Emerging Media Studies (MA) (STEM-Eligible)

The Master of Arts in Emerging Media Studies (EMS) is the nation’s first graduate program in emerging media and the critical role it plays in daily modern life. It offers practical and theoretical instruction covering human behavior, social media analysis, organizational communication, and Big Data. The Master’s Program in Emerging Media Studies combines academic coursework with small, intensive research workshop-seminars, and interaction with thought leaders in the field of emerging media. 

As an EMS student, you analyze the world of emerging media using the latest research and ideas on emerging technologies and services, analytic techniques for social media, and the role of public policy for new communication technology. The program integrates coursework with research experience, culminating in the #Screentime conference where students present their research and exchange views with peers and leaders in the field.

You also help real-world clients solve business and societal challenges through a semester-long research project. All EMS students participate in an extended group research project (the Collaboratory), a unique component of the program that blends practical skills with social science insights. As part of a team, you take on a media challenge from a real client, addressing the problem through research, analytics, and critical thinking. For example, projects might help a local nonprofit seeking to build community awareness or a media start-up trying to identify prospective users. With guidance from faculty, you’ll learn the processes and craftsmanship of research and analysis, before presenting your findings and solutions in a final report.

EMS graduate students are taught and mentored by leading researchers and thinkers in the field.  The faculty make full use of the most advanced theories and methods to examine communication phenomena — from social media, streaming content, and AR/VR to Big Data and AI. They bring this knowledge into the classroom with readily understandable approaches. EMS students also take advantage of research opportunities at COM’s Communication Research Center, COM’s primary research hub, and the state-of-the-art technology offered at the Zimmerman Family Social Activation Center, that puts in-depth social media analytics at your fingertips.

The EMS cohort consists of anywhere from 30-50 students. Students who earn their MS in Emerging Media Studies leave with cutting-edge ideas, solutions to real media challenges, and a portfolio to prove it. You’ll join a global alumni network that is shaking up the media landscape around the world. COM graduates are highly sought for a range of careers in the tech industry and data sciences as well as creative media, marketing, and public relations firms. Others pursue opportunities to continue to Ph.D. programs.

*GREs are not required to apply for any of our master's programs.

See the following video, "Learn About the College of Communication at BU & the Master's Application Process!" for more information about life as a COM grad student and an overview of each of our programs.