduate-level studies during their senior year.
It didn’t take long for SUNY New Paltz graduate student Brendy Galeano-Umana (’23 Communication), who enrolled in the program last spring, to see the inherent value in it, especially for graduates like her who aim to have a long and successful career in the field.
“As a graduating senior, this program was definitely an intriguing next step for me,” said Galeano-Umana. “Now in my third semester, I have gained so much through this experience. I think this degree will bolster new professional opportunities for me—and I’ve already had the chance to explore new resources, conduct my own research studies, and expand my knowledge on diverse communication concepts. My professors and Department of Communication have also been excellent resources and mentors.”
Much like Fulton and Galeano-Umana, Wrench is excited to see how the new program will make a ‘communicative’ impact in the next all-important phase of our students’ lives.
“I’m most looking forward to seeing what our students do when they get out of here,” said Wrench. “In getting to know some of them and realize their career goals, it’s exciting to see where they’re going to take some of this—seeing where they go and what they’ll do.”
For more information on our MA in Strategic Communication program, visit our website.