- BU meets 100% of your financial aid need<\/strong><\/a> for first-year US students and permanent residents with demonstrated need<\/li>
- ACT\/SAT Optional\u2014not required <\/li>
- STEM-designated program<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\nHow to apply<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Perfect the Art & Science of Campaigns That Work<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n3 Tracks. Limitless Labs. Real-Time Insights.<\/strong>Turn bold ideas into data-driven campaigns in BU COM\u2019s BS in Media Science. You\u2019ll blend social listening, survey design, UX testing, and sharp storytelling to build messages that move people\u2014and prove they work. Ready to graduate from the nation\u2019s no. 3 digital communication school<\/a> with a portfolio that screams insight-powered strategist?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nsee courses<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nWhy Choose BU\u2019s BS in Media Science? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\nLearn in hands-on labs<\/strong>\u2014run experiments in the Communication Research Center and watch live social-trend walls in the Zimmerman Family Social Activation Center. Or test how media drives climate action and civic trust with cross-campus teams in the new Center on Media Innovation for Social Impact.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\nDo agencies work for credit<\/strong>\u2014dig into intriguing data and pitch real strategies through AdLab, PRLab, and COMLab\u2014the nation\u2019s largest student-run ad and PR agencies. You\u2019ll get to work for real clients with a team of students across majors to see what agency life is like.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\nChoose your area of impact<\/strong>\u2014what do you care about? Focus your BS in Media Science on political, health, or marketing communication campaigns\u2014or mix courses to fit your own unique interests. Here, you can apply the art and science of communication to what really matters.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Can You Do with a BS in Media Science?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A BS in Media Science from BU COM qualifies you for more strategic roles than a typical mass communication degree. Media science is laser focused on how and why media messages work. Our program also pulls in some of the content creation work you\u2019d find in a media communication major. You\u2019ll be an expert at research methods, data analytics, and evidence-based campaign design and storytelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\nBrand & Social Strategy<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- Social Media Analyst<\/li>
- Brand Strategist<\/li>
- Content Planner<\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
Political & Advocacy Comms<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- Digital Organizer<\/li>
- Campaign Media Analyst<\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Health Communication<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- Patient Engagement Strategist<\/li>
- Health Media Researcher<\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
Market & UX Research<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- Consumer Insights Associate<\/li>
- UX Testing Coordinator<\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Jobs of BS in Media Science Alumni<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
BU COM BS in Media Science graduates have gone on to roles with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\nGlobal & Boutique Agencies<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- Burson<\/li>
- Digitas North America<\/li>
- Edelman<\/li>
- MullenLowe U.S. <\/li>
- Ogilvy<\/li>
- Saatchi & Saatchi<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Media, Entertainment & Sports<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- Boston Celtics<\/li>
- iHeartMedia<\/li>
- National Geographic<\/li>
- New Jersey Devils<\/li>
- NESN<\/li>
- NBCUniversal News Group<\/li>
- PBS<\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
Consumer & Tech Brands<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- Apple<\/li>
- IBM<\/li>
- Lenovo<\/li>
- Liberty Mutual<\/li>
- L\u2019Or\u00e9al<\/li>
- Verizon<\/li>
- Wayfair<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Health, Nonprofit & Public Sector<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- Boston Children\u2019s Hospital <\/li>
- City of Boston<\/li>
- Massachusetts General Hospital <\/li>
- National Crime Prevention Council <\/li>
- US Senate<\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
Research & Consulting<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- Forrester Research<\/li>
- Kantar Retail<\/li>
- VOX Global<\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t
OUTCOME DATA<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t91%<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
of BS in Media Science grads are employed, in school, or other chosen activity.<\/p>
70% Employed, 21% Continuing Education, 9% Still Seeking.<\/p>
Source: based on 33\/44 surveyed graduates of the 2024 class.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\nsee more outcomes<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Placement into Prestigious Graduate Programs<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Some recent placements include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- UCLA Law School<\/li>
- University of Wisconsin\u2013Madison<\/li>
- New York University<\/li>
- Duke Law<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hear from BU COM Alumni<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
BS in Media Science grads aren\u2019t just LinkedIn connections\u2014they\u2019re in your classrooms. One week they\u2019ll pop in to guest-host a lecture or bring you a real AdLab\/PRLab project to tackle. The next, they\u2019re sharing an internship lead or paid research gig. Need live data? Alumni share social-listening dashboards and survey panels for your projects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thanks to Boston\u2019s packed agency scene, they can swing by for a Friday campaign critique\u2014or hire you part time as you finish your degree.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"\"](\"\/com\/files\/2025\/12\/COM_COMtalk_QandA_25-2_Koo-758x460.png\")
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAlumni\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMedia Science\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFrom COM to Career: Q&A With Sydney Koo, BS Media Science\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSeptember 1, 2025\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nComparing Programs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- Our Media Science<\/strong> BS emphasizes data and experiments that lead to careers in analytics and research. You\u2019ll study media effects, audience analytics, and evidence-based message design. It\u2019s ideal for data-curious creatives who want to test and refine campaigns with research. <\/li>
- Media Communication <\/strong>majors tend to emphasize content creation and channel strategy leading to digital producer roles, and Mass Communication<\/strong> degrees tend to be more of a broad survey of media history, policy, and practice to train up generalists. There can be some overlap between the two.<\/li>
