social media phd programs

Media, Culture, and Communication (PhD)

Program description, career opportunities, special opportunities.

The PhD program in Media, Culture, and Communication is committed to interdisciplinary, theoretically sophisticated, multi-methodological, historical, and comparative approaches to the study of media and culture. The program offers five overlapping and interrelated research areas that operate as guiding frameworks for intellectual inquiry and collaborative work across the department. Students are encouraged to take advantage of course offerings across all five areas: Global and Transcultural Studies, Technology and Society, Visual Culture and Sound Studies, Media Institutions and Politics, and Critical Theories of Media and Communication.

PhD graduates have assumed full-time academic positions at American University of Paris, Carleton University (Canada), City University of New York, Drexel University, Fordham University, University of London (UK), Manhattan Marymount, Michigan Technological University, NYU, The New School, Northeastern University, Princeton University, Rutgers University, Stanford University, University of California-Los Angeles, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, and the University of Washington, among other academic institutions. Recent graduates have also taken postdoctoral fellowships at Harvard’s Berkman Center for Internet and Society, Rutgers’ Center for Cultural Analysis, Microsoft Research New England, the University of Pennsylvania–Annenberg School, and Princeton’s Center for Information Technology Policy.

Students attend special events throughout the year and can apply to present their original research at the department’s annual Neil Postman Graduate Conference. Internships in a wide array of media and communication positions are available to master’s students through the department’s online internship database. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the full academic and professional resources of the University and metropolitan area.

The University and department offer graduate summer and January intersession study-abroad programs to explore globalization, global visual culture, and media and culture in other countries.

Locations have included Amsterdam, Beijing, Berlin, Buenos Aires, Hong Kong, London, Paris, Prague, and Shanghai.

These courses typically examine the social, economic, political, and cultural implications of global media and culture in relation to the site of study. Courses integrate lectures, seminars, and site visits and deploy a comparative approach. Courses vary year to year. Recent topics have included Race and Media (London); Migration, Media, and the Global City (Berlin); Producing French Culture (Paris); Visual Culture of Memory (Buenos Aires).

Admission to graduate programs in the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development requires the following minimum components:

• Statement of Purpose
• Letters of Recommendation
• Transcripts
• Proficiency in English

See  NYU Steinhardt's Graduate Admissions website  for additional information on school-wide admission. Some programs may require additional components for admissions.

Program Requirements

The PhD program requires 48 credits of coursework for students with a master’s degree; 54 credits are required for those admitted only with a bachelor’s degree. Core courses must be taken in sequence:

Remaining courses are scheduled by advisement, including specialized elective courses inside the department (8–10 credits); research and methods electives inside or outside the department (14–16 credits); and theoretical or disciplinary foundational study outside the department (12 credits). A minimum of 12 credits from these remaining courses must be taken in the department.

Students move quickly toward pursuing their dissertation research in the third year of study, accompanied by teaching and research opportunities that will help prepare them for academic positions in the fields of media studies, cultural studies, communication, and related disciplines.

Sample Plan of Study

Following completion of the required coursework for the PhD, students are expected to maintain active status at New York University by enrolling in a research/writing course or a Maintain Matriculation ( MAINT-GE 4747 ) course.  All non-course requirements must be fulfilled prior to degree conferral, although the specific timing of completion may vary from student-to-student.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will:

• Display fluency in core texts and scholarly literature, contemporary theory, and key debates in media, culture, and communication.
• Display fluency in and in depth knowledge of the areas of specialization in student's field of study.
• Analyze and synthesize scholarship in a range of disciplines related to media, culture, and communication and understand the ways in which these disciplinary perspectives are integrated and transformed through interdisciplinary study.

STEM OPT Benefits for International Students

Nyu policies, steinhardt academic policies.

If you’re an international student, you may be able to work in the United States after graduation for an extended period of time. Most students studying on F-1 visas will be eligible for 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) off-campus work authorization. F-1 students in this program may also be eligible for the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) OPT extension, allowing you to extend your time in the United States to pursue degree-related work experience for a total of 36 months or 3 years. For more information on who can apply for this extension visit NYU’s Office of Global Services: STEM OPT .

University-wide policies can be found on the New York University Policy pages .

Additional academic policies can be found the  Steinhardt academic policies page . 

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PhD in Emerging Media Studies

New media poses challenges for society and complexities for researchers. Are you ready to tackle both?

Academic Bulletin

• Degree Requirements
• PhD Students
• Request Info

The Boston University PhD program in Emerging Media Studies is the nation’s first doctorate program in emerging media and its critical, daily role in modern life.

COM’s unique program prepares its doctoral students to become sophisticated researchers and critical thinkers who are ready to advance the fields of communication, sociological, and media leadership. Designed for students with a master’s degree, this program helps candidates gain a comprehensive understanding of the role of emerging media in society and organizations and hone their research skills through independent, innovative, and mentored research.

Recent and upcoming dissertation topics address a wide array of topics, such as social perceptions of robots, the effects of television binge-watching, and media framing of direct-to-consumer genetic testing.

Meet COM’s First Doctoral Recipient, Sarah Krongard

It seems there’s always something to celebrate at COM, and the 2019 fall semester marked one particularly noteworthy achievement — PhD…

Learning and Teaching

EMS graduate students are taught and mentored by some of the 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. Under their guidance, students learn how to conduct and analyze social science research concerning all types of emerging media. 

