{"id":45626,"date":"2026-03-18T16:29:59","date_gmt":"2026-03-18T20:29:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/?post_type=bu-program-page&#038;p=45626"},"modified":"2026-03-18T16:29:59","modified_gmt":"2026-03-18T20:29:59","slug":"frequently-asked-questions","status":"publish","type":"bu-program-page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/programs\/emerging-media-studies\/ma-in-emerging-media-studies\/frequently-asked-questions\/","title":{"rendered":"MA in Emerging Media Studies Frequently Asked Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"<article itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/FAQPage>\n<h2>Program Overview &#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-ma-in-emerging-media-studies-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-ma-in-emerging-media-studies-at-boston-university-toggle itemprop=name><strong>What is the MA in Emerging Media Studies 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-ma-in-emerging-media-studies-at-boston-university-panel itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer>\n<div itemprop=text>\n<p>The MA in Emerging Media Studies (MA EMS) at BU\u2019s College of Communication is a STEM-designated, research-driven graduate program. It explores how technologies like big data, AI, social media, VR\/AR, streaming platforms, and interactive media influence human behavior and society.Unlike traditional communication degrees, MA EMS blends social science, data analytics, psychology, and media theory to address the evolving digital landscape.<\/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-kind-of-learning-experience-does-the-program-offer 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-kind-of-learning-experience-does-the-program-offer-toggle itemprop=name><strong>What kind of learning experience does the program offer?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=acceptedAnswer class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-kind-of-learning-experience-does-the-program-offer-panel itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer>\n<div itemprop=text>\n<p>Students engage in a high-impact mix of theory and applied research. Coursework includes social media analytics, data visualization, media effects, user behavior, and interactive media, paired with hands-on research projects.<\/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-is-the-collaboratory-research-experience 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-collaboratory-research-experience-toggle itemprop=name><strong>What is the \u201cCollaboratory\u201d research experience?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=acceptedAnswer class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-is-the-collaboratory-research-experience-panel itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer>\n<div itemprop=text>\n<p>A defining feature of the program is a year-long collaborative research seminar, where students work in teams to solve real-world challenges for external clients, including tech companies, nonprofits, or civic organizations. Graduates leave with a professional research portfolio showcasing their ability to provide applied analysis and strategic insights.<\/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-tools-and-methodologies-will-i-learn 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-tools-and-methodologies-will-i-learn-toggle itemprop=name><strong>What research tools and methodologies will I learn?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=acceptedAnswer class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-research-tools-and-methodologies-will-i-learn-panel itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer>\n<div itemprop=text>\n<p>The curriculum provides hands-on training in cutting-edge tools, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Big data analysis and social media scraping\n<li>Network analysis and sentiment analysis\n<li>Experimental design and surveys\n<li>User experience (UX) and audience behavior research methods<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Program Structure &#038; Curriculum<\/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-is-the-ma-in-emerging-media-studies-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-how-long-is-the-ma-in-emerging-media-studies-program-toggle itemprop=name><strong>How long is the MA in Emerging Media Studies program?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=acceptedAnswer class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\"id=bu-collapsible-id-how-long-is-the-ma-in-emerging-media-studies-program-panel itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer>\n<div itemprop=text>\n<p>The program is designed to be completed in three semesters (fall, spring, and fall). Part-time enrollment options may be available for students who need additional flexibility.<\/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-courses-are-included-in-the-curriculum 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-courses-are-included-in-the-curriculum-toggle itemprop=name><strong>What courses are included in the curriculum?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=acceptedAnswer class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-courses-are-included-in-the-curriculum-panel itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer>\n<div itemprop=text>\n<p>Coursework covers areas such as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Social data analysis and visualization\n<li>Media psychology and media effects\n<li>Human interaction with emerging media\n<li>Interactive and digital media design\n<li>Networked communication\n<li>Critical theory of media and technology<\/ul>\n<p>Electives allow students to specialize in areas such as UX research, data science, media policy, digital strategy, or creative content design. Approved electives from other Boston University departments may also be available.<\/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-is-the-final-capstone-project 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-final-capstone-project-toggle itemprop=name><strong>What is the final capstone project?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=acceptedAnswer class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-is-the-final-capstone-project-panel itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer>\n<div itemprop=text>\n<p>Students complete a capstone through the collaborative research seminar, presenting their findings at the annual #Screentime conference. This ensures that graduates have client-facing experience and a polished portfolio before entering the job market.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Career Outcomes<\/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-are-available-for-ma-in-emerging-media-studies-graduates 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-are-available-for-ma-in-emerging-media-studies-graduates-toggle itemprop=name><strong>What careers are available for MA in Emerging Media Studies graduates?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=acceptedAnswer class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-careers-are-available-for-ma-in-emerging-media-studies-graduates-panel itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer>\n<div itemprop=text>\n<p>Graduates pursue careers across media, technology, research, and strategy, including roles in:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>UX research and design\n<li>Data and media analytics\n<li>Social media and digital strategy\n<li>Digital marketing and content strategy\n<li>Media consulting and policy research\n<li>Public relations and strategic communication\n<li>Technology and platform companies<\/ul>\n<p>Some graduates also continue into PhD programs or advanced research-focused 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-how-is-this-program-different-from-a-traditional-communication-degrees 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-is-this-program-different-from-a-traditional-communication-degrees-toggle itemprop=name><strong>How is this program different from a traditional communication degrees?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=acceptedAnswer class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\"id=bu-collapsible-id-how-is-this-program-different-from-a-traditional-communication-degrees-panel itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer>\n<div itemprop=text>\n<p>While traditional programs may focus on journalism, mass communication, or historical media analysis, the MA EMS focuses on emerging and future-facing media technologies.The program treats media as measurable social systems, combining data-driven research, theory, and applied problem-solving. This approach prepares graduates to work at the intersection of technology, media, design, policy, and social impact.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Admissions &#038; Application<\/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-is-this-a-stem-designated-program-for-international-students 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-this-a-stem-designated-program-for-international-students-toggle itemprop=name><strong>Is this a STEM-designated program for international students?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=acceptedAnswer class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\"id=bu-collapsible-id-is-this-a-stem-designated-program-for-international-students-panel itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer>\n<div itemprop=text>\n<p>Yes. The MA EMS is STEM-designated, making international graduates eligible for the 36-month OPT extension to work in the United States after 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-do-i-need-a-background-in-media-or-communications-to-apply 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-do-i-need-a-background-in-media-or-communications-to-apply-toggle itemprop=name><strong>Do I need a background in media or communications to apply?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=acceptedAnswer class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\"id=bu-collapsible-id-do-i-need-a-background-in-media-or-communications-to-apply-panel itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer>\n<div itemprop=text>\n<p>No. We welcome applicants from all academic and backgrounds, including sociology, psychology, computer science, business, etc., who are interested in emerging media, data analysis, user behavior, technology, and social impact.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Why Choose BU\u2019s MA in Emerging Media Studies?<\/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-makes-the-ma-ems-at-bu-unique 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-makes-the-ma-ems-at-bu-unique-toggle itemprop=name><strong>What makes the MA EMS at BU unique?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=acceptedAnswer class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-makes-the-ma-ems-at-bu-unique-panel itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer>\n<div itemprop=text>\n<p>BU offers a rare combination of interdisciplinary faculty and a location in one of the world\u2019s premier tech and research hubs. You\u2019re not just studying the media of today; you\u2019re building the framework to understand the media of tomorrow.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Program Overview &#038; Experience What is the MA in Emerging Media Studies at Boston University? 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