Online MA in Communications and Digital Media

Gain Real-World Experience in Communications and Media

Gain the skills you need to take on the competitive communications and digital media market with the online Master of Arts in Communications and Digital Media program from Pace University’s Dyson College of Arts and Sciences.

An Innovative Curriculum

The online MA in Communications and Digital Media is a 36-credit program that focuses on both traditional and digital forms of media and communications. In addition to coursework, students have the choice of completing either a thesis assignment or an internship. The program also offers students the flexibility to pursue one of two optional, focused, in-depth concentrations:

• Digital Filmmaking and Media Production This concentration is ideal for those who want to express their creativity in the film and media industry. Students will gain hands-on experience with every stage of media production, from script writing to post-production video editing.
• Social Media and Public Relations This concentration explores different types of communication that are essential for businesses to succeed today, from coursework covering corporate communications and reputation management to classes that give you hands-on experience with digital media innovation.

Students who decide not to pursue a concentration are able to choose the electives that best meet their goals. Our electives explore topics such as:

• Video field production
• Video editing
• Script writing
• Corporate communications
• Media law
• Web architecture
• Communications research
• International communications
• Digital communications
• Leadership
• Social networking

To learn more about the Master of Arts in Communications and Digital Media curriculum, visit the curriculum page.

Relevant Assignments for Real-World Success

The online MA in Communications and Digital Media gives you practical, relevant training. In addition to expanding your knowledge of the media and communications industry, you’ll gain hands-on experience creating digital media content and campaigns. Whether it’s creating a media relations plan for a real client, producing an actual documentary film, or participating in the student-run PR agency at Pace, you’ll have ample opportunities to complete engaging media projects that you can add to your professional portfolio.

Faculty with Industry Experience

The challenges and issues our faculty solve at their jobs today inform the lessons that they teach their students tomorrow. Our MA in Communications and Digital Media faculty work in a variety of professions, from documentary filmmakers and screenwriters to public relations specialists and journalists. Thanks to small class sizes, our faculty are accessible and are committed to working closely with students to ensure their success. In addition, our professors serve as advisors (in an official or non-official capacity) and help students connect with Pace alumni. To learn more, visit our faculty page.

Strong Alumni, Strong Connections

One of the best ways to judge the success of a program is by the achievements of its alumni. Our alumni have found careers across the country working for prominent media companies like A+E Networks, NBC Sports, HBO, and public relations firms like Ketchum. Our students have opportunities to connect with alumni in a multitude of ways, including our annual networking event, Connections in Communications.

Admission Requirements

Candidates are required to hold a four-year undergraduate degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited institution. A 3.0 undergraduate GPA is preferred, though we use a qualitative approach when looking at applications.

Admission Materials

• Completed online application
• Resume
• Two letters of recommendation (academic and professional)
• Personal statement
• Official college/university transcripts from all previously attended institutions
• Portfolio
• GRE and GMAT scores are not required.

For more details on admission requirements and the application process, visit our admission page.

What You Can Do with a Master’s in Communications and Digital Media

No matter what industry you work in, chances are, communication is an essential part of your job. In fact, communication is pervasive in a way that it has never been before. Research shows that communication continues to be a high priority skill across all industries and many jobs. A graduate degree is an ideal way to specialize within your field and may help you negotiate a higher salary. Labor insight platform Burning Glass estimates that communications and public relations managers with a master’s degree earn an average of $81K, and graduate students can also focus on honing skills that are most relevant to their roles. For the industry as a whole, Burning Glass links several key skills to higher salaries, including media relations, strategic communications, and corporate communications. Careers with a master’s in communications run the gamut, from professions that create content to careers that help organizations engage their employees and customers. Below are a few of of the exciting careers that Pace alumni have embarked on:

• Associate producer
• Crisis communications professional
• Editor
• Event planner
• Media strategist
• Multimedia journalist
• Producer
• Professor
• Public relations manager
• Social media developer
• Social media manager
• Social media strategist
• Video producer
• Web designer

At Pace, we also have connections to top-tier companies, including:

• A+E Networks
• ABC News
• Burberry
• CBS Sports Radio
• CNN
• HBO
• Ketchum
• NBC
• NBC Sports
• News 12
• TV Land

Students in Pace’s online MA in Communications and Digital Media program gain access to our career services team, which can connect you with employers, help you to improve your resume, or give you a chance to practice your job interviewing skills. Download a brochure for more information about what you can do with an online MA in Communications and Digital Media and our career services.