Master of Science in Advertising

Practical, cutting-edge, and well-rounded, Boston University’s part-time Master of Science (MS) in Advertising is a hands-on, professional program offered through BU’s College of Communication and Metropolitan College.

Our convenient, evening courses combine core advertising fundamentals with the latest approaches in digital content and marketing, preparing you to compete in the fast-paced, ever-changing world of communication—whether you wish to enter this rewarding field, or seek to enhance your current industry knowledge and experience.

You can customize the Advertising program to your needs by choosing a sequence of courses that provide an understanding of interactive, digital content, or by focusing on international marketing and management. We also make sure you master the arts of presenting your pitch and working collaboratively—skills that give you an edge in the daily challenges of any job.

Through case studies, hands-on practice, market research, and analysis of what works, our curriculum covers:

Emerging Technologies and Interactive Media
Branding and Creative Development
Advertising Management and Strategy
International Marketing
Mass Communication

Admission Information

All candidates for admission to the part-time MS in Advertising program must have a bachelor’s degree and are selected on the basis of undergraduate transcripts, academic and personal references, and work experience. Standardized admissions tests such as the GRE are not required; English-language proficiency is required. The program has a rolling admissions policy with no absolute deadlines. Students may complete up to eight credits in the program prior to admission. Full-time and Summer Term courses offered by the College of Communication may not be counted toward the part-time degree. Because this is a part-time program, it is not possible for international students to obtain a visa for study in it.

Apply here.

Academic Standing

Students in the MS in Advertising program must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.0 to remain in good standing and to graduate. No grade below B- in any course may be applied toward the degree. Students with grade point averages below 3.0 will be placed on academic probation and must be in a position to achieve a 3.0 within the 40 required credit hours for graduation or be subject to dismissal.

Degree Requirements

A total 40 credits is required.

Note: Some courses may have prerequisites. See the Advertising course descriptions for details.

Core Courses

(Three courses/12 credits)

MET CM 707 Writing for Media Professionals
MET CM 708 Principles and Practices of Advertising
MET CM 719 Interactive Marketing Communication

Electives

(Seven courses/28 credits)

For a digital media focus, consider electives marked with an asterisk (*).

Advertising Electives

Choose four:

MET CM 702 Advertising in Society
MET CM 704 Contemporary Mass Communication
MET CM 711 Consumer Insight and Account Planning
MET CM 716 Digital Communication *
MET CM 717 Fundamentals of Creative Development
MET CM 721 Advertising Management
MET CM 726 Strategic Brand Solutions
MET CM 736 New and Traditional Media Strategies
MET CM 737 Social Networks in Strategic Communication Planning *
MET CM 739 Principles of Search Engine Marketing *
MET CM 744 Design and New Media

Management Electives

Choose three:

MET AD 632 Financial Concepts
MET AD 648 Introduction to Electronic Commerce, Systems, and Web Design *
MET AD 670 Creative Multimedia: Tools, Design, and Application *
MET AD 725 Negotiations and Organizational Conflict Resolution
MET AD 737 Innovative Marketing Techniques *
MET AD 741 The Innovation Process: Developing New Products and Services
MET AD 852 International Market Research
MET AD 857 International Marketing Strategy
MET AD 860 International Advertising
MET AR 720 Marketing and Audience Development for the Arts

View all Advertising graduate courses.

For More Information

MET in the News

Michael O’Laughlin, Director of CPE’s program for Interpreters, quoted in Cape Cod Times

Richard Smith, recent prison graduate, featured PBS show

Jacques Pepin, culinary teacher, on WBUR’s “Here and Now”