Program Overview
Learn More About Our Online M.S. in Media Management – Public Administration Track Program
Learn administrative organizational structures, regulations and ethics, multi-channel marketing, and more in the Public Administration Track of the Master of Science in Media Management program at A-State Online.



This uniquely versatile program is the only degree of its kind in Arkansas, combining an essential foundation in media communications with the knowledge and skills specific to your career goals.
Tailor your program to your specific interests by selecting from a broad range of coursework covering such topics as administrative behavior, administrative leadership, administrative ethics, human resources management, public information management, media account management, and the integration of social media in strategic communications.
A-State’s M.S. in Media Management provides an advanced degree that focuses on interpersonal and group communication in mass media and online environments. In addition to emphasizing skills in emerging media and communications, our M.S. in MM online degree prepares you for management positions so you can advance in your career.
With this degree, you can pursue management roles in:
- Journalism
- Broadcasting
- Advertising
- Public relations
- Sales
- News and broadcast
- Non-profit organizations
Also available:
Our M.S. in Media Management preps You for the real world.
Tuition
Pay for Your Online Program by the Course
Our Master of Science in Media Management, Public Administration track offers the same affordable tuition to all U.S. residents. All fees are included in the total tuition.


Per Credit Hour | Per Course | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
U.S. Resident Tuition | Required Fees | Total | U.S. Resident Tuition | Required Fees | Total |
$291.00 | $40.00 | $331.00 | $873.00 | $120.00 | $993.00 |
Calendar
When to Apply, When Classes Start, When Tuition Is Due
Our M.S. in Media Management, Public Administration track is designed to be flexible and convenient for working professionals, featuring accelerated coursework and multiple start dates a year.
Next Start & Application Due Dates:


