{"id":45609,"date":"2026-03-18T16:05:06","date_gmt":"2026-03-18T20:05:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/?post_type=bu-program-page&#038;p=45609"},"modified":"2026-03-18T16:05:08","modified_gmt":"2026-03-18T20:05:08","slug":"frequently-asked-questions","status":"publish","type":"bu-program-page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/programs\/media-science\/ms-in-media-science\/frequently-asked-questions\/","title":{"rendered":"MS in Media Science Frequently Asked Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"<article itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/FAQPage>\n<h2>Program Focus &#038; Experience<\/h2>\n<div itemprop=mainEntity class=\"icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain js-wp-block-bu-collapsible wp-block-bu-collapsible\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-is-the-focus-of-the-ms-in-media-science-program-at-boston-university itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Question data-default-open=false>\n<h2 class=bu-collapsible-heading><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-is-the-focus-of-the-ms-in-media-science-program-at-boston-university-toggle itemprop=name><strong>What is the focus of the MS in Media Science program at Boston University?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=acceptedAnswer class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-is-the-focus-of-the-ms-in-media-science-program-at-boston-university-panel itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer>\n<div itemprop=text>\n<p>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&#8217;s in mass communication with rigorous research, analytics, and data-driven media strategy skills.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div itemprop=mainEntity class=\"icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain js-wp-block-bu-collapsible wp-block-bu-collapsible\"id=bu-collapsible-id-can-i-specialize-within-the-media-science-program itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Question data-default-open=false>\n<h2 class=bu-collapsible-heading><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\"id=bu-collapsible-id-can-i-specialize-within-the-media-science-program-toggle itemprop=name><strong>Can I specialize within the Media Science program?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=acceptedAnswer class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\"id=bu-collapsible-id-can-i-specialize-within-the-media-science-program-panel itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer>\n<div itemprop=text>\n<p>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\u2019s also OPT STEM-eligible for international students.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div itemprop=mainEntity class=\"icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain js-wp-block-bu-collapsible wp-block-bu-collapsible\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-kinds-of-hands-on-experiences-are-available itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Question data-default-open=false>\n<h2 class=bu-collapsible-heading><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-kinds-of-hands-on-experiences-are-available-toggle itemprop=name><strong>What kinds of hands-on experiences are available?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=acceptedAnswer class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-kinds-of-hands-on-experiences-are-available-panel itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer>\n<div itemprop=text>\n<p>Students gain real-world experience through multiple avenues, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Internships in Boston, across the US, or internationally (e.g. London)\n<li>Faculty-led research projects through the Communication Research Center (CRC)\n<li>A potential thesis project\n<li>Participation in student media and creative outlets like: COMLab, a multiplatform media startup; The COMmunicator, COM\u2019s official student-run multimedia website<\/ul>\n<p>These experiences help students build a professional portfolio and apply strategic media, research, and content skills.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div itemprop=mainEntity class=\"icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain js-wp-block-bu-collapsible wp-block-bu-collapsible\"id=bu-collapsible-id-is-the-ms-in-media-science-stem-eligible itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Question data-default-open=false>\n<h2 class=bu-collapsible-heading><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\"id=bu-collapsible-id-is-the-ms-in-media-science-stem-eligible-toggle itemprop=name><strong>Is the MS in Media Science STEM-eligible?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=acceptedAnswer class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\"id=bu-collapsible-id-is-the-ms-in-media-science-stem-eligible-panel itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer>\n<div itemprop=text>\n<p>Yes. The MS in Media Science is OPT STEM-eligible, which can extend work authorization for international students following graduation.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div itemprop=mainEntity class=\"icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain js-wp-block-bu-collapsible wp-block-bu-collapsible\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-research-facilities-and-tools-are-available itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Question data-default-open=false>\n<h2 class=bu-collapsible-heading><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-research-facilities-and-tools-are-available-toggle itemprop=name><strong>What research facilities and tools are available?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=acceptedAnswer class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-research-facilities-and-tools-are-available-panel itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer>\n<div itemprop=text>\n<p>Students have access to world-class research infrastructure, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>COM\u2019s Communication Research Center (CRC), which supports faculty and graduate research\n<li>Zimmerman Family Social Activation Center for advanced social media analysis and digital engagement.<\/ul>\n<p>These facilities give you both creative and analytical tools to excel in media research and practice.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div itemprop=mainEntity class=\"icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain js-wp-block-bu-collapsible wp-block-bu-collapsible\"id=bu-collapsible-id-why-study-media-science-in-boston itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Question data-default-open=false>\n<h2 class=bu-collapsible-heading><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\"id=bu-collapsible-id-why-study-media-science-in-boston-toggle itemprop=name><strong>Why study Media Science in Boston?