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Communications and Media Management M.C.M.M.

2
Years to Earn Your Masters
95%
CSU Online Grad Students have Plans Related to their Career
93%
Grad Students would choose CSU Online Again
$498M
In research expenditures in FY23
Degree Overview Open Accordion

Gain access to the latest research on how current digital tools are shaping the future of internal and external communications in this partially synchronous and online program.

Become a leader in the field of communications and media

The technology we all use to share information continues to evolve at a rapid pace. CSU's Master of Communications and Media Management (MCMM) program delivers a powerful learning experience for professionals seeking to advance into a leadership role or pursue new career opportunities.

To manage communication effectively, you must understand how to critically select, enhance, and integrate the ideal mix of media to define and connect with specific audiences. This program prepares you to:

  • Understand the use, diffusion, and impacts of new communication technologies.
  • Strategically manage both traditional and digital communication tools.
  • Write and deliver content using digital media, including text, photos, audio, video, and websites.
  • Plan, implement, and oversee effective organizational communication plans.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of technology, communication strategies, and media projects.

Learn to operate more ethically and take a data-driven approach

Courses in this program focus on ethical decision-making as a media manager. Ethical concerns in digital media and communication include the protection of employee and customer privacy, surveillance issues, data protection, and the use of blocking and email screening programs within organizations.

Creating successful digital communication strategies also requires measuring and understanding data (i.e. data analytics). You will learn:

  • How real-time feedback is utilized by major media companies to track trends.
  • How to understand analytics for all major media categories.
  • Leadership skills in media management
  • How to present and utilize data to influence decision-making.
  • How to incorporate data visualization to enhance your messages.

Build a professional network as you collaborate in the online classroom

This program emphasizes collaborative learning. You will have many opportunities to network and problem-solve with your peers. CSU strives to create a rich, supportive online learning experience by providing students with access to training resources such as LinkedIn Learning, task-specific research, statistics programs, and databases.

Customize your program of study

The MCMM program gives you the flexibility to choose technical and in-depth study topics that relate to your interests and career goals. Topics include:

  • Corporate communication
  • Digital video editing
  • Public relations
  • Digital photography
  • Advertising and marketing communication
  • Strategic Writing
  • Web design and management
  • Leadership and Media Management
  • Media analytics
  • Media ethics

Advance your career in virtually any industry

Whether you choose to work in marketing, PR, government, nonprofit, or a corporate environment, all organizations need qualified professionals to implement strategic, versatile communication plans. As a graduate of this program, you will be uniquely positioned to take on the responsibility of managing campaigns, people, technology, and budgets.

Explore Careers Open Accordion

The rapid rate of technological change in media technology has created a need for ongoing learning and the acquisition of new multimedia knowledge and management skills.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Employment of media and communication occupations is projected to grow 4 percent from 2014 to 2024, which will result in about 27,400 new jobs. Demand for media and communication occupations should stem from the need to create, edit, translate, and disseminate information through a variety of different platforms."

Careers in communications span many industries

Communication experts are needed in virtually every organization and every industry, including:

  • Banking and finance
  • Education
  • Entertainment and mass media
  • Federal, state, and local government
  • Healthcare and human services
  • Marketing and advertising
  • Nonprofit/NGO
  • Real estate and commercial development
  • Retail and ecommerce
  • Travel, tourism, and hospitality

Examples of job roles communications experts may seek include:

  • Communications manager or director
  • Media producer
  • Multimedia production manager
  • Manager or director of public relations
  • Digital promotions manager
  • Community/social media manager
Curriculum Open Accordion

Students must successfully complete 30 credits of required and elective coursework to earn this degree.

Required Core Courses

The following core courses require synchronous attendance. The courses include guest speakers, case studies, and group work through synchronous lectures on Zoom. Attendance is expected one evening per week, per course, from 6:00 - 8:50 p.m. Mountain Time. See course description for important details.

Year 1

Year 2

Note: If desired, students may take both JTC 526 and JTC 545 in one summer.

Elective Courses

Select four courses from the following:

Frequently Asked Questions Open Accordion
How long will the program take to complete?

If a student takes two courses each semester and one course each summer, the 30-credit M.C.M.M. degree can be completed in two years.

Is there flexibility in the order and pacing of coursework?

Students may choose to begin the program by enrolling in the elective course options prior to taking the core courses. However, students are strongly encouraged to take the six core classes in the order outlined in the curriculum. Students wishing to take fewer classes or to pause their program of study should consult with their advisor.

What are the admission requirements?

You must have completed an undergraduate degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 prior to enrolling in the M.C.M.M. program. The GRE is not required for admission. You must also provide three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a transcript of all completed undergraduate coursework during the application process.

When is the deadline to apply for admission?

For full consideration, you must submit all application materials by the applicable deadline:

  • Fall semester: July 19
  • Spring semester: November 15
  • Summer semester: April 1
Am I required to complete a portfolio as part of my degree?

There is no portfolio requirement for the media communications degree. However, students are encouraged to save a professional portfolio of their creative work, and successful case studies they've developed, for future professional use. You will see examples of how other managers and media producers present their professional work online with examples of differing styles and content that highlights media management.

What is the balance of theory and application within M.C.M.M.?

The Master of Communications and Media Management is first and foremost an applied graduate program. The core courses in the curriculum will provide theories and proven practices related to media management that can be applied every day on the job. The primary focus will be to use these theories as a part of informed practice in each student's chosen career area.

Does this program accept transfer credits?

Transfer credits will be analyzed on a case-by-case basis as to their relevancy to the program and their comparability to similar core and elective courses in the program of study. However, unless the transfer courses utilized a practical case-study approach (often used in many M.B.A.-type degree programs), they will likely not be found to be equivalent.

