Master’s in Media Science

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

Boston University

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Media Science at Boston University prepares students to understand how audiences interact with media, why certain messages influence people's attitudes and behaviours, and how organisations can use research and data to improve communication strategies. The programme combines communication theory, audience research, digital media, writing, and data analytics, allowing students to specialise in Health Communication, Political Communication, or Marketing Communication while developing the skills to design, implement, and evaluate effective media campaigns.

Curriculum Structure

The programme consists of 48 credits across 12 courses and can be completed in three semesters of full-time study. Students complete eight core courses and four electives, combining professional writing, media theory, research methods, digital communication, and a selected concentration.

Year 1: Students establish a foundation in media communication, research, and professional writing through courses such as Basic Media Writing, Writing for Media Professionals, Media Theory, and Design Strategy and Software. They learn how to develop effective media messages, understand audience behaviour, and apply communication theories to professional situations. Through Communication Research Methods, students explore quantitative and qualitative research techniques, including research design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation. They also study Media Law and Policy, examining copyright, privacy, advertising regulations, and the legal responsibilities of communication professionals. Students select a concentration course in Political Campaigns, Health Campaigns, or Marketing Communication to begin developing specialist expertise.

Year 2: Students strengthen their strategic and analytical abilities through advanced coursework and specialised electives. In Social Media Strategy, they learn to use social media analytics software, collect audience data, analyse online conversations, and evaluate the effectiveness of communication campaigns. Depending on their interests, students can explore subjects such as Media Effects, Advanced Communication Research Methods, Design and Interactive Experiences, Sampling Design and Measurement Techniques, and Advanced Writing for Media Professionals. They can also undertake a Graduate Internship or Professional Project, applying their research and communication skills to professional challenges. Students complete the programme's final degree requirement during their final semester.

Focus Areas

Health Communication
Political Communication
Marketing Communication
Media Research and Audience Analysis
Strategic Media Planning
Digital and Social Media Strategy
Media Design and Content Creation
Communication Campaign Development
Media Effects and Evaluation
Data Analytics and Consumer Insights

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the ability to apply communication theories and research findings to strategic media planning, create and distribute effective media messages, conduct quantitative and qualitative audience research, analyse media performance, evaluate communication campaigns, and use digital analytics to understand audience behaviour. They also develop professional writing, media design, research, and strategic decision-making skills, preparing them for communication leadership roles and advanced academic study.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The programme is an academically focused professional master's degree offered by Boston University's College of Communication. Its curriculum combines communication research, media theory, strategic planning, digital content development, and audience analytics. No separate programme-specific professional accreditation is identified in the official university information. The programme is STEM-designated, making eligible international students potentially eligible for the 24-month STEM Optional Practical Training extension, subject to US immigration requirements.

Reputation (Employability and Rankings)

Boston University provides students with opportunities to work on real communication challenges through faculty-led research, client projects, internships, and specialist research facilities. The programme prepares graduates for professional opportunities in marketing research, advertising, public relations, political communication, health communication, and digital media. It also provides a strong academic foundation for students interested in pursuing doctoral studies in communication.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students gain practical experience by combining communication research, digital media technologies, audience analytics, and real-world campaign development. Boston University provides access to specialist research facilities where students can investigate audience behaviour using eye-tracking technology, biometric measurements, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and social listening tools. Through faculty-led research, client projects, internships, and student media organisations, students can apply their classroom knowledge to practical communication challenges.

Key experiential learning opportunities and resources include:

Communication Research Center (CRC): Students can work with faculty on research examining how audiences respond to media messages. Research methods include eye tracking, biometric measurements, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies.
Zimmerman Family Social Activation Center: Provides access to social listening, sentiment analysis, and audience analytics tools used to monitor online conversations, understand consumer behaviour, and evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies.
COMLab: Students can participate in interdisciplinary projects for real clients, involving audience research, communication strategy development, and evidence-based recommendations.
London Graduate Mass Communication Summer Program: Students can gain international professional experience through internships with agencies, startups, and nonprofit organisations working in digital marketing, strategic communication, health communication, and sustainability.
Professional Internship (COM CM 809): Students can earn academic credit through approved internships with advertising agencies, public relations firms, corporate communication departments, nonprofit organisations, government entities, and media companies. Depending on the credit option, students complete 100 or 200 working hours.
Social Media Analytics: Through Social Media Strategy (COM CM 739), students work with social media analytics software, collect platform data, analyse information using SPSS, and explore AI-based topic and sentiment analysis.
Design and Digital Content Production: Design Strategy and Software (COM CM 501) introduces students to Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. Students develop visual communication projects and learn to create effective designs for traditional and digital media.
Interactive Media Development: Design and Interactive Experiences (COM CM 523) provides hands-on experience in developing websites and applications using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and related web technologies. Students work through ideation, prototyping, user testing, and project development.
Research and Data Analysis: Advanced Communication Research Methods (COM CM 723) provides practical experience using SPSS to conduct statistical analyses, including correlation, regression, t-tests, ANOVA, and factor analysis.
COMmunicator: Students can participate in Boston University's student-run multimedia publication, developing professional writing, editing, and content strategy skills while producing material for real audiences.
Faculty-Led Research: Students can collaborate with faculty members whose research covers advertising, audience psychology, political communication, health communication, digital media, and media law.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the M.S. in Media Science can pursue careers across marketing research, advertising, public relations, healthcare communication, political campaigning, technology, and digital media. The programme develops a combination of research, analytical, creative, and strategic communication skills, preparing students for roles such as consumer insights analyst, media research analyst, strategic communication specialist, social media strategist, and marketing research manager.

Students can strengthen their career prospects through the following opportunities:

Career Development and Industry Exposure: Boston University's College of Communication provides opportunities to connect academic learning with professional communication projects, internships, and faculty-led research.
Research Experience: The Communication Research Center offers opportunities to participate in audience research using advanced methods and technologies, helping students build experience relevant to media research, consumer insights, and communication analysis.
Digital Analytics Skills: Students develop experience in social listening, sentiment analysis, audience research, SPSS, and AI-supported media analysis, which can support careers in data-driven communication and marketing.
Professional Internships: Students can gain practical experience through approved internships in advertising agencies, public relations firms, government organisations, nonprofit institutions, and corporate communication departments.
International Industry Exposure: The London Graduate Mass Communication Summer Program provides opportunities to work with international agencies, startups, and nonprofit organisations, particularly in digital marketing, strategic communication, and health communication.
Specialist Career Preparation: The three concentration areas allow students to develop expertise relevant to health communication campaigns, political communication and public opinion, or marketing research and consumer behaviour.
Graduate Certificate Opportunities: Students pursuing the separate Marketing Communication Research concentration can explore the additional Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics through Boston University's Metropolitan College, subject to its course and eligibility requirements.
Employment Sectors: Graduates can explore opportunities in marketing research companies, advertising agencies, public relations organisations, healthcare institutions, political campaign organisations, technology companies, and international communication organisations.

Employment and Salary Information: Boston University's official programme information describes potential career pathways and professional opportunities but does not provide a specific employment rate or median salary exclusively for M.S. in Media Science graduates. Salaries depend on the chosen specialisation, professional experience, employer, and location.

Further Academic Progression:

Students interested in academic research and university teaching can pursue doctoral studies in Communication at Boston University or other universities. The programme provides a strong foundation in communication theory, research methods, media effects, audience behaviour, health communication, political communication, and marketing communication research. Graduates can also explore Ph.D. opportunities in Media Studies, Communication Research, Political Communication, Health Communication, or Marketing Communication, depending on their research interests.