MS in Branded Content Production

The Branded Content Production master’s degree is an integrated communication program for communication and film industry students to learn how to master the creation of brand-driven content, from short digital videos to a variety of multimedia assets. This program will cross-train students with undergraduate backgrounds in film and television production, advertising, public relations, media science/mass communication, and marketing to achieve a base level of knowledge in film production and strategic communication. Students will learn to solve branding and communication challenges through strategic content development so they can become content creators with companies, nonprofits, or commercial agencies, and better promote their own professional works.

As the industry demand for multimedia content continues to rise, the master’s degree program will meet current student needs, as well as current and future industry demand.

Learning Outcomes

• Learn how to build alignment among business objectives, outcomes, and brand-driven content.
• Understand how to work across functions to create cohesive content within budget and on time.
• Learn to strategize and create a variety of content based on the most effective implementation of communication outcomes, from still imagery to video.
• Gain specific skills tailored to each student’s individual needs, such as holistic branding, programming, video production and editing, public relations, advertising, short-form social media content, and podcasting.
• Gain skills to market their unique professional capabilities and grow their career within this growing field.

Requirements

Students will earn 32 units over two terms, completing the master’s degree in Branded Content Production in just one academic year.

Term One

• COM CO 722 Practical Production (4 units)
• COM CO 723 Content and Project Management (4 units)
• COM CO 724 Writing Branded Content (4 units)
• COM CO 727 Branded Content Career Practicum 1 (4 units)

Term Two

• COM CO 728 Branded Content Career Practicum 2 (4 units)
• COM FT 505 Real-World Productions (4 units)

8 units from this list of approved electives (pending prerequisites, which students may have taken or fulfilled in their undergraduate experience):

• COM CM 501 Design Strategy & Software
• COM CM 518 Creative Video Development (prerequisites: COM CM 708 and COM CM 717)
• COM CM 535 Political Campaigns
• COM CM 539 Health Campaigns
• COM CM 707 Writing for Media Professionals
• COM CM 714 Professional Presentations
• COM CM 717 Fundamentals of Creative Development
• COM CM 730 Marketing Communication
• COM CM 739 Social Media Strategy
• COM FT 503 Video Games: Industry and Culture
• COM FT 521 Promoting Your Content Online
• COM FT 544 Documentary Production (prerequisite: COM FT 707 or COM CO 722 Practical Production)
• COM FT 553 Special Topics in Media Studies
• COM FT 565 Motion Picture Editing (prerequisite: COM FT 707 or COM CO 722 Practical Production)
• COM FT 591 Media Business Entrepreneurship
• COM FT 592 Production Design (prerequisite: COM FT 707 or COM CO 722 Practical Production)
• COM FT 700 Fundamentals of Interactive Media

Additional Information

This is a full-time, in-person experience, with all students starting in September to ensure a cohesive cohort that includes students from the varied backgrounds welcome in this master’s degree program.

Admissions Information

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in either public relations, advertising, media science, or film/television. Most applicants will have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Students will need to supply a personal statement, resume, and one letter of recommendation. Students can also upload an optional reel or portfolio, if appropriate.