How much will this degree cost to complete?

Current tuition for this program is $751 per credit. At this rate, the total tuition cost for 30 credits is $22,530 paid over two years. There is also a required technology fee of $32 per semester. These costs may increase year to year, but CSU has held graduate tuition increases to less than 10 percent per year over the past decade. Financial aid is available.

What are the professional benefits of completing this degree program?

One primary goal of using the case study model is that students will acquire key media management insights with the completion of each case and gain useful management knowledge each week in the course. The portfolios developed as an option in the program can be used as a means of demonstrating key lessons learned about day-to-day management in a wide variety of media and communication operations in private industry, nonprofit organizations, and in government.

Why Choose CSU? Open Accordion

As a student enrolled in CSU's online Master of Communications and Media Management program, you will receive a degree from a regionally accredited, renowned research institution while taking courses at times that fit your busy life. Additionally, you can expect:

  • A Practical Curriculum: Research-based course content translates media and communications concepts into real-world workable solutions — a skill set designed to transform team members into team leaders. With a focus on management, you will become familiar with a variety of tools and platforms, so you can match the ideal mix of media types and channels to the specific communication problem at hand.
  • A Customized Skill Set: Gain specialized knowledge in areas you are most interested in by selecting electives that appeal to your career goals. Gain skills in digital video editing, digital photography, advertising, web design and management, and more.

Learn more about CSU's rankings and accolades.

How to Apply Open Accordion

Application Deadlines

Fall semester July 19
Spring semester November 15
Summer semester April 1

Start your application online and upload materials directly into the online system. You can save your progress and return any time.

Apply Now

1Review Admission Requirements

The Master of Communications and Media Management (M.C.M.M.) degree requires applicants to have the following:

  • A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • A cumulative 3.0 GPA on all undergraduate coursework
  • No GRE is required. However, recent TOEFL examination results are required for international applicants.

Note that meeting the minimum department standards does not ensure admission to the program. Admission to Colorado State University graduate programs is based on a number of factors, including prior academic and professional experience and the personal statement.

2 Prepare Application Materials

Prepare the materials below and upload when you apply online.

  • Three letters of recommendation
    Three professional recommendations are required from individuals who can speak to your potential for success in the M.C.M.M. program. You will provide information about your recommenders in the online application. CSU will contact them with instructions and a link to a secure form they will submit on your behalf. These letters should be written by a variety of individuals (advisors, professors, employers, supervisors, or individuals in similar positions) who have known you in different capacities. Letters should address your ability to successfully pursue and complete graduate studies, not merely attest to your character. The online application will prompt your reviewers to submit the letters of recommendation, but you should contact your reviewers in advance and provide each individual with guidelines for preparing letters of recommendation. You should also later confirm with the individual that the letter of recommendation was submitted.
  • Resume or vita
    Include dates and details of professional and academic experience.
  • Statement of purpose
    Indicate your career goals and professional interests. Be sure to describe how the M.C.M.M. program and faculty will allow you to accomplish these goals.
  • Writing samples
    Please submit three examples of professional or scholarly writing in English. Typical examples of writing samples include class/professional papers or projects that demonstrate the scope of your professional and academic abilities.

3 Complete Online Application

Complete the online graduate application and pay the nonrefundable application processing fee (payable online). As soon as you have completed the required information, please submit your application. Your application will not be reviewed until it is complete and all required materials have been received.

CSU's Graduate School offers several application fee waiver opportunities. Visit their website to determine if you are eligible for a waiver.

  • Select "Communications and Media Management (M.C.M.M.– Distance)" when choosing the Program of Study.

4 Request Transcripts

Request one official transcript of all collegiate work completed from all institutions attended. Transcripts from Colorado State University are not required. Transcripts must be received directly from the originating institution to be considered official.

Please Note: Students may be unconditionally admitted and registered in their first semester of courses with an unofficial transcript. Official transcripts must be submitted, prior to or during your first semester, before you can register for your second semester of graduate work. Failure to meet this condition will result in your dismissal from the Graduate School.

Electronic (preferred):
Digital Transcripts must be submitted by the originating institution using a secure service such as parchment, eScrip-Safe, the National Student Clearinghouse, or e-Quals. Transcripts received via emails are considered unofficial.

Use institution code 4075 for Colorado State University or gradadmissions@colostate.edu if the secure service requires an email address.

Mail (if necessary)
Graduate Admissions
Colorado State University – Office of Admissions
1062 Campus Delivery
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1062

Check Your Application Status

View your application status at any time to ensure your application checklist is complete or to check on updates.

Once your complete application, including supporting materials, is received, the department admission committee will review your application and notify you of their decision.

For International Applicants

Proof of English language proficiency is required for applicants from countries or United States territories where there are official languages other than (or in addition to) English. This includes the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Puerto Rico.

Learn more about English language proficiency requirements.

Questions?

We love learning about your goals and answering any questions you have.

Alex Broz
Prospective Student Support Coach
Schedule Time to Talk

Program Details

Courses
Online
Note: Core courses require synchronous attendance
Credits
30
Tuition
$774 per credit
Same in-state tuition for all.
Learn more about financial aid and scholarships Tuition/fees are just part of the cost to attend CSU. Learn more about the full Cost of Attendance
Degree Awarded
Master of Communications and Media Management (M.C.M.M.)
Time Frame
Can be completed in 2 years
Admission Reqs.
  • 3.0 GPA on all undergraduate coursework
  • Math Entrance Exam scores recommended for applicants who have not taken the required prerequisites within the past 10 years

Application Dates

Fall semester
July 19
Spring semester
November 15
Summer semester
April 1

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