 As a doctoral student, you’ll serve as a teaching fellow while enrolled in the program. On average, you should expect to serve as a teaching fellow a minimum of two times during the program.

Resources for Research 

COM graduate students get ready for careers by rolling up their sleeves for hands-on research.

All Emerging Media Studies students contribute to COM’s annual #ScreentimeBU conference, an opportunity to present their research in the field of digital communication and society as well as exchange their views with peers and field leaders concerning important contemporary issues. By showcasing the fruits of your research, you’ll share their ideas with the general public and industry leaders. Additionally, the conference provides an opportunity for you to develop your public communication capabilities and receive input from industry experts in a professional setting.

CENTER FOR MOBILE Communication Studies

Laptops, smart phones, and tablets have been transformed from novelties to necessities. But we’re only beginning to understand how they have transformed us.

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.

Funding Support

Because the doctoral program is immersive and requires full-time participation for a number of years, all PhD students in Emerging Media Studies are funded for the duration of their study, up to a maximum of five years. Funding includes a full tuition scholarship, health insurance credit, and stipend in return for teaching and research obligations. Students with their own funding for the program (through the Fulbright Commission, government funding or other source) will still be required to serve as a teaching fellow for at least one semester. Compensation will be provided.

Benefit from Boston

One of BU’s greatest resources is its location. Consistently ranked among the most livable cities in the world, Boston is “America’s college town,” a city rich in history while remaining on the forefront of culture and innovation. Boston is a Top 10 U.S. media market, and home to some of the world’s best creative agencies, media companies and leading employers — offering boundless opportunities for internships and careers.

More than 80%

of our graduate students receive scholarships.

Purpose Driven

COM stands out from our peers. Our faculty offers a mix of researchers and practitioners who endorse a cross-discipline, hands-on approach to learning. Our location lies at the heart of an electric, media-savvy city.

But it may be COM’s shared values that matter most. We believe that communication requires diversity, critical thinking, and creative expression. We believe that communication must be grounded in truth, authenticity, effectiveness, and purpose. We believe that communication builds understanding among people and across society.

Emerging Media Research

Agenda setting in the wizarding world: computationally examining attribute agenda and….

Abstract: This study investigates the complex dynamics of public discourse on Twitter/X concerning the transgender-related controversy surrounding the video game…

Physiological response to political advertisement: Examining the influence of partisan and…

This study investigates voters’ physiological response to real political advertisements that are issue focused and sponsored by three different political…

Does world system theory rein in social media? Identifying factors contributing…

This article examined how social media content has shaped the representation of countries for publics around the world. Based on…

The Robot Rights and Responsibilities Scale: Development and Validation of a…

The discussion and debates surrounding the robot rights topic demonstrate vast differences in the possible philosophical, ethical, and legal approaches…

Meet the Emerging Media Faculty

Chris Chao Su

Assistant professor, emerging media studies.

Chris Wells

Associate professor, emerging media studies.

Daniel Park

Visiting assistant professor, emerging media studies.

Feld Professor of Emerging Media

James Cummings

Kelsey Prena

Emerging media news, com’s new dalton professor knows disinformation from personal experience.

When Robots Deliver the News

Joan Donovan, Nationally Recognized Expert in Misinformation and Disinformation, Joins COM Faculty

Emerging Media Studies

• SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION

The PhD in Media, Technology, and Society (MTS) program is an innovative, interdisciplinary, and flexible curriculum focusing on the dynamic media and technology environment and its impact. The program encourages students to pursue their passion by designing individualized programs of study that incorporate relevant classes from across Northwestern University. The program faculty are internationally renowned for their research in areas such as:

• Children’s development
• Digital media use and effects
• Health and well-being
• Human-computer interaction
• Innovation and change
• Media institutions
• Networks and organizing
• Social media

The MTS faculty undertake research in these areas using a wide array of traditional and innovative research methods. In addition, they actively pursue opportunities to make positive economic, cultural, and social impact through their research in businesses, nonprofit, and government agencies.

• PhD in Clinical Psychology
• Clinical Concentrations

PhD in Psychology

• PhD in Psychology with an emphasis in Media & Technology
• PhD in Infant and Early Childhood Development
• Media Psychology
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• Media Psychology Certificate
• Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Clinical Psychology
• Postdoctoral Certificate in Respecialization in Clinical Psychology
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• PhD in Human Development
• PhD in Organizational Development and Change
• EdD Leadership for Change
• Doctoral Concentrations
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• Evidence Based Coaching Certificate
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with an emphasis in Media & Technology

Where technology meets human experience.

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NEXT START DATE

Sept. 4, 2024

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Brian Cutler, PhD

PhD in Psychology with an emphasis in Media & Technology

The Fielding PhD in Psychology with an emphasis in Media & Technology prepares students to work at the intersection of psychology theories and media technologies. The curriculum blends the study of social behaviors, cognition, perception, and emotion with the research skills you need to be a specialist in psychology applied to media and technology. How people interact with, use, and respond to media affects every aspect of life, from relationships, education, entertainment, and marketing to addressing the pressing social and ethical issues of a digital world. Media psychology is not an end goal, it is a powerful set of skills that make you better able to tackle your passion and change the world, to harness and leverage the power of media technologies to do what matters most to you.

