Hunter DeSimone, B.A. '19/M.A. '21

Hunter DeSimone, B.A. '19/M.A. '21, first started his journey as a Setonian as an undergraduate, where he decided to pursue a degree in Visual and Sound Media. During his undergraduate years, DeSimone gained experience in the communication field by working for the Web and Digital Communications team at the University. After receiving his baccalaureate degree, he began looking into options for graduate school, "I knew I wanted to pursue my master's degree for job security and to continue my education," said DeSimone. In pursuit of his master's degree, DeSimone was provided the opportunity to work as a graduate assistant for the Web and Digital Communications department.

DeSimone focused his graduate studies on digital journalism in relation to public relations in higher education. His graduate research at Seton Hall was a very natural progression because it prepared him for the work that he now does in the field. "I knew that I could not only use this topic to get my degree and further my education, but also to further my actual career and use it in other settings," noted DeSimone. Today, he works in higher education as a Communications and Public Relations Manager for Marymount Manhattan College in New York City. 

DeSimone's master's project was published in May 2021 in the University's e-Repository. Only a select number of theses go through the process of being published by the University Libraries. DeSimone recounted his excitement of this publication, "I love the idea of having my work publicly available to people in the field. I worked with my faculty advisor, Dr. Renee Robinson who was great. She's the one that recommended that I get it published in the library."

Looking ahead, DeSimone plans to continue working in the communication field in a higher education context. "I am probably going to stay in this field and keep moving up until I eventually become an associate director or a director, or even to the executive level," he said. Fully actualized, DeSimone ultimately sees himself furthering his education and pursuing a doctoral degree in the future.

The College of Communication and the Arts currently offers graduate-level programs in Museum Professions and Communication, with the opportunity to pursue specialty areas of study, including options in Public Relations, Digital Communication/Communication Technologies, and Communication in Organizations. In addition, four dual-degree options, including three accelerated M.A./B.A. programs and a dual M.B.A./M.A. degree with the School of Diplomacy and International Relation are offered.

For more information about Graduate Studies within the College of Communication and the Arts, please contact Dr. Ryan Hudes.