Media Ventures Frequently Asked Questions

The MS in Media Ventures is a fast-paced, 11-month full-time master’s program designed for creative and entrepreneurial students who want to develop, launch, and scale new media ventures. Rather than focusing solely on content production, the program emphasizes innovation at the intersection of creativity, technology, and business strategy. Students learn to think like media entrepreneurs — conceptualizing, prototyping, and pitching original media products, platforms, or services across streaming, social media, gaming, immersive media (XR/VR), podcasting, digital publishing, or emerging entertainment platforms. The program is designed to help students transform creative ideas into viable, industry-ready media products or businesses.

From the start, students engage in hands-on, real-world work. The fall semester in Boston focuses on developing your venture concept, market strategy, and business model. In the spring and summer, students relocate to Los Angeles, where they: Complete two internships with media companies, startups, or entertainment organizations Take industry-focused courses in marketing, promotion, and career development Refine their thesis project/venture through workshops and mentorship The program culminates in “Pitchfest,” where students present their ventures to media executives, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals, often serving as a launchpad for professional opportunities or entrepreneurial growth.

Students develop a wide range of media startups and innovation projects, including: Digital platforms and apps Content or brand extensions Interactive or immersive media (XR/VR) projects Podcast networks, streaming concepts, or new-format entertainment services Tools or platforms for creators and audiences The program is intentionally media-agnostic, allowing students to pursue ideas that align with their interests and the evolving media landscape.

The MS in Media Ventures is a three-semester, full-time program completed in 11 months: Fall: Boston campus Spring and Summer: Los Angeles (BU’s LA program) Because of the program’s intensive structure, including internships and thesis work, it isn’t offered part-time.

In the fall in Boston, students complete core coursework focused on: Media entrepreneurship and business models Industry evolution and emerging technologies Market analysis, ideation, and venture development In Los Angeles, coursework emphasizes: Entertainment marketing and promotion Career preparation and professional development Thesis workshops and presentation skills Across spring and summer, students complete two internships while continuing to refine their venture project.

The thesis project is a fully developed media venture. With faculty mentorship, students refine their idea into a professional pitch deck and/or prototype and present it to industry professionals at the end of the program. Many students use this work as a portfolio centerpiece or a launchpad for real-world ventures and career opportunities.

No. The Media Ventures program welcomes students from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds. What matters the most is creativity, entrepreneurial curiosity, and a strong interest in media innovation.

Yes. International students are eligible to apply. The program is STEM-designated, which may allow eligible F-1 students to apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension after graduation.

Graduates pursue roles in media startups, product management, content strategy, business development, marketing, and entertainment technology, as well as founding their own ventures. Alumni work across streaming, digital media, gaming, immersive media, social platforms, and entertainment technology, or launch their own ventures.

With two internships in Los Angeles, close faculty mentorship, and Pitchfest presentations to industry leaders, students gain significant exposure to industry professionals. Faculty and alumni networks span startups, major media companies, and entertainment platforms, and many students have leveraged their internships or thesis projects into full-time roles or entrepreneurial opportunities.

The MS in Media Ventures occupies a unique space within COM and beyond - it’s purpose-built for media and entertainment innovation. Unlike a traditional MBA, it’s deeply grounded in the media industry. Unlike production-focused media degrees, it emphasizes venture creation, strategy, and scalability. The result is a hybrid skill set combining creative vision, business acumen, and industry-ready experience.

This program is ideal for students who are passionate about media and entertainment, think entrepreneurially, and want to build something new, whether a startup, platform, content brand, or innovative media service. It’s especially well suited for individuals with entrepreneurial mindsets who are interested in media, communications, PR, technology, business, or creative fields who want to turn ideas into viable ventures.