Tag Archives: PR

Earn a Masters Degree in Strategic Communication in Less than 2 Years!

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The Department of Communication has recently launched its graduate program, the Master of Arts in Strategic Communication. This 33-credit program allows students to develop their skills in identifying, analyzing, and solving communication problems across a wide range of contexts. This program is offered full-time and part time to traditional students as well as working professionals. Most coursework can be completed asynchronously as well through a hybrid schedule, meeting on campus three times during the semester for 4 hours.

Undergraduate students can enroll in the Accelerated Pathway program in Strategic Communication by completing 12 graduate-level credits during their senior year. These credits are offered at a reduced undergraduate tuition rate and fulfill both undergraduate and graduate program requirements! Even if you choose not to pursue an MA in Strategic Communication, these graduate credits might be transferable to other graduate programs. Undergraduate seniors also have the opportunity to replace major electives with graduate courses. You do not need to apply to the program to take these courses in replacement of an elective as long as you meet the requirements.

A minimum GPA of 3.0 is recommended for taking these courses.

To apply, visit MA in Strategic Communication

The following requirements for applying to the program:

  • One official transcript providing evidence of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
  • Contact information for three references who can provide a letter of recommendation.
  • Admission essay
  • Optional application for teaching assistantship.

Any inquiries regarding the MA in Strategic Communication can be directed to the graduate program coordinator, Dr. Jason Wrench, at wrenchj@newpaltz.edu.

 

Romance Writers of America® Strategic Communication Internship — Apply Today!!

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Are you passionate about storytelling, digital communication, and advocating for creative professionals? Romance Writers of America® (RWA)’s Strategic Communication internship offers hands-on experience in nonprofit communication, public relations, and advocacy campaigns. This position is ideal for students interested in gaining real-world experience in strategic messaging, content creation, and community engagement within the publishing and literary industry.

Through this internship program, students will gain practical experience developing and implementing communication strategies that advance RWA’s mission to support romance writers and increase public awareness of the romance genre. Interns will work remotely for the duration of the internship with weekly virtual meetings and ongoing mentorship.

Interns Will:
● Develop strategic communication materials for member advocacy campaigns.
● Create content for RWA’s website, newsletters, and digital platforms.
● Research and write press releases about industry trends and RWA initiatives.
● Assist with social media content creation and community engagement.
● Support public awareness campaigns to promote the romance genre.
● Conduct research on publishing industry trends and literacy initiatives.
● Draft talking points and messaging frameworks for organizational leadership.
● Assist with event promotion and member communication strategies.
● Collaborate with team members to enhance RWA’s brand presence.
● Analyze communication metrics and prepare performance reports.

Qualifications and Requirements:

● Excellent written and verbal communication skills
● Knowledge and experience with social media platforms and digital communication tools
● Strong research and analytical skills
● Self-directed independent worker with a strong work ethic who enjoys collaborative teamwork
● Currently pursuing or holding a degree in Communication, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, English, or a related field
● Overall GPA of 3.0 or higher
● Interest in the publishing industry, nonprofit advocacy, or literary organizations
● Familiarity with best practices in social media
● Understanding of or interest in romance literature and publishing industry trends
● Experience with graphic design tools (Canva preferred) for content creation

Time Commitment and Location:
This internship program requires a minimum 15-hour per week commitment (120 hours total for 3-credit internship) with flexible scheduling based on academic calendar requirements. The internship is conducted remotely, and meetings will be scheduled on a weekly basis.
Additional one-on-one mentoring sessions will be scheduled as needed with the Executive Director of RWA.

Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this internship, students will have developed competencies in:
● Develops Strategic Communication Plans: Creates messaging frameworks that align with organizational mission and goals.
● Produces Digital Content: Creates engaging content across multiple platforms and audiences using various digital tools.
● Executes Public Relations Activities: Writes press releases, manages media relations, and communicates with stakeholders effectively.
● Implements Advocacy Communication: Crafts persuasive messaging for policy and industry advocacy campaigns.
● Applies Nonprofit Communication Strategies: Demonstrates understanding of unique communication challenges and opportunities in the nonprofit sector.
● Analyzes Industry Trends: Evaluates publishing industry developments and literary community dynamics to inform strategic decisions

This internship does not offer monetary compensation. RWA provides college credit opportunities and will work with students and their academic institutions to complete all necessary paperwork for credit requirements.

This internship offers invaluable hands-on experience in strategic communication within a nationally recognized literary organization. Interns become integral members of the RWA communication team, contributing meaningfully to campaigns that directly impact thousands of professional writers. The experience provides excellent networking opportunities within the publishing industry and the nonprofit sector.

