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
Learn to turn data into strategic communication decisions.
Michigan State University's Graduate Certificate in Media Analytics equips professionals with the data science skills communication leaders need. Complete this specialized three-course certificate (9 credits) in less than one year while working full-time—100% online and asynchronously.
The program covers everything from big data fundamentals and audience measurement to statistical analysis and data visualization for communication strategy. You'll learn to acquire, analyze, and translate complex data into compelling narratives that drive advertising, public relations, and business decisions.
What makes this certificate valuable? Data analytics is one of the top skills employers demand across industries. This certificate gives communication professionals the quantitative expertise to compete for senior strategy roles typically reserved for data scientists or MBAs.
Who is this for? Communicators, marketing professionals, PR practitioners, content creators and anyone who need to prove ROI, optimize campaigns, and make data-informed strategic recommendations. 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 learn in the Media Analytics Certificate? Media analytics expertise is essential for modern communication professionals. With your Graduate Certificate in Media Analytics from Michigan State, you will be prepared to:
- Apply media analytics across journalism, advertising, marketing, public relations, and social media strategy
- Acquire and analyze big data about audiences, media consumption patterns, and advertising response
- Navigate platform-specific challenges across social media channels and digital media environments
- Measure and optimize social media performance to inform and engage audiences strategically
- Translate complex data into clear narratives that drive advertising, PR, and business decisions
- Report campaign results compellingly using data visualization and plain-language communication
- Control and strategically plan your organization's social media presence using analytics
Career Impact
Graduates use this certificate to transition into roles such as Media Analytics Manager, Digital Strategy Director, Social Media Insights Lead, and Data-Driven Communications Consultant—positions that command premium salaries due to specialized analytical expertise.
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.