You will join students come from a variety of professional experiences and academic backgrounds with a common goal. You will join a community of scholar-practitioners—changemakers—who recognize that media psychology gives you the ability to see through the noise and focus on the drivers of human behavior to get to the heart of the issue, whether it’s technology development, communications strategies or expanding the field of academic knowledge.

APPLY NOW for FALL 2024

Media Psychology News

The latest news, announcements, and special events from Fielding’s Media Psychology program.

How to Protect Your Child’s Digital Reputation

By Pam Rutledge | 2024-05-14T11:30:52-07:00 May 14th, 2024 |

How Granfluencers are Breaking Stereotypes on TikTok

By Pam Rutledge | 2024-03-28T10:28:09-07:00 March 28th, 2024 |

AI Doesn’t Change Why Kids Should Learn to Code

By Pam Rutledge | 2024-03-22T10:32:13-07:00 March 22nd, 2024 |

What is Media Psychology?

Application requirements.

Media psychology starts with psychology.  Where traditional communication, media studies, sociology, or psychology programs focus on process or isolate media from human experience, media psychology looks for answer to the ‘why.’  Why do people react to media the way they do?  Why do people use some technologies more than others?  Why does technology use impact wellbeing?  Why does social representation matter? Why does social media influence how people feel about themselves? Why do people connect with stories?

In the media psychology program, you will gain an expertise of psychology to apply to media and technology. You can explore the ways in which cognition, emotion, and instinct can influence human responses to different media stimuli and alter technological impact. You can use these skills to anticipate consumption and use patterns, look for leverageable solutions to global problems, promote technology design that promotes economic, social, and environmental progress.  We give you the theoretical foundation and the skills to put your passion and commitment to work.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Online Application Form
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Statement of Purpose
• Critical Thinking Writing Sample
• Official Transcript
• No GRE Required

Start your application NOW!  

What we do..

Media psychologists are finding new roles across multiple domains. Fortune 100 companies, for example, increasingly recognize the need for applying media psychology to organizational communications, structure, products and strategy. Our graduates have innovated new roles working with companies like Mozilla, Fox Films, AT&T, Deutsche Telekom and Disney among others, as well as crafting new business and consulting opportunities and developing successful advocacy campaigns. Special projects within the program give students the opportunity to have real-life experience during the course of their education. Recent projects include partnering with the Department of Defense deconstructing the narrative, cognitive and neuroscience triggers of terrorism in the social space and developing brand-aligned corporate social responsibility programs for companies like Grub Hub.

WHAT’S DIFFERENT ABOUT FIELDING?

• Customize Your Learning Experience

Tailor your degree to follow your passions and achieve your goals.

Partner with faculty to create a customized plan of study and research.

Study current trends and topics that have social impact , such as immersive media and augmented reality, media literacy, neuromarketing, psychology-based user experience research skills, and brand storytelling.

Use what you already know to inform your research.

Take charge  of your educational journey.

Your goals come first.  Every faculty member is committed to helping you build a program that will achieve your goals, from individual coursework to your dissertation.

Create media content

Develop communication strategies, educate the public, advise technology developers, speak at conferences globally, consult for media companies, publish academic research.

Why Choose Fielding’s Media Psychology program?

Follow Your Passion

From documentary filmmakers and educators to brand marketers and social advocates, students find their intellectual home in media psychology and leave equipped to achieve their goals and make a difference.

Qualifying Exam Presentation: Digital Emotion Regulation of Positive Emotions

The Fielding Qualifying Exam (QE) is the final step in the doctoral program preceding the dissertation. In media psychology, is an opportunity for students to demonstrate their breadth and depth of knowledge of the theory and research in their chosen area of specialization and it establishes the direction they wish to pursue in their dissertation.

As a media psychology doctoral student, Jay Grant’s QE and subsequent research, focus on the use of digital technologies for emotional regulation with an interest in positive media psychology.  Jay explores how the range of technologies from immersive technology and gaming to social media enable people to manage their emotional experiences.  This is increasingly important as people have on-demand access to social environments nearly anytime and anywhere. In considering the current landscape, Jay’s review encompasses emotion theories and self-determination theory to explain the phenomenon of digital emotion regulation with an emphasis on positive emotions, the components of emotional intelligence and social contexts.

Join Over 7,500 Fielding Alumni Located Around The World!

Change the world. Start with yours.™

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• Program of Interest * Program of Interest PhD in Clinical Psychology PhD in Psychology with an Emphasis in Media & Technology PhD in Psychology PhD in Infant and Early Childhood Development PhD in Human Development PhD in Organizational Development and Change EdD in Leadership for Change MA in Organization Development and Leadership MA in Infant, Child, Family Mental Health and Development MA in Applied Media Psychology Certificate in Evidence Based Coaching Certificate in Media Psychology Neuropsychology Specialization Training Program Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Clinical Psychology Postdoctoral Certificate of Respecialization in Clinical Psychology

Contact Info

Fielding Graduate University 2020 De la Vina Street Santa Barbara, California 93105

Phone: 1-800-340-1099 Admissions: 805-898-4026

Email: [email protected]

Web: Fielding.edu/apply-now

Recent Posts

• Fielding Attends National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) 2024
• 50th Anniversary Welcome Reception Hosted by Provost Williams & The Voices of Fielding Film Screening
• Fielding Graduate University Announces Retirement of Longest-Serving President Katrina S. Rogers, Ph.D.

COMMU-PHD - Communication (PhD)

Program overview.

