Annenberg School for Communication Launches New Masters Program in Communication and Media Industries
Rooted in Annenberg’s tradition of academic excellence and public impact, this masters program offers rigorous research, critical inquiry, and applied practice.
The Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania announced the launch of the new Master of Communication and Media Industries (MCMI). This program will prepare students to critically analyze and strategically engage with the evolving global media landscape.
Annenberg’s commitment to professional education in communication dates back to its founding in 1954, when it launched a Masters in Communication as its inaugural academic program. That program, which was last offered in 2000, produced generations of graduates who advanced to successful careers in business, media, nonprofit leadership, and academia. Now, 25 years later, Annenberg is reimagining this degree, defined by rapid technological change, global interconnectivity, and evolving professional demands.
“Our goal with the MCMI program is to cultivate leaders who are not only prepared to navigate today’s dynamic media industries, but who also think expansively, ethically, and globally about their future,” said Sarah Banet-Weiser, Dean of the Annenberg School for Communication. “By bridging theoretical inquiry with professional practice, we are shaping the future of media leadership.”
Rooted in Annenberg’s tradition of academic excellence and public impact, this masters program offers rigorous research, critical inquiry, and applied practice. It equips students with a sophisticated analytical framework and hands-on experience through real-world projects and immersive case studies that address current challenges and innovations in the media ecosystem. By bridging theory and practice, the program prepares graduates to thrive in a wide range of careers across the media industry, from strategic communication and journalism to media analytics and content development.
The MCMI program will admit a small, highly selective cohort of 15 students for its inaugural year. This intimate structure fosters close mentorship, individualized academic support, and a dynamic, collaborative learning environment.
The students will also get a chance to interact with leading experts, many of whom are Annenberg alumni, from media, digital content platforms, entertainment, and the tech industry, to deepen the classroom learning and provide a direct bridge to industry opportunities.
