Each section of this course will explore a different relevant topic in the field of mass communication, public relations, or advertising. Pre-requisites for each topic can be found in the class notes. Please contact the MCADVPR Department at mcadvpr@bu.edu for more information.
SPRG 2026 Schedule
| Section |
Instructor |
Location |
Schedule |
Notes |
| A1 |
Yang |
CGS 123 |
T 12:30 pm-3:15 pm |
Topic: AI in Advertising
This course is on the Spring 2026 waitlist. Please visit the Department of Mass Communication, Advertising & PR’s webpage bu.edu/com/masscom for the waitlist form.
Description: This course covers the essential applications of artificial intelligence in modern marketing and advertising. Students will explore the fundamentals of AI in advertising ecosystems, learning how machine learning algorithms power consumer insights, targeting, content creation, and campaign optimization. The curriculum also includes hands-on training with generative AI tools for creating ad copy, visuals, and multimedia content, as well as AI agent design for brand interactions. Students will also get to practice vibe coding techniques for developing trend-responsive marketing/advertising artifacts for consumer engagement. A dedicated section on AI ethics in advertising addresses critical issues, such as algorithmic bias and transparency in automated systems. The course will prepare students with ethical responsibility in applying AI in advertising and marketing careers. |
SPRG 2026 Schedule
| Section |
Instructor |
Location |
Schedule |
Notes |
| B1 |
Christian |
WED 406 |
MW 2:30 pm-4:15 pm |
Topic: AI in Practice for Public Relations Professionals
The undergraduate prerequisite for this course is COMCM 215. The graduate prerequisite is COMCM 701.
Description: Today’s world is dynamic and has seen a tremendous evolution in how we create and consume content. Artificial intelligence, or AI, is transforming many industries similar to how electricity brought us into a modern age over 100 years ago. In the field of Public Relations, the application of AI is quickly becoming a necessary and important skill for growth and development in the field. From ideation to creation, being able to leverage AI tools to help us ‘work smarter’ is a non-negotiable. Additionally, being able to effectively discern misinformation of AI-generated output is quickly differentiating best in class PR professionals from the rest. In this course, we will explore what is AI and how it is being applied to content ideation and creation in PR. We will engage in constructive dialogue regarding the impact that appropriate AI use brings to the industry, our professional career, personal life, and civic society. Most importantly, we will use our time to leverage our creativity in using AI to create interesting and engaging content and prepare for the next decade of change. Through an engaging mix of introductions to key technologies, case examples, expert discussion and your own business-focused project, your learning journey will bring into sharp focus the reality of central AI technologies today and how they can be harnessed to support and guide business leaders and organizations. |
SPRG 2026 Schedule
| Section |
Instructor |
Location |
Schedule |
Notes |
| C1 |
Oppliger |
COM 109 |
W 2:30 pm-5:15 pm |
Topic: Entertainment Media and Society
The undergraduate prerequisite for this course is COMCM 180. The graduate prerequisite is COMCM 710.
Description: This course provides an in-depth exploration of the historical evolution of media and emerging trends in the entertainment industry. The course reviews entertainment theory and covers various forms of entertainment, including film, television, music, gaming, streaming services, and user-generated platforms. The class will highlight considerations for media representation and the rapid integration of AI across various topics. The class will also cover the career opportunities in traditional and emerging entertainment industries. |
SPRG 2026 Schedule
| Section |
Instructor |
Location |
Schedule |
Notes |
| D1 |
Wu |
COM 109 |
M 2:30 pm-5:15 pm |
Topic: Media and Wellbeing
Description: This course will address the intricate relationship between media use and personal well-being. Students will learn about the media’s fundamental modus operandi, ecosystem and discovered influences on people. Individuals’ well-being –particularly in terms of life satisfaction, psychological states, and health in relation to media affordances and uses – will be reviewed with relevant readings and class yielded data. The knowledge gained and exercises within the class will be conducive for self-reflection and class discourse and to ponder on possible remedies. Students will also delve into a chosen specific topic in the interplay of media use and well-being to produce either a case-study essay or a research paper that showcases their informed insight and sheds new light on their concerned subject. |
Note that this information may change at any time. Please visit the MyBU Student Portal for the most up-to-date course information.