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=acceptedAnswer class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\"id=bu-collapsible-id-why-study-media-science-in-boston-panel itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer>\n<div itemprop=text>\n<p>Boston is a major hub for media, technology, startups, healthcare, creative agencies, and research organizations. The city\u2019s dynamic media ecosystem provides rich opportunities for internships, networking, and career growth in strategic media planning, political communication, health messaging, digital strategy, and more.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Curriculum &#038; Structure<\/h2>\n<div itemprop=mainEntity class=\"icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain js-wp-block-bu-collapsible wp-block-bu-collapsible\"id=bu-collapsible-id-how-long-does-the-ms-in-media-science-take itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Question data-default-open=false>\n<h2 class=bu-collapsible-heading><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\"id=bu-collapsible-id-how-long-does-the-ms-in-media-science-take-toggle itemprop=name><strong>How long does the MS in Media Science take?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=acceptedAnswer class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\"id=bu-collapsible-id-how-long-does-the-ms-in-media-science-take-panel itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer>\n<div itemprop=text>\n<p>The MS in Media Science is a three-semester, full-time program typically completed in approximately 18 months.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div itemprop=mainEntity class=\"icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain js-wp-block-bu-collapsible wp-block-bu-collapsible\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-are-the-required-courses itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Question data-default-open=false>\n<h2 class=bu-collapsible-heading><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-are-the-required-courses-toggle itemprop=name><strong>What are the required courses?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=acceptedAnswer class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-are-the-required-courses-panel itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer>\n<div itemprop=text>\n<p>The program consists of 12 courses (48 credits). Core courses include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Political Campaigns, Health Campaigns, or Marketing Communication\n<li>Design Strategy &#038; Software\n<li>Media Writing\n<li>Media Theory\n<li>Media Law &#038; Policy\n<li>Communication Research Methods\n<li>Social Media Strategy<\/ul>\n<p>The curriculum builds expertise in media creation, research methods, and strategic communication evaluation.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div itemprop=mainEntity class=\"icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain js-wp-block-bu-collapsible wp-block-bu-collapsible\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-electives-are-available itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Question data-default-open=false>\n<h2 class=bu-collapsible-heading><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-electives-are-available-toggle itemprop=name><strong>What electives are available?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=acceptedAnswer class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-electives-are-available-panel itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer>\n<div itemprop=text>\n<p>Students complete four electives (16 credits) that allow customization of the degree. Elective offerings may include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Media Disruption\n<li>Children and Media\n<li>Advanced Media Writing\n<li>Advanced Communication Research Methods\n<li>Sampling and Measurement Techniques\n<li>Integrated Marketing Communication\n<li>Graduate Internship\n<li>International Communication\n<li>Data Analytics and UX-related electives (especially in the Marketing Communication Research concentration)<\/ul>\n<p>Electives help you tailor your MS in Media Science for specific interests and career pathways.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div itemprop=mainEntity class=\"icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain js-wp-block-bu-collapsible wp-block-bu-collapsible\"id=bu-collapsible-id-is-there-a-data-analytics-certificate-option itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Question data-default-open=false>\n<h2 class=bu-collapsible-heading><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\"id=bu-collapsible-id-is-there-a-data-analytics-certificate-option-toggle itemprop=name><strong>Is there a data analytics certificate option?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=acceptedAnswer class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\"id=bu-collapsible-id-is-there-a-data-analytics-certificate-option-panel itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer>\n<div itemprop=text>\n<p>Yes. Students in the Marketing Communication Research concentration can pursue a Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics through BU&#8217;s Metropolitan College without extending the duration of their master&#8217;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.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div itemprop=mainEntity class=\"icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain js-wp-block-bu-collapsible wp-block-bu-collapsible\"id=bu-collapsible-id-can-i-complete-an-internship-abroad itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Question data-default-open=false>\n<h2 class=bu-collapsible-heading><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\"id=bu-collapsible-id-can-i-complete-an-internship-abroad-toggle itemprop=name><strong>Can I complete an internship abroad?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=acceptedAnswer class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\"id=bu-collapsible-id-can-i-complete-an-internship-abroad-panel itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer>\n<div itemprop=text>\n<p>Yes. Through BU&#8217;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.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Career Outcomes &#038; Alumni<\/h2>\n<div itemprop=mainEntity class=\"icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain js-wp-block-bu-collapsible wp-block-bu-collapsible\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-careers-can-this-degree-prepare-me-for itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Question data-default-open=false>\n<h2 class=bu-collapsible-heading><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-careers-can-this-degree-prepare-me-for-toggle itemprop=name><strong>What careers can this degree prepare me for?