Program at a glance

  • Path: Accelerated 4+1 dual degree (BS/MS)
  • Eligibility: Current BU COM juniors majoring in Film + Television, Advertising, Public Relations, or Media Science
  • Graduate credits: 32, with up to 8 approved undergraduate elective credits applied toward the MS
  • Duration: 1 additional year (2 semesters, full-time on-campus)
  • Entry term: Fall after your senior year; apply during your junior year
  • Application fee: Free with fee waiver code
  • GRE: Not required

Why choose the accelerated pathway?

  • Finish faster. Earn both your bachelor’s and master’s in five years. 
  • Save time and tuition. Apply up to 8 approved undergraduate credits toward your master’s.
  • Build a stronger portfolio. Graduate with advanced strategic and production skills–and a portfolio that demonstrates both. 
  • Expand your career options. Prepare for creative and strategic roles across agencies, media companies, nonprofits, entertainment, startups, and corporate brand teams.

Who can apply?

Current BU COM juniors majoring in

  • Advertising
  • Film & Television
  • Public Relations
  • Media Science

Applicants typically have a minimum GPA of 3.0.

How it works

  1. Junior year: Apply to the accelerated BS/MS program.
  2. Senior year: Complete your bachelor’s degree while planning your master’s coursework.
  3. Year 5: Finish the 32-credit MS in Branded Content Production.
  4. Graduate: Earn both your BS and MS. 

What you’ll study

You’re already building one half of the skill set employers want. The accelerated BS/MS helps you build the other through the same graduate curriculum as the standalone MS in Branded Content Production.

You’ll complete the same graduate curriculum as students in the standalone MS in Branded Content Production, including courses in:

  • Practical Production
  • Content & Project Management
  • Writing Branded Content
  • Real-World Productions
  • Career Practicums
  • Electives tailored to your interests
View full MS curriculum

From audience insight to final execution

Whether your background is advertising, public relations, media science, or film & television, you’ll graduate able to research audiences, develop communication strategy, produce compelling multimedia content, and deliver work that achieves real communication goals.

How your undergraduate major fits

  • Film + TV students: You’ve learned how to tell stories. Now add branding, audience insight, and communication strategy to expand your creative and career opportunities.
  • Advertising, PR + Media Science students: You’ve learned how to understand audiences and build communication strategies. Now learn how to create the content that brings those ideas to life.

Career outcomes: where graduates go

Graduates combine strategic communication and multimedia production to pursue roles such as:

  • Multimedia Producer
  • Branded Content Specialist
  • Video Producer
  • Creative Strategist
  • Content Marketing Strategist
  • Brand Storyteller

Learn from faculty who do both

Learn from faculty working across strategic communication, filmmaking, advertising, writing, and digital media—bringing multiple perspectives to every stage of the creative process.

How to apply (BU undergraduates only)

The accelerated BS/MS program is open exclusively to current BU COM undergraduates majoring in Public Relations, Advertising, Media Science, or Film + Television. Most applicants have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0.

Apply during your junior year at BU. Required materials:

  • Personal statement
  • Resume
  • One letter of recommendation
  • Reel or portfolio

You can apply for free. Email COM Graduate Affairs at comgrad@bu.edu to request an application fee waiver code.

Visit the Application Instructions page.

Frequently asked questions about the combined BS/MS in Branded Content Production program

The accelerated BS/MS pathway is open exclusively to current BU COM undergraduates majoring in Film + Television, Advertising, Public Relations, or Media Science. External applicants are not eligible for this 4+1 option.

Apply during your junior year so you can plan eligible undergraduate electives that may count toward your master’s degree.

You’ll complete the master’s portion in two full-time semesters immediately following your bachelor’s degree, earning both degrees in a total of five years.

Up to 8 credits of approved undergraduate electives can count toward your master’s degree, giving you flexibility in how you complete the program.

The accelerated BS/MS helps you graduate with both strategic communication and multimedia production expertise—saving time and tuition while earning two degrees. You’ll enter the job market with an advanced portfolio and a master’s credential after just one additional year.

The accelerated BS/MS allows you to deepen both your strategic communication and multimedia production skills while saving time and tuition. You’ll graduate with two degrees, an advanced portfolio, and a competitive advantage as you begin your career.

No. The curriculum is deliberately designed to cross-train students. If your undergraduate background is in PR or Media Science, we teach you production from the ground up. If your background is in Film & TV, we teach you brand strategy, audience insight, and strategic communication from the ground up.

The MS in Strategic Integrated Communication is a fully online program for experienced communication professionals focused on leadership, integrated strategy, research, and AI. The accelerated BS/MS in Branded Content Production is an on-campus program for current BU COM undergraduates who want to combine storytelling, multimedia production, and strategic communication—from audience insight to final execution.

Also worth exploring:

  • MS in Branded Content Production: Learn how to combine storytelling, strategy, and multimedia production to create content audiences choose to engage with.
  • MS in Advertising: Develop bold creative campaigns and strategic brand thinking that help organizations stand out.
  • MS in Public Relations: Build trust, shape reputation, and lead strategic communication across industries.
  • MS in Television: Produce compelling film, television, and streaming content while developing advanced production skills.
  • MS in Media Science: Understand how communication influences people through audience research, analytics, and persuasion.
  • COM Graduate Admissions: Explore application requirements, deadlines, financial aid, and graduate student resources.

Cross Program

View All Degrees & Programs