“At Seton Hall, there’s a real sense of community. It’s a supportive environment where ideas are freely exchanged, and collaborations are encouraged. This combination of resources and camaraderie has made my graduate experience both rewarding and empowering.”

For Samurah Curry, choosing Seton Hall’s M.A. in Communication program was about finding a graduate experience that balanced flexibility, real-world opportunities, and personal growth. Now thriving in the program, she sees it as the perfect foundation for tackling the challenges of today’s fast-paced communication industry.

Samurah’s decision to pursue a master’s degree came from her deep love of learning. After a fulfilling undergraduate career filled with internships, research opportunities, and professional roles, she knew she wasn’t ready to leave academia. “What I enjoyed most was engaging with new material and exploring ideas in depth. I wasn’t ready to give that up, which made pursuing a master’s degree the clear choice,” she explained.

The M.A. in Communication program in the College of Human Development, Culture, and Media stood out to Samurah because of its structure and emphasis on in-person learning. With three distinct focus areas — digital media, public relations, and organizational communication — the program offered her the flexibility she desired while maintaining a strong academic foundation. “I wanted a master’s program that would continue to build on my previous studies. The curriculum at Seton Hall strikes a perfect balance between versatility and structure, offering me both the depth and breadth I was looking for in a graduate program.”

Before starting her master’s, Samurah was named a University of Pittsburgh Nordenberg Leadership Scholar, later transferring to PennWest University where she gained experience in internships with Pepsi-Cola Co. and the Suicide Prevention Alliance. She also took on creative endeavors, from freelancing as a graphic designer to pitching a nonprofit arts foundation called “B.E.Y.O.N.D. the Art” in PennWest Clarion’s BizPitch competition, earning second place. “The goal of my foundation was to provides art classes to the community from ages 5 and up to provide mentorship and transferable skills, as well as fostering a love for the arts,” she said. “It was a rewarding experience that taught me the value of thinking strategically and creatively.”

Her current roles as a graduate assistant in Seton Hall’s Division of University Advancement and as a Marketing and Communication Intern at the Morgan Library and Museum have further reinforced her skills. According to Ruth Zamoyta, director of advancement and campaign communications at Seton Hall, Samurah’s contributions stand out.

“Samurah is one of those co-workers you just want to clone,” Zamoyta said. “She applies herself to her work and completes it successfully, then goes beyond: thinking ahead, creatively problem-solving, and stepping up to the plate even before she is asked. Her finest quality is her happy disposition. She is a joy to work with.”

Outside of her current graduate assistantship role, Samurah credits the College faculty for playing a pivotal role in her growth. She found that her professors, who have extensive professional experience, connect academic theory with practical application while offering personalized mentorship.

“In one of my interdisciplinary projects, I’m exploring the digitization of propaganda and examining how memes function as ‘digital propaganda posters,’” she said. “When seeking guidance on this concept, I turned to Drs. James Kimble and Jess Rauchberg, who enthusiastically provided supplemental readings and suggested additional scholars in the field. I’ve never felt like I was leaning on them too much — if anything, they encouraged my curiosity and engagement.”

During a communication research class with Professor of Communication Renee Robinson, Ph.D., Samurah recalled having to pivot her approach mid-project when new research emerged. “This process mirrored the challenges communication professionals face today, where the rapid spread of AI and other digital technologies forces them to adapt their strategies and messaging in real-time.” She found this experience not only sharpened her problem-solving skills but also reinforced the value of staying flexible and open to change, “qualities that are indispensable in addressing the complexities of modern PR and communication,” she explained.

Beyond the classroom, Samurah has benefitted from workshops, networking events and career preparation resources. “At Seton Hall, there’s a real sense of community,” she said. “It’s a supportive environment where ideas are freely exchanged, and collaborations are encouraged. This combination of resources and camaraderie has made my graduate experience both rewarding and empowering.”