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=acceptedAnswer class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-careers-can-this-degree-prepare-me-for-panel itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer>\n<div itemprop=text>\n<p>Graduates pursue a wide range of strategic media and research roles, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Strategic Media Planner\n<li>Market Research Analyst or Consumer Insights Specialist\n<li>UX Researcher\n<li>Social Media Strategist\n<li>Brand or Content Strategist\n<li>Media Evaluation or Analytics Specialist\n<li>Marketing Manager\n<li>Researcher (academic or applied)\n<li>Media Research Manager<\/ul>\n<p>The program prepares students for careers that require a mix of media strategy, creative communication, and empirical analysis.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div itemprop=mainEntity class=\"icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain js-wp-block-bu-collapsible wp-block-bu-collapsible\"id=bu-collapsible-id-where-do-alumni-work itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Question data-default-open=false>\n<h2 class=bu-collapsible-heading><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\"id=bu-collapsible-id-where-do-alumni-work-toggle itemprop=name><strong>Where do alumni work?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=acceptedAnswer class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\"id=bu-collapsible-id-where-do-alumni-work-panel itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer>\n<div itemprop=text>\n<p>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.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div itemprop=mainEntity class=\"icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain js-wp-block-bu-collapsible wp-block-bu-collapsible\"id=bu-collapsible-id-how-successful-are-graduates-in-finding-jobs itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Question data-default-open=false>\n<h2 class=bu-collapsible-heading><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\"id=bu-collapsible-id-how-successful-are-graduates-in-finding-jobs-toggle itemprop=name><strong>How successful are graduates in finding jobs?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=acceptedAnswer class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\"id=bu-collapsible-id-how-successful-are-graduates-in-finding-jobs-panel itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer>\n<div itemprop=text>\n<p>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.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div itemprop=mainEntity class=\"icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain js-wp-block-bu-collapsible wp-block-bu-collapsible\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-skills-do-graduates-have itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Question data-default-open=false>\n<h2 class=bu-collapsible-heading><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-skills-do-graduates-have-toggle itemprop=name><strong>What skills do graduates have?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=acceptedAnswer class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-skills-do-graduates-have-panel itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer>\n<div itemprop=text>\n<p>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.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div itemprop=mainEntity class=\"icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain js-wp-block-bu-collapsible wp-block-bu-collapsible\"id=bu-collapsible-id-can-this-degree-lead-to-a-phd itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Question data-default-open=false>\n<h2 class=bu-collapsible-heading><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\"id=bu-collapsible-id-can-this-degree-lead-to-a-phd-toggle itemprop=name><strong>Can this degree lead to a PhD?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=acceptedAnswer class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\"id=bu-collapsible-id-can-this-degree-lead-to-a-phd-panel itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer>\n<div itemprop=text>\n<p>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.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Program Focus &#038; Experience What is the focus of the MS in Media Science program at Boston University? The MS&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1654,"featured_media":0,"parent":28735,"menu_order":2,"template":"","meta":{"_editor_template":""},"bu_progs_page-type":[1493],"bu_progs_degree-option":[],"bu_progs_education-level":[],"bu_progs_department-affiliation":[],"bu_progs_format":[],"bu_progs_availability":[],"bu_progs_location":[],"interest":[],"discipline-type":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu-program-page\/45609"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu-program-page"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/bu-program-page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1654"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu-program-page\/45609\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":45610,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu-program-page\/45609\/revisions\/45610"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu-program-page\/28735"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=45609"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_page-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_page-type?post=45609"},{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_degree-option","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_degree-option?post=45609"},{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_education-level","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_education-level?post=45609"},{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_department-affiliation","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_department-affiliation?post=45609"},{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_format","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_format?post=45609"},{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_availability","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_availability?post=45609"},{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_location","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_location?post=45609"},{"taxonomy":"interest","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/interest?post=45609"},{"taxonomy":"discipline-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/discipline-type?post=45609"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}