Take the Lead in a Fast-Moving Career
Calvin’s Master of Arts in Media and Strategic Communication (MMSC) program is designed for current and aspiring leaders in the advertising, public relations and journalism field—strategists, managers, marketers, and professional communicators—who want to grow in existing and seize new career opportunities. You won’t just keep pace with the media landscape—you’ll gain the strategic expertise to shape it. The MMSC program provides the high-level competencies required to lead organizations, drive communication strategy, and master the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging developments like AI, social media, and more.
Overview
In Calvin’s MMSC program, you’ll gain real-world media production and strategic communications experience while building a portfolio that sets you apart. You’ll work with real clients, hone your strengths and career goals with faculty mentors, and learn how to navigate the ethical challenges of the communication industry. In the MMSC, your learning isn’t abstract. It’s rooted in the specific skills the industry demands—and taught by faculty with ongoing experience in an ever-changing field. And because you’re learning at Calvin, those practical skills are matched with a Christian faith perspective that emphasizes integrity and ethical decision-making.
Whether you’re a recent graduate making your first foray into the field, or a working professional who wants to uplevel your industry knowledge and learn the latest trends, this program gives you the practical skills and strategic mindset to take the next step in your career.
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Calvin's MMSC At a Glance
total cost
with evening classes
or two years part-time
for Calvin undergrads
Why Earn an MMSC from Calvin?
Part of a community
You’ll be part of a supportive group of students that learns and grows together. Classes are collaborative, engaging, and designed to help you build relationships with peers and professors.
Foundation of faith and ethics
The communication field is full of ethical challenges. Calvin prepares you to face them with integrity, grounded in a Christian worldview that values truth, justice, and service.
Strategic + creative
Most programs focus on either media production or strategic communication. Calvin’s MMSC combines both—because today’s professionals need to plan and produce.
Real-world experience
You won’t just study communication—you’ll practice communication in real time. Through Skylight, our student-run creative media agency, you’ll work with clients on real branding, advertising, and public relations projects that get used.
What Calvin Students Are Creating
Bang and Olafsen
In 2021, Calvin Skylight Media Agency students created a striking advertising campaign for Bang and Olufsen speakers.
Silver D Trophy
Our 2023 Skylight team earned the prestigious Silver D trophy for a social media campaign promoting Apple tech at Verizon stores.
Seriously Ohio
Our Summer 2025 students took home the Bronze Award for their Seriously Ohio! campaign enticing Gen Z to visit Ohio.
Unseen, Now Heard
Our 2025 team proposed an awareness campaign to AYA Youth Collective, an org that aims to break cycles of homelessness.
Industry experts who are still active in the field came to speak in our classes. Their insights gave me a clear perspective on the type of professional I want to become and the goals I want to pursue.
What Will You Do With Your Calvin MMSC?
- Lead creative teams in an ad agency or corporation
- Manage content and strategy as a social media or communications manager
- Produce compelling media as a video editor or content creator
- Lead effective advertising campaigns
- Be a trusted voice in public relations
- Articulate truth as a journalist
- Serve faith-based or mission-driven organizations with clarity and purpose
Skylight Media Agency
Skylight is a student-run creative agency for Master of Arts in Media and Strategic Communication students. Students get hands-on experience by working with real clients.
It's like being a part of a small business. We function like a small-knit media agency and will work this summer with clients in Detroit and other Michigan areas. Our focus will be to work hand-in-hand with clients to focus on their media problems and create solutions to further their business.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While some background in communication is helpful, students from a variety of undergraduate majors are welcome.
Yes. All classes are held in the evenings to accommodate working professionals.
While institutional aid is limited, the program’s competitive price point makes it an affordable option.
Full-time students can complete the program in one year. Part-time students typically finish in two years.
You’ll work closely with the program director and Calvin’s Graduate advisors who help you choose courses, develop your strengths, and prepare for your career.
