MA in Emerging Media Studies
The Master of Arts in Emerging Media Studies (EMS) offers instruction concerning social and emerging media from the perspectives of technology studies and social science. Students will learn about the latest research and insights about Big Data, analytical techniques for social media, and human behavior to support optimal deployment of new communication technology.
The EMS master’s program is normally a 10-month (three terms), 40-unit program, and includes a final project and participation in a three-term collaborative research project seminar. Students may also choose to complete an internship or write a master’s thesis.
Required Courses (28 units)
- COM EM 700 Introduction to Emerging Media Studies
- COM EM 747 Trending Insights: Social Data Analysis and Visualization
- COM EM 757 User-Producers 2.0: Developing Interactivity
- COM EM 777 Master’s Collaboratory in Emerging Media (to be taken three times: fall, spring, summer)
- COM EM 797 Connecting Humans: Networks, History, and Social Media
Electives (12 units)
Three electives are required for completion of the program. There are several elective courses offered within the Division of Emerging Media Studies every term. Additionally, the division offers various special topics courses. Topics will vary each year. Students may choose to satisfy the elective requirement by taking electives within the division or by taking approved electives in other programs. Students may especially wish to consider the following electives offered by the division:
- COM EM 755 Measuring Media Effects: Experimental Design & Measurement
- COM EM 761 Special Topics
- COM EM 793 Psychology of Emerging Media
- COM EM 861 Special Topics
Please note:
- Students are encouraged to choose courses across COM, BU, and the Boston-area consortium that enhance their research and/or professional interests. Students should pay close attention to prerequisites for any course they seek to take.
- A thesis (COM EM 909) or an internship (COM EM 911) may count as an elective toward the program.
- The thesis (COM EM 909) and the internship (COM EM 911) electives may require the student to extend the duration of the program an additional one to two terms.
In addition to the Bulletin, master’s students should refer to the College of Communication Graduate Handbook for a comprehensive guide to policies, academic regulations, and resources.