Stanford’s Department of Communication focuses on media in all its forms. The department studies the processes and effects of mass communication: the nature and social role of the various media; their structure, function, and ethics; and their impact on the political system, culture, and society. In this context, it considers not only traditional mass media, such as newspapers, magazines, radio, television, and film, but also information technology, online media, virtual reality, and the Internet. Students are trained as social scientists who can study the media and as potential practitioners in the use of the media in journalism, mass communications, and digital media. The department combines theory and practice and fosters individual research opportunities for its students, employing quantitative and qualitative approaches.

University requirements for the PhD are described in the Graduate Degrees section.

The department offers a PhD in Communication, focusing on theory and research. Each student builds a research specialty relating communication to current faculty interests in such areas as ethics, computational journalism, information processing, data science, law, online communities, human-computer interaction, politics, voting, virtual reality, psychology of technology, history of technology, critical data studies, emotion regulation, personality expression, digital media and change across the life span, knowledge production, the influence of algorithms, personality and digital media, and information technology. Regardless of the area of specialization, the PhD program is designed primarily for students interested in university research and teaching or other research or analyst positions.

Students must complete the requirements listed in the Degree Requirements Section below for the PhD degree in Communication. Additional information is available in the  Degree Requirements and Department Procedures for PhD Students and PhD Advisors  (pdf).

Admissions Information

Prospective graduate students should see the  Office of Graduate Admissions  website and the  Applications and Financial Aid  section of the department website for detailed information and application materials. Submission of general Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test scores is optional. The Communication Department does not require any GRE subject tests.

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The Media School

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The freedom to research your passions

Whether you want to dive more deeply into a current interest or branch out into fresh fields of inquiry, we’ll prepare you for a successful career in academia. Our Ph.D. in media arts and sciences program is one of the top research programs in media and communication, with one of the most productive graduate student research records in the world.

Our customizable curriculum will give you plenty of room to grow and explore. It grants the opportunity to dive deeply into your disciplinary focus, but also provides a space in which you can explore meaningful interdisciplinary discussions and collaborations. Our doctoral students research topics as varied as embodied cognition, Israeli satire and black Twitter.

Plus, you’ll join a dynamic, diverse group of students who share your love of media research.

This 90-credit program includes a core curriculum, courses in research methods, and a custom course plan — including a minor — that you'll choose under the guidance of a faculty advisory committee.

You must have a master’s degree (learn more about our  M.A. or M.S. programs) to begin our doctoral program. Credits from your master's can be transferred and applied to the Ph.D. program.

Tailor your Ph.D. to suit your academic and career goals. The program features small classes in a variety of media topics. You’ll also complete a dissertation and take qualifying exams under the guidance of a faculty committee.

Here are a few courses you'll take:

Epistemologies of Media

Gain familiarity with concepts and ideas critical to the study of media.

Media Pedagogy

Explore the theory and practice of college pedagogy, paying specific attention to skills required for teaching mass communication.

Media Theories

Gain exposure to the wide range of social scientific and humanistic theories that guide research in media.

Join our community of student scholars who are asking and answering the questions that matter to them.

What’s the historical significance of the demise of Kodak Park? How does India’s caste system impact portrayals of sexual harassment accusations? Do we respond differently to advertisements based on the gender identity of the model?

You’ll work with internationally ranked faculty whose wide range of expertise will allow you to hone your research and critical-thinking skills. Faculty areas of study include environmental communication, Afrosurrealism and public access to government-held information, to name a few.

Once you get familiar with The Media School, you’ll select a faculty advisor and nominate an advisory committee who will guide you through your graduate school career.

Research centers

The Media School is home to several centers and institutes that focus on specific areas of study and fields of expertise — expanding your opportunities for research and education.

The Institute for Communication Research is your gateway to pioneering social science media research. The ICR supports survey research, focus groups and content analysis of media in addition to psychophysiology labs to measure heart rate, skin conductance, facial muscle coding and eye tracking.

Black Film Center & Archive

The Black Film Center & Archive is a resource for scholars, students, and researchers studying films and related materials by and about Black people. Included are films that have substantial participation by Black writers, actors, producers, directors, musicians, and consultants, as well as those that depict some aspect of black experience.

Center for Documentary Research and Practice

The Center for Documentary Research and Practice serves as a research hub for historical, theoretical and critical research on nonfiction film and video, and hosts visiting artists and scholars who are working on projects with nonfiction media components.

Center for International Media Law and Policy Studies

The Center for International Media Law and Policy Studies researches the legal protection of media rights in Indiana, the United States and the world. The center studies free expression rights, educates the public and develops opportunities for students.

Our graduates frequently move on to tenure-track positions at prestigious institutions around the world.

The training I received was both methodologically rigorous and theoretically informed, and came from some of the warmest and best faculty in the world. Jacob Groshek, PhD’08, associate professor, Boston University

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Ph.D. in Strategic Media Online Lead with Insight

Credit Hours

View Courses

100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Become an Expert in Strategic Communications with a Ph.D. in Strategic Media

Today’s world is buzzing with digital conversation. From politics to healthcare and human services, every industry is impacted by the media. By pursuing a Ph.D. in Strategic Media, you can grow your organization and your career by understanding the theory behind effective communication and the application of practical techniques to 21st-century problems.

