{"id":45872,"date":"2026-04-02T17:31:29","date_gmt":"2026-04-02T21:31:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/?post_type=bu-program-page&#038;p=45872"},"modified":"2026-04-02T17:31:31","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T21:31:31","slug":"frequently-asked-questions","status":"publish","type":"bu-program-page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/programs\/film-television\/ms-in-media-ventures\/frequently-asked-questions\/","title":{"rendered":"Media Ventures Frequently Asked Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"<article itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/FAQPage\">\n<h2>Program Focus &amp; Experience<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-bu-collapsible js-wp-block-bu-collapsible icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-is-the-ms-in-media-ventures-program\" data-default-open=\"false\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\">\n<h2 class=\"bu-collapsible-heading\"><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-is-the-ms-in-media-ventures-program-toggle\" itemprop=\"name\"><strong>What is the MS in Media Ventures program?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-is-the-ms-in-media-ventures-program-panel\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\">\n<div itemprop=\"text\">\n<p>The MS in Media Ventures is a fast-paced, 11-month full-time master\u2019s 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 \u2014 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-bu-collapsible js-wp-block-bu-collapsible icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-kind-of-experience-will-i-gain-in-the-program\" data-default-open=\"false\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\">\n<h2 class=\"bu-collapsible-heading\"><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-kind-of-experience-will-i-gain-in-the-program-toggle\" itemprop=\"name\"><strong>What kind of experience will I gain in the program?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-kind-of-experience-will-i-gain-in-the-program-panel\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\">\n<div itemprop=\"text\">\n<p>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 \u201cPitchfest,\u201d where students present their ventures to media executives, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals, often serving as a launchpad for professional opportunities or entrepreneurial growth.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-bu-collapsible js-wp-block-bu-collapsible icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-kinds-of-ventures-do-students-create\" data-default-open=\"false\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\">\n<h2 class=\"bu-collapsible-heading\"><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-kinds-of-ventures-do-students-create-toggle\" itemprop=\"name\"><strong>What kinds of ventures do students create?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-kinds-of-ventures-do-students-create-panel\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\">\n<div itemprop=\"text\">\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Curriculum &amp; Structure<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-bu-collapsible js-wp-block-bu-collapsible icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-how-long-is-the-program-and-where-is-it-based\" data-default-open=\"false\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\">\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-program-and-where-is-it-based-toggle\" itemprop=\"name\"><strong>How long is the program, and where is it based?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-how-long-is-the-program-and-where-is-it-based-panel\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\">\n<div itemprop=\"text\">\n<p>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\u2019s LA program) Because of the program\u2019s intensive structure, including internships and thesis work, it isn\u2019t offered part-time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-bu-collapsible js-wp-block-bu-collapsible icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-coursework-is-included\" data-default-open=\"false\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\">\n<h2 class=\"bu-collapsible-heading\"><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-coursework-is-included-toggle\" itemprop=\"name\"><strong>What coursework is included?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-coursework-is-included-panel\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\">\n<div itemprop=\"text\">\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-bu-collapsible js-wp-block-bu-collapsible icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-is-the-thesis-project\" data-default-open=\"false\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\">\n<h2 class=\"bu-collapsible-heading\"><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-is-the-thesis-project-toggle\" itemprop=\"name\"><strong>What is the thesis project?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-is-the-thesis-project-panel\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\">\n<div itemprop=\"text\">\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Admissions &amp; Eligibility<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-bu-collapsible js-wp-block-bu-collapsible icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-do-i-need-a-background-in-media-or-film-to-apply\" data-default-open=\"false\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\">\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-film-to-apply-toggle\" itemprop=\"name\"><strong>Do I need a background in media or film to apply?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-do-i-need-a-background-in-media-or-film-to-apply-panel\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\">\n<div itemprop=\"text\">\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-bu-collapsible js-wp-block-bu-collapsible icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-is-the-program-open-to-international-students-and-is-it-stem-eligible\" data-default-open=\"false\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\">\n<h2 class=\"bu-collapsible-heading\"><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-is-the-program-open-to-international-students-and-is-it-stem-eligible-toggle\" itemprop=\"name\"><strong>Is the program open to international students, and is it STEM-eligible?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-is-the-program-open-to-international-students-and-is-it-stem-eligible-panel\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\">\n<div itemprop=\"text\">\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Career Outcomes<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-bu-collapsible js-wp-block-bu-collapsible icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-careers-does-this-degree-prepare-me-for\" data-default-open=\"false\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\">\n<h2 class=\"bu-collapsible-heading\"><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-careers-does-this-degree-prepare-me-for-toggle\" itemprop=\"name\"><strong>What careers does this degree prepare me for?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-careers-does-this-degree-prepare-me-for-panel\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\">\n<div itemprop=\"text\">\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-bu-collapsible js-wp-block-bu-collapsible icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-how-does-the-program-support-industry-connections\" data-default-open=\"false\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\">\n<h2 class=\"bu-collapsible-heading\"><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-how-does-the-program-support-industry-connections-toggle\" itemprop=\"name\"><strong>How does the program support industry connections?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-how-does-the-program-support-industry-connections-panel\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\">\n<div itemprop=\"text\">\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Why Choose Media Ventures at BU?<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-bu-collapsible js-wp-block-bu-collapsible icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-how-is-media-ventures-different-from-other-media-or-business-programs\" data-default-open=\"false\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\">\n<h2 class=\"bu-collapsible-heading\"><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-how-is-media-ventures-different-from-other-media-or-business-programs-toggle\" itemprop=\"name\"><strong>How is Media Ventures different from other media or business programs?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-how-is-media-ventures-different-from-other-media-or-business-programs-panel\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\">\n<div itemprop=\"text\">\n<p>The MS in Media Ventures occupies a unique space within COM and beyond &#8211; it\u2019s purpose-built for media and entertainment innovation. Unlike a traditional MBA, it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-bu-collapsible js-wp-block-bu-collapsible icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-who-is-the-ms-in-media-ventures-a-good-fit-for\" data-default-open=\"false\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\">\n<h2 class=\"bu-collapsible-heading\"><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-who-is-the-ms-in-media-ventures-a-good-fit-for-toggle\" itemprop=\"name\"><strong>Who is the MS in Media Ventures a good fit for?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-who-is-the-ms-in-media-ventures-a-good-fit-for-panel\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\">\n<div itemprop=\"text\">\n<p>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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Program Focus &amp; Experience What is the MS in Media Ventures program? The MS in Media Ventures is a fast-paced,&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1654,"featured_media":0,"parent":28724,"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\/45872"}],"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\/45872\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":45873,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu-program-page\/45872\/revisions\/45873"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu-program-page\/28724"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=45872"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_page-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_page-type?post=45872"},{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_degree-option","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_degree-option?post=45872"},{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_education-level","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_education-level?post=45872"},{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_department-affiliation","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_department-affiliation?post=45872"},{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_format","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_format?post=45872"},{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_availability","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_availability?post=45872"},{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_location","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_location?post=45872"},{"taxonomy":"interest","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/interest?post=45872"},{"taxonomy":"discipline-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/discipline-type?post=45872"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}