At a Glance
- 100% online coursework
- Two optional concentrations: Digital Filmmaking and Media Production or Social Media and Public Relations
- Hands-on assignments with real-world clients
- Select internship or thesis track options
- Alumni network with industry leaders at: NBC Sports, HBO, and A+E Networks
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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.
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To learn more about the online Master of Arts in Communications and Digital Media program, fill out the fields in this form to download a free brochure. If you have any questions at any time, please contact an enrollment specialist at (914) 758-1080.
An Innovative Online Master’s Curriculum
The online MA in Communications and Digital Media is a 36-credit program designed for working professionals and career changers 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 pursue careers in digital media production and filmmaking. 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 communication strategies essential for success in digital marketing, public relations, and corporate communications.
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 master’s in communications and digital media provides hands-on, career-ready training in both traditional and digital media. You’ll gain practical experience creating digital content, managing media campaigns, and developing public relations strategies. From producing award-winning documentary films to crafting media relations plans for real clients or participating in the Media Makers blog, you’ll complete engaging projects that build a professional portfolio and prepare you for careers in communications, digital media, filmmaking, and public relations.
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Opportunities for Student Participation
Our program offers multiple opportunities for students to develop professional skills, gain real-world media experience, and enhance their portfolios. These include:
- Media Makers: A student-run blog and newsletter covering the latest in communication and visual arts, providing experience in writing, editing, and publishing.
- Booth Review: A platform dedicated to sports media, where students can hone their skills in sports reporting and digital media.
- Pleasantville Press: A community journalism initiative that gives students the chance to report local news and build their professional portfolios.
A Documentary Course that Wins Awards
One of our MA in Communications and Digital Media courses, Producing the Documentary, has consistently garnered awards for its innovative documentary films. The course gives students the opportunity to work on projects they are passionate about, travel to other countries, and put a documentary film credit on their resume before they graduate.
Alumni Networking
Connections in Communications is a virtual networking opportunity that brings together students and alumni from across the media and communications industries. At this annual event, participants can share professional insight, exchange ideas, and learn about a wide range of career paths.
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 online 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 for Online MA in Communications and Digital Media
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
- Personal statement
- Official college/university transcripts from all previously attended institutions
- Portfolio (optional)
- 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
The Pace MA in Communications and Digital Media program has given me real-life applicable tools to become a leading industry professional. I have worked for CBS, HuffPost Live, WE TV, OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network), and now I am a video platform analyst for NBCUniversal. This program has shaped my thinking, sharpened my professional skills, and enabled me to work toward greatness!
Jayé Betancourt, Pace alumnus
Communications and Digital Media Careers
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.
Career Paths with an Online MA in Communications and Digital Media
$81K
Communications and public relations managers with a master’s degree earn an average of $81K annually, according to labor insight platform Burning Glass.
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. Students in the Pace 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, some students choose to complete the degree part-time while maintaining a full-time work schedule.
Full-time students can complete the program in as little as 1.5 years.
No. Distance learners in the MA in Communications and Digital Media program are not required to come to campus. Students are always welcome to visit campus if they wish.
Yes. We encourage students who are interested in the internship to find alternate ways to complete it while working. For example, a student might speak with their current employer about taking on an additional project at their job for internship credit..
The Pace Office of Graduate Admission informs applicants of the committee’s decision—denied or accepted—within one week of completed application submission.
For more information, visit the Pace MA in Communications and Digital Media FAQ page.