Imagine utilizing the latest trends in video, graphic, and online visual persuasion to take your organization to new levels. Paired with the management and leadership skills you can cultivate in our Ph.D. in media studies, your new expertise can help you shape the future direction of policies, goals, and objectives within the communication sector.

Liberty’s Ph.D. in media studies blends theory with praxis. Through this online program, you can develop a strong background in communication theory, strategic media communication, and applications for nonprofit, for-profit, and higher education sectors. So whether you work in an academic, corporate, or faith-based setting, this degree can equip you with the social media and strategic communications tools you need to bring fresh insight to your company. And with a degree taught from biblical principles, you can become a trusted, ethical voice in media and communication.

Ranked in the Top 10% of Niche.com’s Best Online Schools in America

• What Sets Us Apart?
• Private Nonprofit University
• 600+ Online Degrees
• No Standardized Testing for Admission
• Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
• Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Why Choose Liberty’s Strategic Media Ph.D. Degree?

Choosing Liberty for your Ph.D. in Strategic Media means beginning the path to equipping yourself to become an expert in various digital and strategic media channels. Expand your mind and your skill set under professors who hold advanced degrees and have years of related professional experience. This online doctoral degree can introduce you to new ideas as well as scholarship, research, and professional practices from around the world.

With the mentorship of your professors and the biblical integration you’ll get in every program at Liberty, you can graduate with a doctorate that prepares you for a fulfilling career both personally and professionally. You can become more equipped to pursue positions including public relations specialist, social media executive, university administrator, professor, or researcher. This degree can help you get where you want to go.

But a doctorate from Liberty does more than set you up for professional success. Your advanced studies can also open you up to new peers, perspectives, and research opportunities that can shape you and empower you to make a difference in the world around you.

What Will You Study in Our Ph.D. in Strategic Media Degree?

A Ph.D. in media studies degree can help provide the foundation in data-gathering and insight tools you need to effectively impact your field. With courses in interactive media design and strategic communications media analytics, you can become an expert in the field of strategic communications.

Within our Ph.D. in Strategic Media, you will take courses in 4 major areas: advanced core, research, application, and dissertation courses. The advanced core courses are designed to help you master communication theory so you can apply that knowledge to your other courses and career. On the other hand, our professional application courses can help you gain tactical principles and practices in integrated communications.

Finally, the research and dissertation component of your degree brings the theories and applications together. This can help you fine-tune your communication capabilities and set you up for publication and future career success.

Potential Career Opportunities

• Advertising/public relations executive
• Chief customer experience officer
• Communications executive
• Director of online sales and services
• Research manager
• Social media executive
• University administrator
• University professor
• Vice president of customer satisfaction

Featured Courses

• DIGI 700 – Digital and Strategic Communication Orientation I
• DIGI 710 – Communication Research Methods
• DIGI 720 – Qualitative Data Analysis
• DIGI 825 – Seminar: From Digital Analytics to Communication Action 

Degree Information

• This program falls under the  School of Communication and the Arts .
• View the  Graduate School of Communication and the Arts Course Guides   (login required) .

Degree Completion Plan (PDF)

Not sure what to choose?

Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.

• Tuition & Aid

Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

Eligible current and former military service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $300/credit hour ( learn more ) .

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• Admission Information

Admission Requirements

• A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
• Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing.
• Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

Preliminary Acceptance

If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:

• Be in your final term and planning to start your doctoral degree after the last day of class for your master’s degree.
• Complete a Master’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
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Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia Graduate Programs in America

1-25 of 81 results

MIT School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences

• Cambridge, MA ·
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology ·
• Graduate School

Massachusetts Institute of Technology ,

Graduate School ,

CAMBRIDGE, MA ,

The Graduate School at Duke

• Durham, NC ·
• Duke University ·
• · Rating 4.8 out of 5   5 reviews

Duke University ,

DURHAM, NC ,

5 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars.

Featured Review: Current Master's student says The program is the best in the nation. It is the origin of the profession and it has helped developed it to what it is today. They seem to ver much involve alumni and are involved in your future. .

Read 5 reviews.

Northwestern University School of Communication

• Evanston, IL ·
• Northwestern University ·

Northwestern University ,

EVANSTON, IL ,

Thomas Jefferson University

• Graduate School ·
• PHILADELPHIA, PA
• · Rating 4.68 out of 5   71

Emerson College

• · Rating 4.73 out of 5   62

College Of Arts & Sciences- Valparaiso University

• Valparaiso University ·
• VALPARAISO, IN

Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism

• Los Angeles, CA ·
• University of Southern California ·
• · Rating 5 out of 5   1 review

University of Southern California ,

LOS ANGELES, CA ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says My program is communications management. Has been very helpful in bettering myself in learning communications in a management setting. It has also helped me in my current role as a sales trainee.... .

Read 1 reviews.

Carnegie Mellon College of Fine Arts

• Pittsburgh, PA ·
• Carnegie Mellon University ·
• · Rating 5 out of 5   4 reviews

Blue checkmark.

Carnegie Mellon University ,

PITTSBURGH, PA ,

4 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I graduated from the School of Design at the College of Fine Arts. This is one best design program at a major research university. The cross disciplinary approach, and ability to take courses at... .

Read 4 reviews.

Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts

• Atlanta, GA ·
• Georgia Institute of Technology ·

Georgia Institute of Technology ,

ATLANTA, GA ,

• Find college scholarships

UC Berkeley School of Information

• Berkeley, CA ·
• University of California - Berkeley ·

University of California - Berkeley ,

BERKELEY, CA ,

School of Media and Journalism - University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

• Chapel Hill, NC ·
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ·

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ,

CHAPEL HILL, NC ,

Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development

• New York, NY ·
• New York University ·
• · Rating 4.32 out of 5   28 reviews

New York University ,

NEW YORK, NY ,

28 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says So far I’m almost a year into NYU Steinhardt’s online speech program and I love it! For those who don’t mind online learning and can time manage, this is for you. It gives me more flexibility and... .

Read 28 reviews.

College of Communication - Boston University

• Boston, MA ·
• Boston University ·
• · Rating 5 out of 5   2 reviews

Boston University ,

BOSTON, MA ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says As a PR graduate student, I could not have asked for better course options. The between the mandated courses and electives, I have never felt more prepared to enter the industry. The courses are... .

Read 2 reviews.

School of Communication - University of Miami

• Coral Gables, FL ·
• University of Miami ·

University of Miami ,

CORAL GABLES, FL ,

College of Letters and Science - UC Santa Barbara

• Santa Barbara, CA ·
• University of California - Santa Barbara ·

University of California - Santa Barbara ,

SANTA BARBARA, CA ,

• Sponsored Find Student Loan Options
• Law Schools
• Public Administration Graduate Programs

University of Washington College of Arts & Sciences

• Seattle, WA ·
• University of Washington ·

University of Washington ,

SEATTLE, WA ,

College of Humanities and Social Sciences - NC State University

• Raleigh, NC ·
• North Carolina State University ·

North Carolina State University ,

RALEIGH, NC ,

Featured Review: Graduate Student says NC State's MSW program will prepare you to handle a wide variety of social work careers. The professors are amazing and teach students how to engage in various social justice activities on multiple... .

College of Communication Arts and Sciences - Michigan State University

• East Lansing, MI ·
• Michigan State University ·

Michigan State University ,

EAST LANSING, MI ,

College of Communication & Information - Florida State University

• Tallahassee, FL ·
• Florida State University ·

Florida State University ,

TALLAHASSEE, FL ,

The Media School - Indiana University - Bloomington

• Bloomington, IN ·
• Indiana University - Bloomington ·

Indiana University - Bloomington ,

BLOOMINGTON, IN ,

College of Arts and Sciences - University of Delaware

• Newark, DE ·
• University of Delaware ·
• · Rating 3 out of 5   1 review

University of Delaware ,

NEWARK, DE ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 3 stars.

S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

• Syracuse, NY ·
• Syracuse University ·
• · Rating 3.86 out of 5   7 reviews

Syracuse University ,

SYRACUSE, NY ,

7 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says My one-year program at Newhouse offered me hands on Journalism experience in both my classes and internships. My cohort and I got to pitch stories and have our work published! The program encourages... The Newhouse alumni are also outstanding, I've been able to speak with so many past students about their Newhouse experiences and current jobs which has been a tremendous help as I wrap up my time at... .

Read 7 reviews.

Rhode Island School of Design

• Providence, RI ·
• · Rating 4.33 out of 5   6 reviews

PROVIDENCE, RI ,

6 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Great! Challenging school with amazing professors who care about their students. Has amazing resources and funding. .

Read 6 reviews.

Arizona State University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

• Tempe, AZ ·
• Arizona State University ·

Arizona State University ,

TEMPE, AZ ,

Featured Review: Master's Student says Arizona State University is an inclusive and welcoming university. It connects students like me with many valuable resources for helping us to remain healthy and engaged thus minimizing the... .

School of Communication - American University

• Washington, DC ·
• American University ·

American University ,

WASHINGTON, DC ,

University of Connecticut College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

• Storrs, CT ·
• University of Connecticut ·
• · Rating 4 out of 5   1 review

University of Connecticut ,

STORRS, CT ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Graduate Student says The University of Connecticut is a very supportive, diverse, academically enriching place for education growth. I have learned a great deal from the very knowledgeable and helpful professors and... .

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences - University of Denver

• Denver, CO ·
• University of Denver ·

University of Denver ,

DENVER, CO ,

School of Journalism and Mass Communications - The University of Kansas

• Lawrence, KS ·
• The University of Kansas ·

The University of Kansas ,

LAWRENCE, KS ,

• PROVIDENCE, RI
• · Rating 4.33 out of 5   6

School of Creative Technology - Savannah College of Art and Design

• Savannah College of Art and Design ·
• SAVANNAH, GA

Valparaiso University

• · Rating 4.7 out of 5   10

Showing results 1 through 25 of 81

Master of Science Digital Media

Many industries use digital media, so getting a digital media graduate degree can be very beneficial. A digital media graduate program will allow you to work with various types of digital media, such as virtual and augmented reality and digital animation. It will also prompt you to acquire design skills and learn about digital media theory. Some programs expose students to gaming, user experience, and 3-D modeling concepts. Others discuss digital media management, history, ethics, and policy. If you are interested in a career in digital media, continue reading for information regarding the difficulty level, duration, requirements, and job opportunities connected to earning a graduate-level digital media degree.

You may find it moderately challenging to obtain a digital media graduate degree. Many masters in digital media grad programs require students to complete coursework, projects, theses, and internships. Some mandate that students submit a digital portfolio toward the end of the program. If you pursue a master's of digital media graduate program that stresses the need for a portfolio, you will document everything you do by taking pictures or collecting work samples. Then, you will write extensively about each piece of evidence you gather.

