MS in Media Science

Boston University’s Master of Science in Media Science provides you with a deep expertise in the social scientific study of media, allowing you to fully explore the changing media landscape and learn the skills you need to strategically create, distribute, and evaluate media messages.

This three-semester program prepares you for careers in strategic media planning, content creation and media design, message development and dissemination, and analysis and evaluation of media messages and media campaigns. For some students, it’s a path to pursue a doctoral degree and become a leader in academia.

Challenge yourself with classes in media writing, media theory, communication research, media law and policy, and design strategy and software. Focus your studies further by choosing courses in political campaigns, health campaigns, or marketing communications, or other electives to create a degree that is tailor-fit. Get involved in one of the many clubs and organizations at COM, such AdLab, PRLab and the COMmunicator.

The MS in Media Science is a program that sends its graduates to a wide range of fields: advertising, public relations, marketing communication research, politics, healthcare, international relations — any field where media communication is essential. Which is to say, anywhere. 

Teachers, Researchers, Mentors

COM boasts faculty steeped in both research and practice, large in number and diverse in expertise. They are internationally recognized thought leaders in the fields of advertising, public relations, media law, psychology, political communication, design, and more.

Faculty members serve as mentors for students by working alongside them in conducting original research. Together, they leverage the technology at COM’s Communication Research Center, COM’s primary research hub, and the state of-the-art social media tools offered at the Zimmerman Family Social Activation Center. Your faculty are a great resource to help you position yourself for success after graduation.

Benefit from Boston

One of BU’s greatest resources is its location. Consistently ranked among the most livable cities in the world, Boston is “America’s college town,” a city rich in history while remaining on the cutting edge. Boston is a Top 10 U.S. media market, and home to some of the world’s best agencies, media companies and leading employers — offering boundless opportunities for internships and careers.

Purpose Driven

COM stands out from our peers. Our faculty offers a mix of researchers and practitioners who endorse a cross-discipline, hands-on approach to learning. Our location lies at the heart of an electric, media-savvy city.

But it may be COM’s shared values that matter most. We believe that communication requires diversity, critical thinking, and creative expression. We believe that communication must be grounded in truth, authenticity, effectiveness, and purpose. We believe that communication builds understanding among people and across society.