MS in Media Science
Boston, USA
DURATION
3 Semesters
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
03 May 2025*
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
USD 30,525 / per semester **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* priority deadline: February 1; applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until our final deadline: May 1
** tuition fee
Introduction
In today's rapidly evolving media landscape, understanding its impact is crucial. In three semesters, Boston University's MS in Media Science equips you with the knowledge and skills to become a leader in the field.
This STEM-eligible program (no GRE required) offers:
- Strategic skills: Develop proficiency in creating, distributing, and evaluating media messages and campaigns for maximum impact. Challenge yourself with classes in media writing, media theory, communication research, media law and policy, and design strategy and software. Focus your studies further by choosing courses in political campaigns, health campaigns, or marketing communications, plus other electives to create a degree that is tailored to your interests.
- Data-driven insights: Master research methods and data analysis to gain a deeper understanding of media consumption and audience behavior.
- Practical application: Learn from renowned faculty who blend theory with hands-on experience. Get involved in one of the many clubs and organizations at COM, such AdLab, PRLab, and the COMmunicator. Apply your knowledge in real-world settings through projects and internships.
Graduate with a competitive edge:
- A coveted Master's degree: Prepare for a variety of rewarding careers in strategic media planning, media design, content creation, media analytics, strategic communication, and more. Or prepare to pursue a doctoral degree and become a leader in academia.
- A strong portfolio: Showcase your skills and capabilities through program coursework and projects.
- The confidence to navigate the future of media: Become a leader who can leverage media's power to inform, engage, and influence.
Ready to make your mark? Join BU's MS in Media Science program and master the science of media.
Admissions
Curriculum
Requirements: The MS in Media Science program consists of a minimum of 12 courses/48 credits. Students in Media Science must pass either comprehensive exams (per COM CM 9XX) or a thesis (per COM CM 9XX).
Requirements (8 total courses; 32 credits):
- COM CM 501 Design Strategy and Software
- COM CM 535 Political Campaigns
- COM CM 703 Basic Media Writing
- COM CM 707 Writing for Media Professionals
- COM CM 710 Media Theory
- COM CM 713 Media Law and Policy
- COM CM 722 Communication Research Methods
- COM CM 739 Social Media Strategy
*All students in Media Science will take COM CM 703 in the fall semester and COM CM 707 in the spring semester. There is one exception—students who are waived out of COM CM 703 will take COM CM 707 in the fall semester. These students who are waived from COM CM 703 will be required to take an additional 4 credits of electives to meet the overall requirement of 48 credits.
Electives (students must choose 16 credits)*:
- COM CM 510 Media Expression and Communication
- COM CM 519 Interactive Marketing Strategy
- COM CM 523 Design and Interactive Experiences
- COM CM 529 Design Strategy and Software II
- COM CM 531 Media Disruption
- COM CM 535 Political Campaigns
- COM CM 557 Media Effects
- COM CM 714 Professional Presentation
- COM CM 723 Advanced Communication Research
- COM CM 724 Sampling Design and Measurement Techniques
- COM CM 730 Marketing Communication
- COM CM 750 Advanced Writing for Media Professionals
- COM CM 809 Graduate Internship
- COM CM 909 Thesis or Project Research
*Students in Media Science must take four electives (i.e., 16 credits). At least eight of these 16 credits must be from this list. The other 8 credits can be from this list or can be other 500-level or higher courses at BU.
**If students take COM CM 535 as a requirement, they can take COM CM 539 as an elective. Also, if students take COM CM 539 as a requirement, they can take COM CM 535 as an elective.
***Students in Media Science can take ONLY one of these three courses, whether it counts as a requirement or as an elective.
Program Outcome
- Obtain advanced media-related knowledge, skills, and proficiencies for strategically creating, managing, and evaluating media performance.
- Utilize theory and cutting-edge research findings in developing and executing effective media strategies and evaluation approaches for media content and practices.
- Demonstrate research and professional knowledge, skills, and proficiencies that lead you to excel in the following areas: media design and content creation, message development and dissemination, and analysis and evaluation of media performance.
- Demonstrate comprehensive media-related knowledge, skills, and proficiencies for pursuing advanced academic study—particularly doctoral programs—in the field of communication, with specialized foci on media effects and processes, health communication, political communication, marketing communication research, and media and message design and evaluation.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
Benefit from Boston
One of BU’s greatest resources is its location. Consistently ranked among the most livable cities in the world, Boston is “America’s college town,” a city rich in history while remaining on the cutting edge. Boston is a Top 10 U.S. media market, and home to some of the world’s best agencies, media companies, and leading employers -- offering boundless opportunities for internships and careers.
English Language Requirements
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