Refine Your Approach to Digital Health Communication
The Master of Science in Health Communication concentration in Visual & Digital Health Communication examines the impact of the communication technology revolution on the field of health marketing and communication.
According to a report by Hootsuite and We Are Social, the number of active social media users is in the billions—and growing exponentially. With more than half the world’s population using social media, and with such rapid and continued expansion, it is essential to harness the power of this tool in your healthcare marketing and communication efforts.
Savvy communicators, marketers, and healthcare providers recognize that it takes effective storytelling and strategic social media practices to capture the engagement and participation of patients, consumers, or a desired target audience. How users experience social media, websites, mobile apps, videos, and branded content can make—or break—the success of an otherwise well-defined health campaign or project.
Program at a Glance
- Online
- 32 Credits
- 16–18 Months to Completion
- 13 Faculty
- No Capstone Required
- Tuition & Fees—Part-Time Study*: $24,640
*Based on 2024–2025 Boston University tuition and fees. Merit scholarship may reduce cost.
Advance Your Health Communication Career Using Design, Storytelling & Social Media
The Visual & Digital Health Communication concentration of BU MET’s MS in Health Communication delivers the fundamental principles of design and how to apply them to the creation of powerful health education and delivery application tools, such as infographics, data visualization graphics, videos, websites, mobile apps, and branded content. In addition, you will examine how social media is used in healthcare and why using it effectively and efficiently has become a necessary skill for many healthcare professionals. BU MET’s Health Communication master’s prepares you for professional communication roles within consumer- and business-facing corporations, government agencies, healthcare organizations and hospitals, PR and marketing agencies, nonprofit organizations, and other employers seeking to advocate for, educate, and influence audiences about health and wellness.
BU’s Health Communication program is unique, offered 100% online with asynchronous learning, while integrating communication and healthcare content in each course.
Awards & Accreditations
The course Visual Communication in the Digital Health Age (MET HC 762) received the 2017 Blackboard Catalyst Award for Teaching & Learning—a global honor recognizing excellence in delivering students a flexible, innovative online learning experience.
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Newsweek magazine ranked Boston University’s online programs #4 in the nation in its 2023 survey.
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What Is My Career Outlook as a Graduate of This Program?
132,960
Total number of US Jobs
15,361
Annual job openings
+2.5%
Annual job openings
Common job titles include:
- Communications Directors
- Public Relations Specialist
- Medical Writer
- Proposal Writers
- Healthcare Administrator or Manager
Employers seek expertise in:
- Public relations strategy
- Social media/community management
- Visual communication
- Digital marketing
- Writing for healthcare
- Health campaign development & execution
Source: Lightcast, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
“Shortly after completing the program, I was offered a new position that I attribute to my educational advancement. I previously worked as a Clinical Content Writer and now I’m a Senior Clinical Content Strategist. This program taught me the skills necessary to work in this role (and I believe future roles are to come).” Read more.
Raina Cordell (MET’23)
Senior Clinical Content Strategist, Evernorth Health Services (Cigna Group)
MS, Health Communication; Concentration, Visual & Digital Health Communication
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Why Earn Your Master’s in Health Communication at Boston University?
- Active Learning Environment: BU MET’s Health Communication program provides practical, hands-on education that you can apply on the job.
- Career Counseling: MET’s Career Development office and BU’s Center for Career Development offer a variety of job-hunting resources, including one-on-one career counseling by appointment for both online and on-campus students.
- Engaged Faculty: In BU MET’s Health Communication program, you benefit from working closely with experienced health professionals and faculty experts from across Boston University, including the College of Communication, School of Public Health, and Metropolitan College.
- Extensive Network: Study principles of healthcare and communication alongside peers with industry experience, learn from faculty who have valuable contacts in the field, and benefit from an alumni community with strong professional connections.
- 15:1 Class Ratio: Enjoy an exceptional student-to-instructor ratio, ensuring close interaction with faculty and access to support.
- Valuable Resources: Make use of Boston University’s extensive resources, including the Center for Career Development, Educational Resource Center, Fitness & Recreation Center, IT Help Centers, Mugar Memorial Library, Center for Antiracist Research, Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground, George Sherman Union, Rafik B. Hariri Institute for Computing and Computational Science & Engineering, and many others.
- 100% Online: Study at the pace that works for you, fully online. Online courses have two starts per term.
- Merit Scholarships: US citizens and permanent residents are automatically considered during the application process and nominated based on eligibility. Learn more.
