Communication and Media
Prepare to lead change through ethical communication, creative expression, and purposeful storytelling. The Department of Communication and Media is an interdisciplinary hub that includes Communication and Media, Health Communication, Public Relations, and Music Industry. Our programs equip you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive in diverse professional settings. You’ll develop strengths in critical thinking, problem-solving, research, presentation, leadership, relationship building, digital literacy, and global and intercultural awareness. Join a community passionate about making a positive impact through advocacy, research, and innovation in media.
Careers in Communication and Media
Graduates of the Communications and Media program are in high demand and can pursue diverse careers in social media, marketing, sales, broadcast media, copywriting, audio and visual production, event management, market research, and corporate communications, among others.- Communications Manager
- Social Media Manager
- Public Relations Specialist
- Content Producer
- Advertising Manager
- Event Planner
- Content Management Specialist
- Training and Development Manager
Potential Salary
Median Salary $66,320
Communication and Media Degrees at MSU
Communication and Media, Bachelor of Science
Communication and Media prepares students to be engaged, knowledgeable, and ethical global citizens, advocates, and storytellers. Students will learn to think critically about social relations, embrace media technologies, and create diverse stories. The study of communication and media fosters the public good by encouraging socially responsible practices through education, research, and service to community.
Communication and Media, Bachelor of Science
Designed for students who have completed an associate’s degree at a community college, this fully online program offers the same curriculum as the on-campus BS in Communication and Media. Students gain the skills to become engaged, ethical, and informed global citizens, advocates, and storytellers.
Communication and Media, Minor
The minor in Communication and Media prepares students to be engaged, knowledgeable, and ethical global citizens, advocates, and storytellers. It is designed to build skills that will supplement a major content program.
Communication and Media, Master of Arts
The Master of Arts in Communication and Media offers advanced study in communication and media theory and practice. The program provides the flexibility to pursue a professional career, enter a Ph.D. program, or advance in academic settings. Students develop analytical inquiry, strategic thinking, and cultural awareness—preparing them to craft impactful messages, engage diverse communities, and lead in higher education, civic engagement, public relations, corporate communication, organizational leadership, and advocacy-driven organizations.
Journalism and Media Professionals, Certificate
Prepare for a career in journalism and media with this professional certificate. You'll build foundational skills while exploring the social, legal, and ethical responsibilities of media professionals in today’s dynamic communication landscape.
Public Relations, Bachelor of Science
The Bachelor of Science in Public Relations is an undergraduate degree program that equips students with the skills necessary to effectively communicate and maintain a positive public image for businesses and organizations.
Health Communication, Bachelor of Science
The Bachelor of Science in Health Communication provides undergraduate students with multidisciplinary skills for communicating in health settings or about health and medical topics.
Health Communication, Minor
The Health Communication minor is an interdisciplinary program designed to provide undergraduate students with writing and speaking skills for use in health and medical settings.
Advocating for Social Justice, Minor
Designed to guide students in advocating for social justice, this minor emphasizes creating, evaluating, and engaging in communication to shape perspectives, change opinions, and inspire action, providing a cohesive approach to advancing an advocate's social justice agenda.
Communication and Composition, Master of Science
This is a multi-disciplinary program designed for individuals interested in teaching communication and composition at community and technical colleges.
Cross-Disciplinary Studies, Master of Science
The Cross-Disciplinary Studies MS is a unique degree providing students with a flexibility in creating the direction for their program. The degree requires students to complete two 18-credit graduate certificates in different disciplines plus a one-credit capstone in either discipline for a 37-credit master's degree.
Communication Education, Graduate Certificate
An 18-credit graduate certificate in Communication Education (GC-CE) designed for individuals who hold a post-secondary degree in a different discipline and are seeking to expand their education to teach communication courses at a community or technical college.
Communication and Media, Bachelor of Science
Communication and Media prepares students to be engaged, knowledgeable, and ethical global citizens, advocates, and storytellers. Students will learn to think critically about social relations, embrace media technologies, and create diverse stories. The study of communication and media fosters the public good by encouraging socially responsible practices through education, research, and service to community.
