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Research at COM » Applied Communication Research Program

Applied Communication
Research Program

The concentration in Applied Communication Research prepares students to assess client needs and solve client problems using polls, surveys, focus groups, and other research strategies. The skills learned in this concentration prepare the student for a position as a research analyst or research manager in such fields as advertising/marketing, public relations, political campaigning, health communication, and international communication. It combines a command of applied research designs, techniques, and writing skills with a background in one or more major professional fields. This area of occupational specialization offers many lucrative entry-level opportunities and excellent opportunities for advancement. The concentration also provides a research and theory background for those preparing for more advanced study in communication. For more information, please point your browser to http://www.bu.edu/com/mc/cs/graduate.shtml#applied)

Applied Communication Research Program Alumni:
Where Are They Now?

After completing their training in Applied Communication Research, some of our alumni have pursued doctoral studies at such institutions as:

  • The University of Connecticut at Storrs
  • Michigan State University
  • The Annenberg School of Communication at the University of Pennsylvania
  • Temple University

Other alumni have joined research companies that plan and carry out industry research projects. These research companies include:

  • Affinova (Waltham, MA);
  • Applied Marketing Science (Waltham, MA);
  • Cogent Research (Cambridge, MA);
  • Chadwick Martin Bailey (Boston, MA);
  • Harris Interactive (NY, NY);
  • MaPS (Waltham, MA);
  • Nielsen Media Research (Tampa, FL);
  • Forrester Research (Cambridge, MA).

Still other alumni of our applied research program have joined the internal research departments of such companies as:

  • Sony Corporation (CA)
  • AIG (NY)
  • Bose (MA)

What Applied Communication Research Program Alumni Say About Us

"The program helped me view social statistics in the context of marketing and business. I developed skills that now allow me to effectively recommend research projects for clients that will ultimately support their business goals."

T.S.
MS, COM '03
Project Director
Cogent Research

“I never imagined I'd be so passionate about something in my life, and I am finding great success following this path. Studying Applied Communication Research at BU is by far one of the best decisions of my life. Not only did I study with an amazing team of professors and students, but I got to work with real cases, real clients.

“I believe this program has given me all the tools to follow my dream, my passion as a researcher and, most importantly, as a business owner. I have a vision with my company, and my clients have a vision to take their companies to the next level. The sky is the limit!”

Lourdes Fernandez
MS, COM '06
President/Market Research Analyst
Visium Research, LLC

“Taking Applied Com Research has given me such a versatile skill set that has enhanced my value in job market in virtually any career field. I learned to clearly identify problems, seek out data to support my decision-making, and make decisions based on that data -- all of which is so obvious but, yet, so difficult in practice. Everywhere I go people are impressed by my ability to understand and utilize valuable data.”

Larisa Epshteyn
BS, COM '06
Program Manager, Emory Executive Development
Goizueta Business School, Emory University

“My success so far is directly related to two essential parts of the Applied Communication Research program at BU: building confidence as an expert in the research process and adding value by connecting consumer insights to real business issues. This combination is appreciated by hiring managers and clients alike...and it will set you apart from graduates of any other program."

Christopher Aswad
MS, COM '04
Senior Research Manager, PepsiCo Consumer Insights Research International USA

"The knowledge gained from this program has helped me shape my professional goals and has driven the direction my career - in higher education research and consulting - has taken. I've also noticed that among students who graduated with me, as professionals we are valued and sought."

Sara Al Tukhaim
MS, COM '07
Research Analyst
Eduventures

“The two years I spent at COM have been the best of my life so far. And being part of the Applied Research program has been the very highlight of this time. Not one day has passed since my immersion in applied research that I haven’t used the knowledge I gained – both in my jobs, and in my daily existence (the normal curve doesn’t apply to research findings only!). Since 2004, I have successfully used the skills I acquired in the program to run large multi-country research studies and influence high-impact business decisions using quantitative and qualitative findings. Thanks to the solid foundation the program provided, not once did I feel unprepared to deal with the research intricacies of these projects. In the process, the companies I worked for, and my clients, frequently expressed their satisfaction with the research skills I brought to the table.”

Michaela Ion
MS, COM '04
Senior Research Analyst, Research & Strategy
Sony Electronics