Kelly Gaggin, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor and Interim Director of Strategic Communication M.A. Program
Dr. Gaggin is an assistant professor in the Department of Advertising and Public Relations. She has more than two decades of experience in corporate and agency environments encompassing a multitude of industries including: education, health care, technology, defense, nonprofit, tourism/hospitality and financial services/banking.
Her professional background and personal interest in world cultures motivate a research agenda rooted in exploring public relations and strategic communications as drivers of cross-cultural understanding and relationship-building with special attention to nonprofit organizations and the populations they serve. She earned a Ph.D. in mass communications and an M.S. in communications management from Syracuse University, and completed her undergraduate study in business administration, marketing and economics at Le Moyne College in Syracuse, NY.
Program Overview
Ready to master digital media strategy in just 12 credits? Michigan State University's Graduate Certificate in Digital Media is designed for working professionals who need to stay ahead in content creation, brand communication, and digital strategy. Complete this specialized three-course certificate (9 credits) in less than one year while working full-time—100% online and asynchronously.
The program combines cutting-edge technology application with strategic communication theory, giving you immediately applicable skills in digital content, social media strategy, and data-driven marketing.
Who is this for? Communicators, marketing professionals, PR practitioners, content creators and anyone seeking specialized digital expertise without committing to a full master's degree. Credits earned can be applied toward MSU’s online M.A. in Strategic Communication if you decide to continue.
Program Highlights
- Top-Ranked program: MSU's College of Communication Arts and Sciences is nationally ranked in communication and media studies
- 100% online and asynchronous: No campus visits required; complete coursework on your schedule
- Big Ten Network: Join MSU's 600,000+ alumni network spanning all 50 states and 140+ countries
Program Outcomes
What will you gain from the Digital Media Certificate? Digital communication expertise is one of the most in-demand skill sets employers seek. With your Graduate Certificate in Digital Media from Michigan State, you will be prepared to:
- Lead technology integration in marketing, advertising, and public relations campaigns
- Develop and execute comprehensive digital marketing strategies
- Apply AI, mobile, social media, location-based services, and big data to marketing initiatives
- Integrate marketing, advertising, sales, and PR across physical and digital channels
- Collect, analyze, and interpret digital marketing data to inform strategic decisions
- Navigate the digital marketplace with an entrepreneurial mind
Career Impact
Graduates use this certificate to pivot into digital strategy roles, support promotion to leadership positions, or build specialized expertise in social media management, content marketing, digital analytics, and brand communication.
A Top-Ranked Education
- 29th among Best Public Universities in America — U.S. News & World Report, 2026
- Veteran-Friendly 'Gold Status' 10 Years in a Row — Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, 2025
Tuition & Fees per credit
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
$978.25
$978.25
Cost of Attendance
The university reserves the right to make changes in the types, structures, rates for fees, and tuition. Every effort will be made to give as much advance notice as possible. In addition to tuition and fees, there are other expenses associated with your Cost of Attendance. A breakdown of a graduate student budget can be found on the "Estimate Your Cost of Attendance" page.