Additional Benefits:
● Professional mentorship from experienced communication professionals and authors
● Access to RWA’s professional development resources and industry connections
● Letter of recommendation upon successful completion
● Opportunity to attend virtual RWA events and workshops
● Portfolio development with real-world campaign materials and published content

Application Instructions:
To apply, please email the following materials to admin@rwa.org with the subject line “Strategic Communication Internship Application”:
● Current resume
● Cover letter explaining your interest in strategic communication and the romance writing industry

Communication Isn’t Just Human Anymore — Explore AI’s Role in CMM 493

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Explore the Future of Communication: Enroll in CMM 493 – AI and Communication (Fall 2025)!
Curious about how artificial intelligence is shaping the way we connect, work, and communicate? Join us this Fall for CMM 493 – AI and Communication, a senior-level course open to all students interested in understanding the evolving role of AI in our lives. There are no prerequisites to enroll in the course (cannot be a first-year student).
In this course, you’ll explore:
  • How AI is changing communication in relationships, workplaces, and media campaigns
  • The major terms, tools, and applications of AI
  • How AI compares to human communication
  • The history and current uses of AI in communication
  • Big ethical questions about the future of AI—and how we can build frameworks to guide it responsibly
This class is hands-on, discussion-based, and designed to connect AI to real-world communication challenges. Whether you’re studying organizational leadership, media, public relations, or just curious about AI’s impact, this course offers fresh insights and practical knowledge you can apply anywhere.
Why take CMM 493?
  • It counts as a concentration elective for Communication Studies students in Organizational, Relational, or Strategic Communication.
  • It’s designed for advanced students across a range of majors—no advanced tech skills required!
  • It’s lively, engaging, and gives you a chance to debate, create, and critically explore the future of technology and society.
Course Description:
This course explores artificial intelligence (AI) through human communication frameworks. Students will examine AI terminology, applications, and the effects of AI on relational, organizational, and strategic communication. The course also addresses ethical challenges AI poses and invites students to develop their own frameworks for managing communication with AI technologies.
By the end of the course, you’ll be able to:
  • Understand key AI concepts and their connection to communication theories.
  • Compare human and machine communication styles and abilities.
  • Analyze how AI has developed historically and what it means for communication today.
  • Evaluate the ethical, relational, and strategic issues raised by AI technologies.
  • Propose your own strategies for ethically managing communication challenges in an AI-driven world.
Sign up for CMM 493 this Fall 2025 and be part of the conversation about the future of communication!
CRN: 640

Internships Available at Legislative Gazette in Albany

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The Legislative Gazette is seeking journalism and multi-media interns to serve as writers, photographers, copy editors, social media editors, podcast producers, and video content producers for Summer 2025. More than $10K is available to provide Scholarships for qualified students (preference given to underrepresented students and those with financial hardship).

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Applications Are Open for Ulster County Climate Corps Summer 2025 Paid Internship Program

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Ulster County Climate Corps is looking for applicants for their Summer 2025 Internship Program. This is a paid, project-based program where participants will be assigned to County departments to help implement the County’s climate and sustainability initiatives that work to meet the goals of the New York State Climate Act. Some examples of the projects entailed are creating outreach materials (flyers, infographics, organizational charts, etc.) for the Better Homes for All Program;  designing fliers, social media graphics, and infographics for the Executive’s Office; or working with the Public Works Department to establish a formal relationship with a local compost facility. 

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Watch the Communication Studies Major Overview Video and Orientation Materials

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Read through the presentations:

Download

CMM-TRANSFER-Advising_rev 8.24

Please watch the video major overview for all Communication Studies concentrations:

Every student must know how to read their DegreeWorks progress report: Happy Valley CC – Transfer Student Progress Report – Spring 2023

Our department requires students to use the My Schedule Planner tool for creating their class schedule before meeting with their advisor. Please watch the tutorials: https://hawksites.newpaltz.edu/dmjnews/2020/03/09/use-my-schedule-planner/

Go through the Advising Checklist: Transfer-Advising-Checklist_for-Spring-2023

Internships are OPTIONAL for Comm majors. Understand the requirements to be eligible to do an internship, by reading this post.

Alumni Profile: A Thoughtful Interview with Alumna Maddy Shannon, Coordinator of SEFA and Subsequent Florida State University Grad Student

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Interviewed by Jacob Graham-Bialer
Maddy Shannon is a SUNY New Paltz Strategic Communication graduate who has held numerous positions. She has been the cashier team leader at Bagels and Bites, front desk agent at Hasbrouck House, and Donor Development Intern and Coordinator at United Way of Dutchess and Orange counties. She hopes to earn a graduate degree in Integrated Marketing and Management Communications. Throughout her various occupations, Shannon has been a stalwart learner, and she excels in the field of communications—both written and verbal.

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Still Need a Spring Internship? PR/Marketing/Outreach Interns Needed for Non-Profit Breast Cancer Advocacy Group

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Breast Cancer Options, a non-profit advocacy group based in Kingston, NY, is seeking help from an unpaid intern with public relations/strategic communications and outreach. This internship involves all aspects of PR including media, PR online, flyers and brochures, event planning and organization, etc.

Breast Cancer Options Logo

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Introducing the MA in Strategic Communication: Seniors Can Take Graduate Courses!

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The Department of Communication is excited to announce the launch of its graduate degree, Master of Arts in Strategic Communication, beginning Spring 2024. This program caters to both traditional students and working professionals. The program is entirely new and still accepting students for the Spring 2024 semester! As a whole, it focuses on facilitating conversations, communication theory, conducting research, and most importantly, real-world application. graphic about grad program Continue reading →

Sherwin Williams Offering Paid Internship Opportunities!

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Sherwin Williams is offering paid internship positions with limitless opportunities upon graduation! Gain hands-on experience in management, sales, operations, and communications while delivering meaningful customer experiences.

 

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