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Healthcare Communication
The Visual & Digital Health Communication concentration is part of BU MET’s Master of Science in Health Communication (MSHC). Developed in 2008 by Boston University’s Metropolitan College and College of Communication, the MSHC was the first degree of its type to be offered fully online. The MSHC is part of BU’s Health Communication program, which also includes the Graduate Certificate in Foundations of Health Communication, the Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Promotion, Media & Marketing, and the Graduate Certificate in Visual & Digital Health Communication.
Designed for professional health communicators and those looking to transition into the field, BU’s Health Communication program offers a multidisciplinary curriculum that focuses on the intersection of healthcare, marketing, health literacy, public relations, and digital media in order to prepare students for the breadth of issues they will encounter as health communicators—from medical breakthroughs and the development of new products to government policies and public health challenges, and many others.
Taught by full-time university professors and leading professionals practicing in the field, coursework is practical and immediately applicable on the job. The program faculty create a dynamic learning environment by blending theory, practice, and scholarship in every course. The program curriculum, offered fully online, is designed to broaden and deepen students’ understanding of communications, PR, marketing, health sciences, and public health, as well as issues of privacy, regulation, ethics, health equity, and cultural humility.
Graduate with Expertise in Healthcare Communication
Metropolitan College’s Health Communication master’s degree concentration in Visual & Digital Health Communication will equip you to:
- Employ design and use social media strategies in health messaging to educate diverse populations, build brand reputation, and manage threats in a crisis—within the bounds of patient privacy, copyright, and regulatory considerations.
- Demonstrate proficiency in creating digital images and visual assets—including infographics, branded content, video, data visualization graphics, webpages, and mobile page design—that purposefully and ethically help bridge digital divides in health education and comprehension.
Certificate-to-Degree Pathway
You can also earn the master’s in Health Communication with a concentration in Visual & Digital Health Communication by completing the Graduate Certificate in Foundations of Health Communication and the Graduate Certificate in Visual & Digital Health Communication. Students currently enrolled in a graduate certificate who are interested in transitioning into a master’s degree should contact their academic advisor to declare their interest in this pathway. A new master’s degree application is not required. Connect with a graduate admissions advisor at metmshc@bu.edu to learn more about this option.
Master’s in Health Communication Curriculum
Boston University’s online Master of Science in Health Communication consists of eight required online courses (32 credits).
Core Courses
(Four courses/16 credits)
MET HC 550 US Healthcare System
Sprg ‘25
This course provides students with basic knowledge of how the health care system in the U.S. is structured, and the policies, stakeholders and complexities impacting access to care, costs, quality and equity among various populations. Drawing on multiple views and opinions, students build on their perspectives as they critically analyze pros and cons of health system fundamentals. Students then apply their knowledge to a series of practical written assignments that help build a strategic plan for improving the health outcomes of an underserved population in their home state. An emphasis is placed on written and oral delivery of final project campaigns.
Please note: This 4-credit course meets over a 7-week period. Students should expect about twice the weekly workload of a 14-week course. [ 4 cr. ]
Section |
Type |
Instructor |
Location |
Days |
Times |
O2 |
IND |
Lane |
|
ARR |
12:00 am – 12:00 am |
MET HC 559 Health Communication Principles and Strategies
Sprg ‘25
This foundational course examines and bridges the theory and practice of interpersonal, organizational, mass communication, and digital media relevant to the professional communicator and health practitioner alike. It reviews strategies of persuasion, the relationship between attitudes and health behavior through the lifespan, and the changing nature of health, illness and health delivery in local and global arenas. Students consider how the Social Determinants of Health (where we live, learn, work and play) impact health behaviors and outcomes for diverse populations. Starting with the history of health communication, students gain insight into the evolution of this emerging discipline, from public health education to its broader place in the marketing mix through recent decades. Guided by case studies, research and analysis, students explore the health communication cycle and strategic planning process using frames, channels and tools best suited for reaching behavioral, social, and organizational objectives. The course shifts from theoretical to practical, giving students hands-on experience developing a strategic health communication campaign that considers culture, age, gender and health literacy, to effectively -- and measurably -- influence health outcomes for its intended audience.
Please note: This 4-credit course meets over a 7-week period. Students should expect about twice the weekly workload of a 14-week course. [ 4 cr. ]
Section |
Type |
Instructor |
Location |
Days |
Times |
O1 |
IND |
Agudelo |
|
ARR |
12:00 am – 12:00 am |
MET HC 560 Research Methods for Health Communication
There is a growing demand for professionals with the skills to collect, analyze and interpret data. This course prepares students with essential knowledge of primary research methods, and how to apply them -- accurately and ethically -- to the practice of health communication. Beginning with the basics of research design and evaluation, the course progresses through qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods, survey design, descriptive statistics, focus groups and other approaches, with the goal of helping health communication professionals create meaningful, data- driven strategies, stories and content. Students will practice analyzing, interpreting and writing about various health studies presented throughout the course. Also emphasized is the application of research to advertising messaging and public relations strategies.
