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
Michigan State University's online Master's in Strategic Communication is a professional degree designed for working communicators ready to advance their careers. The 30-credit program (10 courses) can be completed in 12-18 months while working full-time. Courses are taught 100% online and asynchronously by MSU's leading communications faculty, giving you the flexibility to balance work, life, and graduate education without sacrificing academic rigor.
What makes this program different? You'll learn from the same faculty who teach on MSU's campus, earn a Big Ten degree and apply what you learn immediately to your current role.
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
- Career advancement focus: 92% of graduates report career growth within one year of completing the program
- Industry-Relevant curriculum: Courses in AI literacy, media analytics, crisis communication, and organizational leadership
- 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 Strategic Communication M.A.? Strategic, data-driven communication skills are among the most in-demand competencies employers seek. With your Strategic Communication master's degree from Michigan State, you will be prepared to:
- Develop and execute data-driven communication strategies
- Lead technology integration in strategic communication campaigns
- Apply AI, social media, and mobile innovations to strategic communication initiatives
- Collect, analyze, and interpret data to inform strategic decisions
- Navigate crisis communication and organizational change leadership
Career Impact
StratCom graduates see measurable career advancement. According to program data, 92% of graduates report career growth within one year of completing the program, including promotions, salary increases, and expanded leadership responsibilities.
Career Pathways and Potential Earnings
Graduates of Strategic Communication can expect job titles and median salaries similar to the following:
Career Pathways and Potential Earnings for Strategic Communication Students
Target Occupation
National Median Salary (USD)
Managers, All Other
$136,552
Computer Occupations, All Other
$108,971
Producers and Directors
$83,470
Graphic Designers
$61,298
Web and Digital Interface Designers
$98,093
Disclaimer: Salary data is sourced from © 2026 Lightcast, based on information from the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW). Please note that this information is intended solely for reference purposes. MSU Online disclaims any responsibility or liability for any inaccuracies, omissions, or errors in the data.
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.