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MSU Online > Online Programs >

Media Analytics, Graduate Certificate

Media Analytics

Graduate Certificate

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Online

Course Delivery

9

Total Credits

$978.25

Credit Hour

1 year

Minimum Duration

  • Program Details
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    HeadshotKellyGaggin MSU

    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

     

  • Course Information
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  • Admissions Requirements
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    Key Dates

    Rolling Applications

    Students can start the program in any semester 

    Recommended deadlines

    Fall Semester: August 1st

    Spring Semester: November 1st

    Summer Semester: April 1st

     

  • Tuition & Fees
  •  

    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.

    The MSU Value Promise

    You can be ensured a return on your investment at Michigan State University.

    The MSU Difference

    As one of the top research universities in the world, Michigan State University has advanced the common good with uncommon will since 1855.

    MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community.

    MSU has been offering online degree programs since 1998. Our maturity is evident in the high quality of the learning experience enjoyed by our online students.

    Diverse and Inclusive Communities

    MSU provides programs and initiatives that support and enhance diversity. We will expand our campus and external partnerships to put in place inclusive recruitment and retention practices. We nurture and promote individuals’ varied experiences and perspectives, ensuring structures and processes make possible full participation by all members of our community.

    Interconnectedness

    MSU actively collaborates with campus and external partners to innovate across all dimensions of graduate education. We create and support networks that increase collaboration and improve educational opportunities for our online students.

    Student Success

    MSU’s nationally recognized online programs foster student growth and well-being throughout their academic career. We will expand inclusive mentoring practices and accelerate improvement across units to implement evidence-based practices to ensure our students complete successfully.

    Continuing education can be one of the most exciting, challenging, and rewarding experiences you undertake in your life. We hope you consider becoming a Spartan, to learn online and reach your career goals. With highly ranked online programs and exceptional professors, we educate students who advance the common good with uncommon will.

     

    Next Steps

    Request Information Apply Now

    Explore More Online Programs

    Course Information

    Core Courses
    • CAS 839 Media Analytics for Communication Professionals (3 Credits)
    • CAS 840 Audience Analytics (3 Credits)
    • CAS 841 Social Media Storytelling (3 Credits)

    Admissions Requirements

    To be considered for admission to the program, an applicant must:

    • Have earned a bachelor’s degree from a recognized, accredited educational institution.
    • Submit proof of English language proficiency if English is not your native language.
      • Please review the MSU Graduate School's English Language Competency webpage for requirements.
    • Submit an academic statement [one-page narrative of your academic journey].
    • Submit a personal statement [one-page narrative or your personal journey. i.e. family, growing up, hobbies, etc.].
    • Submit 3 letters of recommendation.
      • Please provide email addresses for your three recommenders. An email will be sent to your recommenders providing them with the information on where to go to submit their letters electronically, so please be sure to list accurate information. The department will only accept letters submitted via the online system.
    • Submit your CV/Résumé.
    • Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.

    To apply to this program:

    • Complete a university graduate application and pay the application fee.
    • Submit all required materials to the application portal.
    • Send all transcripts to Michigan State University.
    • International applicants should reference information provided by The Graduate School in order to successfully submit an application to Michigan State University.