MS in Media Science Frequently Asked Questions

The MS in Media Science equips students with advanced expertise in the social scientific study of media. The program prepares you to strategically create, distribute, and evaluate media messages while examining how media influences human behavior, societal trends, and communication patterns. Graduates combine the practical knowledge of a master's in mass communication with rigorous research, analytics, and data-driven media strategy skills.

Yes. Students may choose to follow the broad MS in Media Science curriculum, choose a concentration in Health Campaigns or Political Campaigns, or pursue the Marketing Communication Research concentration, which adds advanced research and analytics preparation. This concentration is designed to prepare students for roles in consumer insights, data analytics, and research management, and it’s also OPT STEM-eligible for international students.

Students gain real-world experience through multiple avenues, including:

• Internships in Boston, across the US, or internationally (e.g. London)
• Faculty-led research projects through the Communication Research Center (CRC)
• A potential thesis project
• Participation in student media and creative outlets like: COMLab, a multiplatform media startup; The COMmunicator, COM’s official student-run multimedia website

These experiences help students build a professional portfolio and apply strategic media, research, and content skills.

Yes. The MS in Media Science is OPT STEM-eligible, which can extend work authorization for international students following graduation.

Students have access to world-class research infrastructure, including:

• COM’s Communication Research Center (CRC), which supports faculty and graduate research
• Zimmerman Family Social Activation Center for advanced social media analysis and digital engagement.

These facilities give you both creative and analytical tools to excel in media research and practice.

Boston is a major hub for media, technology, startups, healthcare, creative agencies, and research organizations. The city’s dynamic media ecosystem provides rich opportunities for internships, networking, and career growth in strategic media planning, political communication, health messaging, digital strategy, and more.

The MS in Media Science is a three-semester, full-time program typically completed in approximately 18 months.

The program consists of 12 courses (48 credits). Core courses include:

• Political Campaigns, Health Campaigns, or Marketing Communication
• Design Strategy & Software
• Media Writing
• Media Theory
• Media Law & Policy
• Communication Research Methods
• Social Media Strategy

The curriculum builds expertise in media creation, research methods, and strategic communication evaluation.

Students complete four electives (16 credits) that allow customization of the degree. Elective offerings may include:

• Media Disruption
• Children and Media
• Advanced Media Writing
• Advanced Communication Research Methods
• Sampling and Measurement Techniques
• Integrated Marketing Communication
• Graduate Internship
• International Communication
• Data Analytics and UX-related electives (especially in the Marketing Communication Research concentration)

Electives help you tailor your MS in Media Science for specific interests and career pathways.

Yes. Students in the Marketing Communication Research concentration can pursue a Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics through BU's Metropolitan College without extending the duration of their master's program. This certificate gives additional preparation in analytics, web mining, and visualization, skills that are highly valued in media research and data-intensive roles.

Yes. Through BU's London Graduate Mass Communication Summer Program, students can intern with organizations in PR, advertising, startups, nonprofits, gaining experience in media strategy, brand identity, and communications. Internships are also available in Boston and across the United States.

Graduates pursue a wide range of strategic media and research roles, including:

• Strategic Media Planner
• Market Research Analyst or Consumer Insights Specialist
• UX Researcher
• Social Media Strategist
• Brand or Content Strategist
• Media Evaluation or Analytics Specialist
• Marketing Manager
• Researcher (academic or applied)
• Media Research Manager

The program prepares students for careers that require a mix of media strategy, creative communication, and empirical analysis.

Alumni are employed at leading organizations such as TikTok, Lenovo, PBS, Edelman, Gupta Media, Education First, Time Inc., Liberty Mutual, Meta, Microsoft, M Booth, and others across advertising, public relations, marketing research, politics, healthcare, and international communication.

About 91% of MS in Media Science alumni report employment in their field of study, reflecting strong industry demand for graduates with media strategy and research expertise.

Graduates gain a powerful blend of research, communication strategy, data analysis, content creation, social media management, and critical thinking skills that are in high demand across sectors.

Yes. The MS in Media Science also provides excellent preparation for doctoral study in areas such as media effects, political communication, health communication, and media message design, thanks to its strong research methodology foundation.