10 Best Media and Communication Courses & Certificates

Media communications encompasses a broad scope of careers, from digital marketing to public relations to social media management. The media landscape has dramatically evolved over the past few decades, and continuing your education through media and communication courses online is a smart way to stay abreast of this rapidly changing industry.

Given the wide scope of the media industry, there is an abundance of courses for all levels of professionals, at all levels of budgets. Read on to learn more about the wide variety of media and communication courses that are easily accessible, affordable, and flexible to fit your lifestyle.

Top Media and Communication Courses Online

The following list showcases some of the continuing education opportunities available via media and communication courses online. Courses range from specialization certificates to Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees. Whether you're looking to learn the fundamentals of communication studies or to hone your skills in graphic design, there is a media and communications degree for you.

1. Graduate Certificate in Social Media Marketing

Offered by Southern New Hampshire University, this certificate program is designed for professionals looking to quickly develop marketing skills and strategies. The program is 15 credits broken into five core courses, covering studies like social media marketing and digital media branding. The cost per credit is $637; financial aid is available by applying for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), scholarships, and military discounts.

2. Specialization in The Art of Visual Storytelling

Coursera offers this multimedia specialization program in conjunction with the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder), which is composed of three courses. The courses cover the flow of the visual media production process, from pre- to post-video production, and teach practical skills like storyboarding, shot composition, and editing with Adobe Premiere. This self-paced specialization program takes approximately two months to complete and is available for free.

3. Associate of Arts (AA) in Journalism

Those at the beginning of their media and communication careers can choose the online journalism pathway at Georgia State University (GSU). This degree program is designed for students to complete their AA, establishing a solid foundation for a more advanced degree. The GSU Journalism curriculum covers public relations, broadcasting, and other communication technologies. The degree program costs $95 per credit for Georgia residents and $360 for those living outside the state. Students can keep costs down by applying for FAFSA for federal and state grants, as well as institutional scholarships.

4. Graduate Certificate in Digital Communication

The University of Alabama (UA) provides many online and distance learning programs, including a wide variety of graduate certificates. Their 15-credit-hour Digital Communication certificate costs $480 per credit. Note that this cost can be lowered by applying for financial aid through the FAFSA; the University of Alabama also offers scholarships for online students. Their graduate certificate program is composed of five courses, covering valuable media relations elements like strategy and analytics, brand communications, and digital marketing.

5. Professional Certificate in Grant Proposal Writing and Management

This certificate program, offered through edX in conjunction with the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), teaches the fundamentals of grant proposal writing and management. The program is broken into three courses covering the grant proposal process from inception to management, where students learn how to plan strategically and communicate clearly. There are no prerequisites for this beginner-level program, which costs $405. The courses are self-paced over the length of three months, and a professional certificate is awarded upon successful completion.

6. Career Certificate in The Strategy of Content Marketing

Coursera and the University of California Davis (UC Davis) partner to teach intermediate communication skills in this free communications course online. The free online course is composed of five modules covering content marketing strategy, copywriting, and marketing analysis. Learners can complete this self-paced course in approximately 20 hours, earning a Coursera career certificate in the end.

7. Graduate Certificate in Digital Media and Communication Technology

Purdue University is a public, nonprofit school based in Indiana with online degree options for people across the United States. Its graduate certificate in Digital Media and Communication Technology is a nine-credit program requiring its students to complete three, three-credit courses. The cost for Indiana residents is $520 per credit, while the out-of-state cost is $820 per credit. To keep tuition costs down, students can apply for FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal and state grants. The curriculum covers traditional and new media, content creation, and social media analytics.

8. Graduate Certificate in Digital Media Management

The University of North Carolina (UNC)'s Hussman School of Journalism and Media offers various certificate programs, including its graduate certificate in Digital Media Management. This program is ideal for those looking to advance in leadership opportunities. The certificate program is made up of three courses: Reputation Management, Media Business, and Entrepreneurship, all taught from a digital media perspective. Residents of North Carolina pay $315 per credit, while the out-of-state cost is $645. Note that costs can be reduced by applying for financial aid by applying for FAFSA, as well as for scholarships; UNC also accepts eligible transfer credits.

9. BA in Media Industry and Communication

For students interested in an online communications major, this bachelor's degree program offered by Adams State University in Colorado could be a great fit. The cost per credit is $400; students can keep tuition low by applying for federal and state grants and taking advantage of opportunities like the Adams State Foundation scholarship. The undergraduate curriculum prepares students for a career in media with courses including public speaking, digital filmmaking, and the business of TV and radio.

10. Digital Marketing Certificate Program

Offered by the University of Massachusetts-Lowell, this undergraduate certificate program teaches the fundamentals of marketing in the digital media world. The program covers topics like digital advertising, mass communication marketing strategies, e-commerce, and web design. To finish this 12-credit program, students must complete two required classes and two electives. The cost per credit is $385; students can opt for financial aid in the form of grants, scholarships, and loans.

FAQs About Media and Communication Courses

You may have questions about advancing your communications career with an online education. Here, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about starting a course in communication and media studies.

What Do You Learn in Communication and Media Studies?

Communication and media studies cover a broad range of categories. There are educational foundations, however, important to all media professions. These foundational elements include the theory of media communications and its practical applications, communications strategies, audience analytics, and messaging. Depending on your professional goals and personal preferences, you may specialize in graphic design, journalism, digital media management, or podcasting.

Is Financial Aid Available for Media and Communication Online Courses?

Financial aid is available for many media and communications online courses. The most efficient way to determine your eligibility for federal and state grants is to apply for FAFSA. Many colleges and universities offer scholarships and provide low or interest-free payment plans to online students. For education platforms like Coursera and edX, check with your employer to see if your course is eligible for tuition reimbursement.

What Is Required To Enroll in a Media Communication Course?

The requirements you'll need to enroll in a media communications course vary depending on your chosen school or platform. That being said, all schools will require you to fill out an online application form. For most colleges and universities, you'll need to include your most recent transcript, and often, additional supporting documents like a letter of recommendation or personal essay.

Explore Online Media and Communication Certificates

With so many opportunities within the field of media and communication, you're sure to find the right program that's right for you. Explore more online programs on Learn.org and connect with one of our featured colleges and universities that can support your education journey.