Celebrating the Inaugural Graduates of the STEM-Designated M.S., Professional Communication and Digital Media Arts Program

M.S. in Professional Communication and Digital Media Arts graduates Crystal Magan and Justin Oosterwyk, along with Professor Renee Robinson, are featured in the promotional video for the new STEM-designated program.

During the inaugural Graduate Commencement and Hooding Ceremony of the new College of Human Development, Culture, and Media in May, the first graduating cohort of the M.S. in Professional Communication and Digital Media Arts program was recognized. Launched in 2023, this program was created in response to the rapidly growing demand for graduate studies in digital communication and multimedia.

This cohort was able to complete unique capstone projects that reflected their diverse interests and career aspirations while also meeting the rigorous criteria associated with STEM programs. "Students in this program are empowered to tailor their educational experience through the selection of individualized portfolio projects," explained Professor Renee Robinson, Ph.D. "This approach not only fosters creativity and innovation but also ensures that graduates leave with a tangible, professional portfolio that showcases their specialized skills."

Engaging Alumni Through Digital Storytelling

Jacquelyn Deppe’s project, "The Memory Project: Plans to Engage Seton Hall University Alumni," harnesses the timeless power of storytelling. Using visual items from the Archives and Special Collections Center at Seton Hall’s Library, Jacquelyn's project aims to engage alumni during Alumni Reunion Weekend. By sparking connections through photographs and other memorabilia, she seeks to strengthen university culture and provide students with valuable insights from the past.

Revolutionizing PR with Authenticity and Diversity

Crystal Magan, Butler, N.J., created a mock PR consulting company, AlivePR, for her capstone project. Taking into account today’s fast-paced digital world, Crystal recognized the critical role of authenticity and diversity in influencer marketing. AlivePR embodies these core values, aiming to redefine PR standards by integrating them into every campaign. Through her website and social media presence, Crystal showcases a new and effective approach to brand promotion and engagement, setting a high standard for future PR professionals. During her studies, Magan interned at Coyne PR, a top independent public relations firm in the New York metro area. 

Bridging the Gap for Student-Athletes

Aquatic, N.J. native Justin Oosterwyk’s podcast series, "The Pirates Passage: Life Beyond the Game at Seton Hall," addresses the challenges faced by student-athletes transitioning to life after sports. The podcast features Seton Hall alumni sharing their experiences and offering guidance to current athletes. Justin's work, developed with skills honed during his internship at SiriusXM and his involvement with WSOU, aims to provide a sense of ease and direction for athletes navigating their post-college careers.

Empowering Women in Sports Media

Aina Plana Ventosa focused her project on showcasing her talents as a sports photographer and creator through a dedicated website. Her work includes manuals for sports media production and highlights her commitment to female empowerment in the sports industry. During her internship with the Pirate Sports Network, Aina has excelled in graphic design, video editing, and social media content creation, gaining hands-on experience that aligns perfectly with her career goals in sports media.

The M.S. in Professional Communication and Digital Media Arts program is specifically designed for those interested in honing and developing digital, interpersonal, media-related and organizational communication skills and competencies. Under the guidance of faculty like Robinson and Associate Professor/Director of Graduate Studies Ruth Tsuria, Ph.D., the program emphasizes learner individuality and offers specialized mentorship. This 30-credit, in-person program takes one year to complete and is tailored for busy professionals, allowing them to balance full-time work with their studies.

Magan reflected on the program's flexibility and format. "Since it is an accelerated program, you're receiving more for less — you get a world-renowned education in only a year. Then, you're leaving with so much more experience than when you walked in," she said.

Robinson highlighted the program’s commitment to affordability, accessibility and innovation. "We focused on creating a program that not only meets market trends but also supports our students' needs for a swift and comprehensive education in a rapidly changing work world" she explained. 

As the first Adobe Creative Campus in New Jersey, Seton Hall integrates cutting-edge digital technologies into the program curriculum, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the evolving demands of the communication and media industries. However, given the communication and digital content needs of most organizations today, this M.S. program equips students with a skillset that is transferable to any industry.

The program's unique features, such as its STEM designation and proximity to New York City as well as its catering to personalized instruction and student goals, provide students with unparalleled opportunities to apply their classroom knowledge in professional settings across industries. "We're very lucky that Seton Hall is located 30 minutes by train from Manhattan because a lot of opportunities are available in the city," said Ventosa. "Many TV production companies and a lot of big sports teams are in New York and New Jersey. The University does a very good job of connecting students with the companies and organizations around the area."

Since graduating, Magan has secured a position as a public relations and events assistant with the law firm Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi PC, and Oosterwyk is now serving as a production assistant at ESPN. Ventosa landed a job as an social media/content specialist (Spanish) with international sports marketing agency SPORTFIVE.

"We look forward to the continued success of this program and contributions of its graduates in the field of professional communication and digital media arts," said Tsuria. "The achievements of Jacquelyn, Crystal, Justin and Aina exemplify the College’s mission to equip students with the skills and experiences necessary to thrive in their careers and make a significant impact in their communities."

Categories: Education