Some digital media grad programs are 15 to 24 months. Others are accelerated, and you can complete the degree in 6 to 12 months. Most graduate-level digital media programs are for working professionals, so many are 100% online and have part-time options. The School of Digital Media  at Savannah College of Art and Design, the Reed College of Media  at West Virginia University, and the School of Communication & Digital Content  at Liberty University are some of the graduate schools that offer digital media degrees.

People from various fields, such as communications, business, science, and health, can apply to digital media grad schools. However, they do need to demonstrate writing ability by providing writing samples. These samples could be press releases, academic papers, or published articles. The degree requirements for a graduate-level digital media program will likely vary from school to school. Some schools focus on introducing students to a wide range of digital media products. Others emphasize how digital media affects consumer behavior and how its corresponding analytics impacts business decision-making processes.

A digital media graduate degree can help you land a variety of jobs. You could work in the writing and editing field and become a copywriter, or you could work in the advertising and branding field and become a marketing strategist. Many website and application development roles, such as user interface (UI) and user experience (UE) designers, need people who are well versed in digital media. The degree could also be advantageous if you want to become a graphic designer, game designer, illustrator, or animator.

At Niche, we cherish your freedom to select whichever school you find suitable. Research the admission and degree requirements of each digital media graduate program  that piques your interest. Also, read the master of digital media grad program reviews we showcase on our site. Doing so will aid you in making an informed decision and improve your understanding of faculty and student dynamics at each school.

• SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION

PhD in Communication Studies - Northwestern University School of Communication

The Doctor of Philosophy in Rhetoric, Media, and Publics is replacing the PhD in Communication Studies (Rhetoric and Public Culture). Rhetoric, Media, and Publics is an interschool program between the School of Communication, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, and the Medill School of Journalism, Media & Integrated Marketing Communications; and it is based in the School of Communication.

The Rhetoric, Media, and Publics PhD program, grounded in the humanistic tradition of rhetoric, asks the fundamental question of how people influence, reflect, and transform society through mediated practices. Students learn to analyze the production and circulation of meaning in a range of rhetorical and journalistic texts, practices, and institutions through varied modes of qualitative inquiry, and to engage audiences and communities directly in the production of knowledge. The stakes of this inquiry are profoundly social and political as well as formal and aesthetic. The program teaches students to approach public media as sites for political contestation, for the representation and interrogation of ethics and power, and for imagining personhood and collective life.

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Master of Arts Media, Culture, and Communication

The MA degree trains agile researchers to think critically from diverse perspectives about changing industries, technologies, and cultures. You will work closely with our diverse and renowned media studies faculty. Our research and curriculum foreground the study of global media and culture, digital media and new technologies, media history and theory, visual culture, race, and politics.

Degree Details

Official degree title.

Master of Arts in Media, Culture, and Communication

Your Academic Experience

Careers and alumni, is this program right for you.

While our department's graduate courses are primarily theoretical, the Media, Culture, and Communication curriculum is flexible, allowing electives from across the University to align with your personal academic and professional trajectories.

Media business at NYU Stern, media law at the NYU School of Law, interactive technology at NYU Tandon School of Engineering, and media ethnography in NYU Anthropology are just some of the many elective options made available to you. We also offer graduate study abroad courses in Europe, Asia, and Latin America examining media in comparative contexts.

Situated in the heart of Greenwich Village, we capitalize on New York's media and cultural eminence. With frequent guest lectures and public events, MCC serves as an intellectual hub for visiting scholars, artists, activists, and media experts.

Graduates of MCC's media studies master's build careers as astute analyzers of the global media landscape. Alumni find themselves well positioned for careers at the intersections of media, culture, and tech — ranging from research to creative, strategy to policy. Those who pursue doctoral study enroll in top-tier PhD programs.

• You'll benefit from the MCC Alumni Network as a student, and be part of this vast community after you graduate.
• Our active MCC Alumni Council will invite you to events throughout the year.
• As a student, you can apply to our MCC Alumni Mentor Program .
• And in our MCC Alumni Masterclass series, you'll learn from alums of the program about the industry applications of your intellectual studies.

The MA in Media, Culture, and Communication offers a theoretical foundation for examining global media within political, social, and cultural contexts. We do not provide practical training in media production, publicity or marketing. MCC MA students can use some of their electives to enroll in such classes elsewhere at NYU, but those seeking a purely practice-based degree should consider applying to the School of Professional Studies' MS in Integrated Marketing  or MS in Public Relations , or Tisch's MA in Interactive Media .

Review our  FAQs  to learn more about our media studies degree program. 

Areas of Study

The MA program offers five research areas, which operate as guiding frameworks for intellectual inquiry across the Department.

Frequently Asked Questions

Read answers to questions commonly asked by prospective students of the Media, Culture, and Communication MA program.

Student Experience

Learn about the MA graduate student community in the Department of Media, Culture, and Communication.

MCC Internship Program

Media, Culture, and Communication undergraduates of Junior or Senior standing and MA students are eligible to intern for credit. Search our internship database of available positions.

Media, Culture, and Communication faculty research and teach on media topics spanning the globe — from East and South Asia to Western Europe, the Americas, and Africa.