Communication and Media, Bachelor of Science
Designed for students who have completed an associate’s degree at a community college, this fully online program offers the same curriculum as the on-campus BS in Communication and Media. Students gain the skills to become engaged, ethical, and informed global citizens, advocates, and storytellers.
Communication and Media, Minor
The minor in Communication and Media prepares students to be engaged, knowledgeable, and ethical global citizens, advocates, and storytellers. It is designed to build skills that will supplement a major content program.
Communication and Media, Master of Arts
The Master of Arts in Communication and Media offers advanced study in communication and media theory and practice. The program provides the flexibility to pursue a professional career, enter a Ph.D. program, or advance in academic settings. Students develop analytical inquiry, strategic thinking, and cultural awareness—preparing them to craft impactful messages, engage diverse communities, and lead in higher education, civic engagement, public relations, corporate communication, organizational leadership, and advocacy-driven organizations.
Journalism and Media Professionals, Certificate
Prepare for a career in journalism and media with this professional certificate. You'll build foundational skills while exploring the social, legal, and ethical responsibilities of media professionals in today’s dynamic communication landscape.
Public Relations, Bachelor of Science
The Bachelor of Science in Public Relations is an undergraduate degree program that equips students with the skills necessary to effectively communicate and maintain a positive public image for businesses and organizations.
Health Communication, Bachelor of Science
The Bachelor of Science in Health Communication provides undergraduate students with multidisciplinary skills for communicating in health settings or about health and medical topics.
Health Communication, Minor
The Health Communication minor is an interdisciplinary program designed to provide undergraduate students with writing and speaking skills for use in health and medical settings.
Advocating for Social Justice, Minor
Designed to guide students in advocating for social justice, this minor emphasizes creating, evaluating, and engaging in communication to shape perspectives, change opinions, and inspire action, providing a cohesive approach to advancing an advocate's social justice agenda.
Communication and Composition, Master of Science
This is a multi-disciplinary program designed for individuals interested in teaching communication and composition at community and technical colleges.
Cross-Disciplinary Studies, Master of Science
The Cross-Disciplinary Studies MS is a unique degree providing students with a flexibility in creating the direction for their program. The degree requires students to complete two 18-credit graduate certificates in different disciplines plus a one-credit capstone in either discipline for a 37-credit master's degree.
Communication Education, Graduate Certificate
An 18-credit graduate certificate in Communication Education (GC-CE) designed for individuals who hold a post-secondary degree in a different discipline and are seeking to expand their education to teach communication courses at a community or technical college.
Speech and Debate Program
The Speech & Debate Program is composed of a series of modules designed to provide professional development through graduate courses in speech and debate.
Learn More
Lambda Pi Eta
Lambda Pi Eta is the official honor society of the National Communication Association and a Recognized Student Organization (RSO) at Minnesota State University, Mankato.
Public Relations Society of America (PRSSA)
PRSSA is an on-campus student organization that allows students to get involved by gaining excellent experience in the field. Help organize fundraisers, events, and activities, benefit from tours to PR firms, put your creative mind to work, and socialize with other students at the University.
Related Programs
Film and Media Studies
Students in Film and Media Studies look at all aspects of film and media, including aesthetic, creative, critical, cultural, technical, and theoretical perspectives.
English
English students learn the flexible thinking, creativity, and empathy that the current job market demands and global citizenship requires. Our classes cultivate the adaptable skills of reading and writing, creative and literary thinking, analysis and research, and cutting-edge presentation skills.
Music Industry
Our Music Industry program equips students to identify opportunities and develop solutions for industry needs through coursework, technical experience, and real-world opportunities, preparing them for careers in management, marketing, studio operations, and more.
Creative Writing
The Creative Writing program allows students to develop their storytelling skills, enhance their imagination and express their unique voice while exploring various genres and receiving constructive feedback.
Department of Communication and Media
College of
Humanities and Social Sciences
The College of Humanities and Social Sciences is an inclusive community of diverse learners seeking to examine, engage with and transform the social world while nurturing creativity and innovation. Our programs build a foundation of knowledge that adapts to a constantly changing society.
Learn More About the College of Humanities and Social Sciences