Seton Hill Launches New Graduate Program in Strategic Communication, Leadership and Applied AI for Fall 2026

New Graduate Certificates Also Available in Applied Artificial Intelligence and Integrated Marketing Communication

Seton Hill will be welcoming students into a new online graduate program this fall that is designed to help working professionals advance into leadership-level career opportunities in marketing, public relations, internal communications, crisis communications, project management, data analysis and more.

“Seton Hill’s new Master of Science in Strategic Communication, Leadership and Applied AI brings together our historic strengths in communication and leadership with the transformative power of applied artificial intelligence,” said Jared “Jay” Burns, Ph.D., Dean of the School of Business and Technology at Seton Hill University. “In today’s data-driven economy, professionals need more than technical skills; they need to lead teams, craft compelling stories, and use AI ethically to make smarter decisions and drive innovation. Our curriculum and dedicated faculty equip graduates to do exactly that, and ‘Think Forward.’”

“An understanding of AI is becoming a necessity for business success and rapid changes in AI are impacting every industry,” said Seton Hill Provost Susan Yochum, SC, Ph.D. “This program is ideal for business professionals and managers who want to stay competitive. Students will learn how AI can improve decision-making, streamline operations, enhance customer engagement and support more effective marketing and communication strategies.”

“Understanding the needs of working professionals, we developed a 30-credit program that can be completed entirely online with flexible weekly classes,” said Dr. Burns. “The master’s degree can be completed in just two years by taking one course each session or in as little as one year by taking two courses in every eight-week session.”

Graduate sessions run year round, with opportunities to enter the program six times each year (August, October, January, March, April or June).

The Master of Science in Strategic Communication, Leadership and Applied AI will help professionals develop new business skills in artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, strategic leadership, advanced public relations and integrated marketing communication.

Understanding AI helps professionals evaluate emerging technologies, interpret data more confidently and lead organizations through innovation and digital transformation. Graduates of Seton Hill’s program will be better prepared to adapt to changing workplace demands while using AI tools ethically and strategically in a wide range of business settings.

This degree offers Applied Artificial Intelligence courses where students will learn how to leverage AI tools and techniques to improve decision-making, automate processes and generate insights from data and evaluate AI solutions, manage risk implementation and communicate insights to stakeholders; Integrated Marketing Communication courses that focus on brand strategy, external messaging and reputation management; and Organizational Leadership courses which address internal operations, change management and team leadership.

Students can also choose to pursue a 12-credit certificate in one of these areas of focus and have the option to apply those credits towards a master’s degree in the future.

Additional information can be found on the MS in Strategic Communication, Leadership and Applied AI, Applied Artificial Intelligence Certificate, Integrated Marketing Communication Graduate Certificate, and Organizational Leadership Graduate Certificate program pages on Seton Hill’s website. Financial assistance is available for graduate students.