- Our Public Relations BS<\/a> shows you how to conduct strategic storytelling, stakeholder engagement, and crisis comms while serving real clients\u2014great for relationship builders and brand guardians. <\/li>
- Our Journalism BS<\/a> teaches you to report, write, shoot, and code in a newsroom-style setting; perfect for truth seekers who thrive on deadlines and want to hold truth to power.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to Get a Job in Media Science<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Your portfolio and network are key to landing a job in media science. Look for a BS in Media Science that layers hard data skills onto hands-on client work. BU COM does just that, where Boston doubles as your internship playground. Most grads log two or more internships and a real campaign, so by Commencement you\u2019ve already done the job\u2014making it easier to snag the one that matters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Curriculum Overview<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Challenge yourself with classes in media writing, media theory, communication research, media law and policy, and design strategy and software. Different from a mass communication degree, the BS in Media Science digs deeply into strategy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. You can pull in some content creation work as you would in a media communication major if desired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nsee more courses<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Choose a BS in Media Science with Real Experience<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Run Real Research<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
In the Communication Research Center<\/a> and the Zimmerman Family Social Activation Center<\/a>, you\u2019ll design surveys, scrape social feeds, and present insights to live clients. Student polls have landed in NPR, Bloomberg, <\/em>and other respected roundups. <\/a>Hiring managers will see you can turn raw data into a deck-ready strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Collaborate in Pitch Campaigns<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You can join student-run agencies like AdLab<\/a>\u2014the country\u2019s longest-running, student-run ad agency\u2014and PRLab<\/a>. Clients range from Boston Children\u2019s Hospital to Digitas and HubSpot. Graduate with case studies in addition to class projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Create Content That Connects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
COMLab<\/a> is BU COM\u2019s student-powered media studio. Run like a start-up, it lets you pitch, produce, and publish across every screen\u2014breaking news, documentaries, scripted stories, and strategy work for real clients. Pick a track, join the team, and leave with portfolio pieces that live far beyond the classroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hold Coveted Internships<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Classes wrap by early afternoon, so you can hop the Green Line for a 10-minute ride to places like Hill Holliday, IBM, Wayfair, the Celtics, or a dozen other partners. You can rack up 600+ paid internship hours before senior year, plus references from the very people who hire entry-level analysts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Examples of BS in Media Science Internships:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- BlackRock<\/li>
- Amazon<\/li>
- Schneider Electric<\/li>
- Toast POS<\/li>
- Warner Music Group<\/li>
- ActBlue<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Browse a list of internships in advertising, film, television, journalism, and public relations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nsee what’s available<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Learn with Industry Experts and Scholars<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
BU BS in Media Science profs are in the field, not the faculty lounge\u2014publishing NYT-cited studies, running eye-tracking and social-listening labs, and funneling live agency briefs and raw data to your projects. Get active mentors and a robust network through their media science industry connections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meet the BS in Media Science Faculty<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n![\"Kathryn](\"\/com\/files\/2025\/03\/com365-dating-apps-coduto-inset-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\u201cPeople still feel like they can find a soulmate on a dating app, and at the same time they still feel largely uncertain about AI.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Kathryn Coduto, Assistant Professor, on her 2025 national CRC survey of AI dating apps<\/a> <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t
\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tMeet the Media Science Faculty\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMore\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t![\"Anne](\"\/com\/files\/2015\/08\/2024-Headshot_Anne-Daheny_005-845x1024-1-310x504.png\")
\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tAnne Danehy<\/h4>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Senior Associate Dean<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n
\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t![\"AnneMarie](\"\/com\/files\/2023\/10\/2024-Headshot_AnneMarie-McClain_008-847x1024-1-310x504.png\")
\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tAnneMarie K. McClain<\/h4>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Assistant Professor, Media Science<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n
\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t![\"\"](\"\/com\/files\/2016\/09\/beaudoin-faculty-alt-310x504.jpg\")
\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tChristopher Beaudoin<\/h4>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Professor, Department of Mass Communication, Advertising and Public Relations<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n
\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t![\"Dana](\"\/com\/files\/2019\/11\/janbek_dana_35-1024x1024-2-310x504.jpg\")
\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tDana Janbek<\/h4>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Communication Director & Master Lecturer Department of Mass Communication, Advertising and Public Relations, Media Science<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n
- Media Communication <\/strong>majors tend to emphasize content creation and channel strategy leading to digital producer roles, and Mass Communication<\/strong> degrees tend to be more of a broad survey of media history, policy, and practice to train up generalists. There can be some overlap between the two.<\/li>
- Our Media Science<\/strong> BS emphasizes data and experiments that lead to careers in analytics and research. You\u2019ll study media effects, audience analytics, and evidence-based message design. It\u2019s ideal for data-curious creatives who want to test and refine campaigns with research. <\/li>
![\"A](\"\/com\/files\/2015\/08\/denis_wu-310x504.jpg\")
\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t![\"\"](\"\/com\/files\/2015\/08\/In-my-office-2-310x504.jpg\")
\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t