Term | Length | Course Begin | Course End | Application Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Payment Deadline | Last Day to Withdraw |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Summer 2023 | 5 wk | 05/30/2023 | 06/30/2023 | 05/15/2023 | 05/19/2023 | 05/25/2023 | 05/26/2023 | 06/19/2023 |
5 wk | 07/03/2023 | 08/04/2023 | 06/19/2023 | 06/23/2023 | 06/29/2023 | 06/30/2023 | 07/21/2023 | |
Fall 2023 | 7 wk | 08/21/2023 | 10/06/2023 | 08/07/2023 | 08/11/2023 | 08/17/2023 | 08/18/2023 | 09/22/2023 |
7 wk | 10/16/2023 | 12/08/2023 | 10/02/2023 | 10/06/2023 | 10/12/2023 | 10/13/2023 | 11/17/2023 | |
Spring 2024 | 7 wk | 01/08/2024 | 02/23/2024 | 12/15/2023 | 12/19/2023 | 01/04/2024 | 01/05/2024 | 02/09/2024 |
7 wk | 03/04/2024 | 04/26/2024 | 02/19/2024 | 02/23/2024 | 02/29/2024 | 03/01/2024 | 04/05/2024 | |
Summer 2024 | 5 wk | 05/28/2024 | 06/27/2024 | 05/14/2024 | 05/17/2024 | 05/23/2024 | 05/24/2024 | 06/14/2024 |
5 wk | 07/02/2024 | 08/01/2024 | 06/18/2024 | 06/21/2024 | 06/27/2024 | 06/28/2024 | 07/26/2024 |
Admissions
Are You Ready to Apply? Check Our Admission Requirements First
Admission to the M.S. in Media Management, Public Administration track is based on a variety of evidence, including educational and professional experience. Students who are interested in this online program must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. Review full admission requirements below.
- Complete online application and submit a nonrefundable $30 fee
- Official transcript(s) sent from the registrar of the college/university attended. Official transcripts are sealed transcripts sent from the sending institution.
- Have a baccalaureate degree or a master's degree with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale from an accredited institution.
- Per Graduate School guidelines, to gain unconditional admission a student must also have a 3.0 GPA for any prior graduate courses or programs.
- Submit a letter of recommendation
- Provide a written statement of purpose (500 words) addressing the applicant's interest in obtaining this degree.
Preferably an applicant's undergraduate background will include courses with grades of "C" or higher in some media or media-related field or professional media experience. If a student has neither of the above they should address this deficiency in their statement of purpose and explain how this degree will help them meet their professional goals in order to be considered for admission.
Any potential graduate transfer credits must be from another accredited institution. No more than 6 hours of transfer work, if any, will be accepted. Only in exceptional cases will transfer courses be allowed to meet degree requirements in the MSMM program.
Students must have a 3.0 GPA in any graduate coursework or programs and have completed 18 hours of coursework to meet graduation requirements. Students in the online Master of Science in Media Management degree will complete a capstone course in lieu of taking the Comprehensive Examination.
Additional Information
Applicants with prior "F" or "D" grades at the graduate level in any graduate program will not be admitted to the A-State MPA program. In addition, students who earn failing ("F") grades in the A-State MPA program are ineligible for readmission to the program. The only exception is with the Capstone.
Up to 9 graduate hours from A-State or other higher education institutions may be credited toward a program. No course can be older than six years by graduation time. Transfer credit will be evaluated by the Director of the Program. To request prior credit be evaluated, please complete the Graduate Transfer Credit Evaluation Form.
Submit all documents to:
A-State OnlineP.O. Box 2520
State University, AR 72467
Fax: 870-972-3548
Email: [email protected]
For Non-US Postal Mail Overnight Delivery Only:
Academic Partnershipsc/o Central Receiving
2713 Pawnee St.
Jonesboro, AR 72401
A-State is Ranked #25
In their Best Colleges Rankings for 2018, U.S. News & World Report ranks A-State #25 for "Top Public Schools, Regional Universities (South)."
Courses
What You’ll Learn in Your Online Public Administration Courses
Students pursuing the Master of Science in Media Management, Public Administration track must complete 30 credit hours of coursework, including the six core courses (18 credit hours) and four courses (12 credit hours) specific to Public Administration. In order to meet graduation requirements, students must achieve a 3.0 GPA in all graduate coursework taken in the College of Liberal Arts and Communications. Students in the online Master of Science in Media Management program will complete a CAPSTONE course in lieu of taking a Comprehensive Examination.
MDIA 6023: Advanced Studies in Broadcast Management
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
An advanced study of the elements, problems, and responsibilities of radio and television station management.
MDIA 6043: Theory of Mass Communication
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Study of mass communications models, theory development, mass communications theories and theory relationships to research in mass communications.
MDIA 6053: Quantitative Research Methods
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Study of the tools and techniques of empirical research as they may be applied to media and communication.
MDIA 6463: Media Management Applications
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE. Discussion and application of MSMM program-provided content to address real-world media management problems. Course should be taken the final term of completing degree requirements. Strongly recommended it be the only course of enrollment that term.
STCM 5213: Social Media in Strategic Communication
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This course examines concepts and applications of social media within mass communications, news, advertising, and public relations industries. We will explore and apply social media tools, integrating them into an organization’s overall communication strategy.
STCM 6033: Communication Regulation and Policy
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Course provides an introduction to media laws and regulations, addressing how they impact media managers, how to allocate necessary resources, and how to remain current as to media policies and regulations.
Choose four courses from the following.
POSC 6543: Administrative Behavior
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
An examination of administrative structures and patterns of behavior in public sector organizations.
POSC 6563: Seminar in Public Administration
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
An examination of the development of public administration as a profession; its history, political environment, ethics, and its method.
POSC 6593: Seminar in Human Resources Management
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
An examination of policies, procedures, strategies, laws and regulations implemented in human resources management for public and nonprofit organizations.
POSC 6613: Administrative Leadership
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
A study of the techniques and practices that successful managers employ to get their work done through politicians, subordinates, and citizens. Emphasis is placed on issues that are faced by first time managers.
POSC 6623: Administrative Ethics
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
An analysis of the theoretical, philosophical, and practical tools needed for making appropriate decisions in the role of an administrator in a public or not for profit organization.
STCM 6253: Audience Market Analysis
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Using social scientific research methods for audience/consumer analysis, this course provides a survey of applications of research in media industries. Pragmatic task activities will be conducted via Nielsen, Arbitron, SRDS and related data sources to find audience market.
STCM 6263: Advertising Account Management
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Advanced study of the principles and practice of media account management. Includes an in-depth analysis of advantages and disadvantages of multiple media platforms in communicating messages to diverse target audiences and a discussion of effective and ethical client relationships.