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The Television Program: Graduate

The MS degree in television provides graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to compete successfully in the ever-changing world of telecommunications. The television program recognizes that to enjoy productive and rewarding careers in this world, graduates must be able to meet the challenge of cultural, economic, and technological change. The curriculum is designed to give students the tools they need to seek professional careers in production, management, programming, marketing, teaching, and criticism.

Our graduates must combine professional skills with an understanding of the nature of the telecommunications industry and its complex relationship with different audiences and their cultures. On the creative side, the program stresses that it is the producer who is the intellectual driving force behind all television production, and that he or she must have a mastery of basic technical skills and a developed aesthetic sensibility. But the producer, in turn, has to adapt to structural changes in the industry. Management skills, essential in the successful completion of each production, are also essential to the economic welfare of the industry. New distribution technologies, including broadband and mobile devices plan an increasing role as well. Accordingly, graduates who are drawn to the many different careers available in the telecommunications business may choose courses that concentrate in this area.

Alumni of the Television Program are found in a wide variety of jobs at all levels in the telecommunications industry, both within the United States and, increasingly, in key positions in national broadcasting institutions throughout the world. Many of them are successful independent producers in documentary, educational, industrial, and other video work. Our alumni provide an invaluable network of experienced professionals who can assist new graduates with advice on career opportunities, and in some cases, hire them for entry-level jobs.

Television MS and Joint MS/MBA Programs

Boston University's College of Communication offers two advanced degree programs in television management. The first is a three-semester, 48-credit program that earns the student a Master of Science in television management. The second program is offered as a dual-degree, administered jointly by the College of Communication and the Graduate School of Management. (Admission to both schools is required.) It is a five-semester, 80-credit program, awarding both a M.S. degree in television management and a M.B.A.

Both are basically "page one" programs, designed for those with no previous television experience. But we also customize programs for those with prior education or employment in mass communication. In addition, the programs attract international students, who come to Boston University as television professionals from their respective countries. Here they hope to use the American broadcast model to further their careers. As the telecommunications industries become more global, our international students offer a diversity that provides a tremendous asset for all our students.

Another strong component of the program is its flexibility. While there are substantial core requirements, there is also the opportunity for students to customize curriculum to meet specific interests. Personalizing the program allows students to pursue several courses in areas such as sales and marketing, programming, writing, and new media.

Both programs require an internship with a major media company. These internships offer students valuable business experience as well as the opportunity to network with industry professionals. An internship may be completed in Boston, the nation's sixth largest media market, or over the summer at the BU Los Angeles Intership Program or at a location of the student's choice.

Recent graduates are now employed in a broad range of administrative positions for companies including the Walt Disney Corporation, Turner Broadcasting, Discovery Communications, major broadcast networks and international TV industries like Star-TV Asia.

For information regarding this program that you cannot find at our Web site or in our print catalog, e-mail the Director of Television Management, Cathy Perron, at cperron@bu.edu.

Curriculum Guide for the MS program
Curriculum Guide for the joint MS/MBA program

Read the complete graduate course descriptions in the COM bulletin.