Please note: This 4-credit course meets over a 7-week period. Students should expect about twice the weekly workload of a 14-week course. [ 4 cr. ]
MET HC 561 Writing for Health
Effectively communicating knowledge, methods, language and terminology from the complex fields of health, science and medicine- and writing about them plainly- requires an advanced command of language, and proficient use of health literacy principles. If writing does not come naturally to you, this course will introduce you to those health literacy principles, as well as formats and processes for developing materials with confidence. If you're a more experienced writer, get ready to hone your skills using best practices for creating various kinds of health content. Throughout the course you'll analyze different audience needs and refine writing strategies, style, voice, and vocabulary to accommodate each audience. You'll also practice essential writing qualities, including clarity and brevity, alongside advanced grammar, sentence structure and writing mechanics. Assignments include writing, revising, and editing clear, accurate, audience-appropriate content for a journalistic news report; a patient education print brochure; narrative feature storytelling; a health-related blog; scriptwriting for a visual public service announcement, and social media writing to promote your content
Please note: This 4-credit course meets over a 7- week period. Students should expect about twice the weekly workload of a 14-week course. [ 4 cr. ]
Visual & Digital Health Communication Concentration Requirements
(Four courses/16 credits)
MET HC 762 Visual Communication in the Digital Health Age
Over the past two decades, the power of visuals in learning and retention has been increasingly recognized -- attributing as much as 80 of retention to information that is visually communicated. In a recent study, 85 of working professionals agreed that creative thinking is critical for problem solving in their career, and 71% say creative thinking should be taught as a course, like math and science. The efficacy of the use of visual symbols has also been recognized for bridging language barriers in health care settings. This course provides health communication professionals the fundamental principles of design and how these relate to effective communication, particularly in health education and delivery applications. Course lectures and resources will guide students from visual design theory, straight through content creation and measuring effectiveness of visual messaging. Students will explore various media and tools used to create digital images and get hands-on practice in the image editing process. Topics include conceptual design, critical thinking in the creation of practical design, how design relates to industry, human perception and the visual process, and the use of symbols for immediacy and to bridge cultural and literacy divides. In addition to exploring popular digital vehicles for visual storytelling, such as infographics, data visualization, video and mobile, the course will also present real- world challenges, such as ethics and regulations in digital communications, as well as business processes. Course requires access to a smartphone with camera and video capability or a digital camera/video.
Please note: This 4-credit course meets over a 7- week period. Students should expect about twice the weekly workload of a 14-week course. [ 4 cr. ]
MET HC 763 Social Media Strategies and Tactics for Healthcare
Sprg ‘25
The course examines how healthcare organizations are tapping the power of social media to listen, learn, engage and act. This course helps students understand the power and importance of this fundamental shift in communication, and how savvy health care organizations are turning this shift into a strategic advantage. Together, we will examine the impact of the communication technology revolution on the field of health marketing and communication. Through extensive readings, case studies, project assignments, hands-on use of social media and weekly discussions, students will explore the extraordinary health communication challenges and opportunities driven by social media -- as well as the new and daunting problems and threats social media present to healthcare organizations. Students will learn how social media is used in health care and why using it effectively and efficiently has become a necessary skill for many health care professionals. As part of this course, students have the opportunity to earn the Mayo-Hootsuite Social Media Basics Certification, and participate in the Mayo Clinic Social Media Network community.
Please note: This 4-credit course meets over a 7-week period. Students should expect about twice the weekly workload of a 14-week course. [ 4 cr. ]
Section |
Type |
Instructor |
Location |
Days |
Times |
O2 |
IND |
Ruland |
|
ARR |
12:00 am – 12:00 am |
Plus two of the following:
MET HC 651 Epidemiology for Health Communication
This course is recommended for students who are not Epidemiology concentrators. The purpose of this course is to introduce the basic principles and methods of epidemiology and demonstrate their applicability in the field of public health. A further objective is to provide an introduction to the basic skills needed to critically interpret the epidemiologic literature relevant to public health professionals.
Please note: This 4-credit course meets over a 7-week period. Students should expect about twice the weekly workload of a 14-week course. [ 4 cr. ]
MET HC 652 Biology of Disease
This course, designed for students who have little or no background in the biological sciences, provides a foundation in the biological mechanisms and principles underlying major health problems. Selected health problems are explored from a biological perspective in order to provide fundamental information about infectious and non-infectious agents of disease, disease transmission, biological defense mechanisms, co-evolution of man and microbes, the effects of nutritional deficiency and excess, effects of respiratory exposures, the biology of cancer, aging, and other topics. Each student completing this course should be able to knowledgeably participate in a discussion of related health problems with a basic understanding of the terminology, and the underlying biological mechanisms.
