What is Branded Content Production?
Branded content uses storytelling to build relationships between organizations and their audiences. It goes beyond traditional advertising by creating videos, documentaries, podcasts, social campaigns, and other content that people choose to engage with.
Two degrees. One cohesive skill set.
Most programs teach production or strategy. The branded content production combined bachelor’s/master’s degree program teaches you both — so you graduate fluent in the language of content and the language of brand.
Built for COM students, by COM faculty
This 4+1 program is specifically for BU COM undergraduates in film/TV, advertising, PR, and media science. Apply in your junior year. Earn both degrees in five years.
Content that works for brands
You’ll learn to solve branding and communication challenges — creating content that sells ideas, builds reputations, and moves audiences across every platform.
Who this program is for
This program is designed for current BU COM undergraduates majoring in film and television production, advertising, public relations, or media science. Every student graduates fluent in both strategy and production.
Film and TV students will build the strategic communication and brand thinking that turns production skills into a career in content marketing strategy, agency work, or brand storytelling.
PR, advertising, and media science students will build the video production and visual storytelling skills that make them significantly more valuable to any employer who creates content — which is nearly all of them.
If you’ve ever felt like your major gives you one half of what today’s communication industry expects, this program helps you build the other half.
What you’ll learn
You’ll develop expertise in both communication strategy and content production, learning how the two work together from planning through execution.
By graduation, you’ll be able to:
- Align business objectives and brand-driven content
- Create cohesive content across formats, from still imagery to short-form video, within budget and on deadline
- Understand and apply both production fundamentals and communication strategy
- Develop content for brand purposes: to sell ideas, promote products, or enhance an organization’s reputation
- Build a professional portfolio that showcases both your strategic thinking and creative production skills
Curriculum
32 credits over two semesters. You’ll also apply up to 8 undergraduate elective credits toward your master’s degree, giving you additional flexibility.
Semester One
- Practical Production (4 credits)
- Content and Project Management (4 credits)
- Writing Branded Content (4 credits)
- Career Practicum (4 credits)
Semester Two
- Real World Productions (4 credits)
- Career Practicum 2 (4 credits)
- 8 credits from approved electives (pending prerequisites, which you may have already completed)
Elective options include:
Design in Communication · Creative Video Development · Political Campaigns · Health Campaigns · Fundamentals of Interactive Media · Writing for Media Professionals · Professional Presentation · Fundamentals of Creative Development · Marketing Communication · Social Media Strategy · Promoting Content Online · Video Games: Industry and Culture · Media Business · Motion Picture Editing · Production Design · Documentary Production
View full course descriptions.
Where graduates go
Graduates of the Branded Content Production BS/MS are prepared to work anywhere organizations create content to inform, persuade, educate, or inspire. They can build careers across agencies, media companies, nonprofits, healthcare organizations, entertainment, technology, higher education, and corporate communications.
Roles graduates pursue
- Multimedia marketing communications content creator
- Branded content specialist
- Multimedia producer
- Videographer
- Editor
- Content strategist
Types of employers
- Nonprofits and advocacy organizations
- Political campaigns
- Healthcare organizations
- Creative agencies (advertising, multimedia, PR, marketing)
- Business-to-business and business-to-consumer companies
- Internal communications and brand teams
The faculty
Our program is taught by faculty who bring expertise in strategic communication, advertising, filmmaking, documentary production, writing, and digital media, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of the program.
In our integrated world, communication professionals require both literacy in content production and a strategic framework to break through and connect with stakeholders. Gaining a master’s degree in Branded Content Production will prepare students for success in our rapidly changing and ever-expanding communication industry.
Amy Shanler, Professor of the Practice, Public Relations
How To Apply
The BS/MS program is open exclusively to current BU COM undergraduates who are majoring in either public relations, advertising, media science, or film/television at Boston University College of Communication. Most applicants will 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 for your code.
Visit the Application Instructions page.
Common questions about the combined BS/MS in Branded Content Production program
Who can apply to this 4+1 program?
Only current BU COM undergraduates majoring in film and television production, advertising, public relations, or media science. This isn’t open to external applicants.
When should I apply?
During your junior year at BU. The next available enrollment is fall 2027.
How long does the program take?
Two semesters of master’s coursework, completed alongside and immediately following your undergraduate degree. Total time at BU: five years for both degrees.
Do I need a GRE score?
No – the GRE isn’t required.
What if I’ve already taken some of the elective courses as an undergraduate?
Up to 8 credits of approved undergraduate electives can count toward your master’s degree, giving you flexibility in how you complete the program.
Why earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s?
The combined degree allows you to deepen your expertise while saving time and reducing the number of graduate credits needed after your bachelor’s degree. You’ll graduate with advanced skills in both strategic communication and content production, making you more competitive across creative and communication careers.
Do I need production experience?
No. The Branded Content Production BS/MS is designed for current BU COM students from Film & Television, Advertising, Public Relations, and Media Science. The curriculum helps students build skills outside their undergraduate major, whether that means video production, storytelling, strategic communication, or brand strategy. By graduation, you’ll be prepared to contribute across both the creative and strategic sides of content development.
What’s the difference between this program and the MS in Strategic Integrated Communication?
The MS in Strategic Integrated Communication is a fully online program designed for working professionals. The Branded Content Production BS/MS is an on-campus 4+1 program exclusively for current BU COM undergraduates, with a specific focus on the intersection of production skills and brand strategy.