Please note: This 4- credit course meets over a 7-week period. Students should expect about twice the weekly workload of a 14-week course. [ 4 cr. ]
MET HC 655 Healthcare Marketing Strategies
This course provides an in-depth understanding of the essential concepts of marketing and their application to health care. Students gain a working knowledge of marketing tools (such as pricing, promotion, channels, consumer behavior, brand equity, and segmentation) and how to use them. Students build practical applied skills in analyzing marketing problems and developing marketing programs and strategies, with particular attention to health care and its organizational structures, financing, technologies, market demands, laws, and regulations. Students also expand their understanding of the differences and similarities between marketing in for- profit and not-for-profit health care organizations, and they increase their appreciation of the role of data collection, analysis, interpretation, and management in marketing decisions.
Please note: This 4-credit course meets over a 7-week period. Students should expect about twice the weekly workload of a 14-week course. [ 4 cr. ]
MET HC 656 Healthcare Public Relations
Sprg ‘25
Provides an overview of the professional principles and practices in public relations for corporate, governmental, agency and nonprofit organizations. Includes history, organization, and scope of the field; its roots in social science; types of campaigns and programs; and professional ethics. Theories, strategies, and tactics in current practice emphasized and applied to health communication. Explores opportunities and requirements for work in the field. Students will learn to apply the basic public relations campaign planning model and examine public relations specialty practice areas including media relations, community relations, government relations, crisis communication, investor relations and employee communication.
Please note: This 4-credit course meets over a 7-week period. Students should expect about twice the weekly workload of a 14-week course. [ 4 cr. ]
Section |
Type |
Instructor |
Location |
Days |
Times |
O1 |
IND |
Joseph |
|
ARR |
12:00 am – 12:00 am |
MET HC 657 Digital Marketing for Healthcare
An overview of the theories, practices, and techniques in the dynamic field of interactive marketing communications (IAMC). Students gain an understanding of the strategy and tactics of IAMC and its place in the more comprehensive field of marketing communications. In addition, students review IAMC's relationship to and its effects on society, culture, and the economic system. The course will explore almost all the ways interactive marketing can be practiced via the Internet: historical introduction, dotcom era, basic principles, database marketing, etail, email, search (SEO & SEM/PPC), display advertising, social networking, gaming, mobile, et al.
Please note: This 4-credit course meets over a 7-week period. Students should expect about twice the weekly workload of a 14-week course. [ 4 cr. ]
MET HC 658 Media Relations for Healthcare
Students learn publicity techniques used in mass media communication, including working with daily and weekly newspapers, magazines, radio, television, film and online media. The course will examine the principles and practices of working with mass media ""gatekeepers"" to accomplish campaign objectives as well as strategies and tactics for communicating directly with audiences through new media. Students will develop knowledge and skills related to the production and use of media relations tools with a focus on health communication. Case studies will be employed to understand the challenges and opportunities inherent in working with mass media as well as the special demands and practices associated with crisis communication. The course will also explore the roles of interactive and social media.
Please note: This 4-credit course meets over a 7-week period. Students should expect about twice the weekly workload of a 14-week course. [ 4 cr. ]
Health Communication Faculty
Tuition & Financial Assistance
Competitive Tuition
Our part-time rates are substantially lower than those of the traditional, full-time residential programs yet provide access to the same high-quality BU education.
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Comprehensive Financial Assistance
Our services include
scholarships, graduate loans, and payment plans.
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How Much Does This Program Cost?
Tuition, fees, and total program cost are determined by enrollment status. Course enrollment in this program is 1–2 courses (4–8 credits) in a semester, and tuition is charged as a part-time per-credit rate.
MS in Health Communication, Visual & Digital Health Communication Concentration (Online)
Enrollment Status |
Part Time |
Courses per Semester |
2 courses (8 credits) |
Time to Degree |
4 semesters (16 months) |
Tuition* |
$550-$975 per credit** |
Fees per Semester* |
$60 |
Total Degree Cost* |
$24,640 |
*Based on 2024-2025 Boston University tuition & fee rates.
**Cost per credit is determined by course number (100–599 = $550/credit, 600–999 = $975/credit).
Questions? Please contact us to hear from an Admissions Advisor who can help you determine the best enrollment pathway. For information regarding financial aid, visit BU MET’s Financial Aid page.
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Please visit the BU MET admissions page for details on how to apply, financial assistance, tuition and fees, requirements for international students, and more.
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