MCC Alumni Mentor Program

Our mentor program pairs Media, Culture, and Communication alumni with Seniors and MA students.

Review our FAQs . If you have additional questions, please contact us at [email protected] .

Media, Culture, and Communication

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Cinema and Media Studies, PhD

The Department offers a full-time Ph.D. program. Comprehensive in the range of specializations, the program is intellectually dynamic and rigorous. Our Ph.D. program prepares students for full participation in the profession as scholars and teachers of Cinema and Media Studies, broadly conceived.  The Ph.D. provides students with training in a variety of global and comparative approaches to studying diverse national cinemas and a variety of media institutions and art practices. We are committed to an advanced humanities education to address our shared need to be able to think historically and critically about the structures, operations, ethics, aesthetics, and interactions of cinema and media.    Our departmental ethos reflects our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that is at once rigorous and nurturing. We expect our graduate students to be full members of the Department and encourage them to take an active role in the intellectual and social community of the University by attending colloquia, screenings, roundtables, discussions, and events in the Department as well as across campus.

Required Courses

The total number of course units required is 16. 

Teaching Requirement

Four semesters of teaching are required.

Language Requirement

In addition to a command of English, students must demonstrate reading knowledge in a minimum of one research language relevant to the particular subfield being studied. More languages may be required by the proposed field of study, and the program strongly encourages multiple language acquisition. The specific languages required for each student will be determined by the student and the student’s faculty advisor in consultation with the Graduate Chair. As Digital Humanities is becoming such a large part of our new department, we will also consider programming languages as needed.

Qualifications Evaluation

At the end of the second year, students will select one paper from those they have written in their first year of study, substantially developing it over the course of two further semesters in dialogue with their advisor and two additional members of the Graduate Group. This group of three faculty members constitutes the Qualifications Examination Committee. Students will work on the paper throughout the first semester of their second year. In the spring semester of their second year, the student will present their paper to the committee, followed by a discussion. The Qualifications Exam assesses a student’s ability to write a coherent research paper of publishable quality. The student’s grade (High Pass/Pass/Fail) will be recorded, and both the student and the SAS Graduate Division will be notified of the outcome of the evaluation.

The field exam is a two-hour oral exam, which will take place at the end of the fall semester of the student’s third year. It consists of questions about the student’s lists, fields, and write-ups. The student will be given these questions in the form of two separate closed-book three-hour exams that will be taken a week apart from each other. The Fields Committee will then meet with the candidate to discuss the written answers and offer feedback.

Candidacy Examination

A Ph.D. Candidacy Examination will be held after the candidate has completed all required coursework, including language requirements and attendance at the CIMS colloquium. The candidacy exam, which will be both oral and written, entails the successful defense of a Dissertation Proposal with the Dissertation Committee. The Dissertation Committee will meet with the student to discuss the proposal for a two-hour session sometime in mid- spring semester of the third year. Feedback will be provided to the student and the student may be asked to make revisions to the proposal. The final version of the dissertation proposal must be submitted by the last day of classes of the Spring semester.

Dissertation Defense

Upon completion of the dissertation, students will present an overview of their research project to faculty and peers. This presentation will be followed by a closed conversation among the student, the dissertation committee (who will have received the complete dissertation several weeks earlier), and the graduate chair. This will allow faculty members formally to evaluate the project formally and to give feedback on how to develop the project in the future.

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2024 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.

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• Media Anthropology

The Department of Anthropology's Social Anthropology program offers a Ph.D. in Anthropology, with a special emphasis on Media Anthropology.

Students are regular members of the graduate program in Social Anthropology, and all requirements for the Ph.D. in Anthropology pertain to those specializing in Media Anthropology. The Media Anthropology emphasis is designed for students who wish to undertake practice-based research and make substantial ethnographic use of audiovisual media in their doctoral work. In addition to selecting required and elective courses in anthropology, students join a group of faculty, graduate students, and visiting artists working in media anthropology. They participate in regular events in Media Anthropology, such as screenings and lectures by visiting artists and media anthropologists, and work-in-progress critique sessions. They take courses offered by the Anthropology faculty, as well as by faculty in other departments also offering courses in media and art practice. They may also participate in specialized research and creative activities with faculty and fellows, and may serve as teaching fellows in courses in Media Anthropology.

In addition to all regular requirements for the Ph.D. in Anthropology, including the dissertation, doctoral students specializing in Media Anthropology must also pursue a Secondary PhD field in  Critical Media Practice .   As part of this training, students produce an original creative work, or works, emerging from intensive ethnographic fieldwork, in an audiovisual medium or media such as film, digital video, CD-ROM, DVD, still photography, or phonography. For work in time-based media, this will normally result in a work of not less than 30 minutes’ duration. Students pursuing the PhD track in Anthropology with Media may submit either their “capstone” CMP project, or another work, or works, produced during their CMP training as their final project in Anthropology with Media.  This work is submitted and defended in conjunction with their written doctoral dissertation.  The work should be outlined in the student’s Research Plan Overview that is submitted for the General Exam and also developed in their Prospectus.  It must be supervised throughout by a qualified faculty member from within the department who will also serve on the candidate’s doctoral committee, and in that capacity be charged with evaluating the merits of the candidate’s media work.

The final media work that is submitted with the written dissertation must be accompanied by a Practitioner’s Statement of two to three pages outlining the intentions of the media work and its relationship to the written dissertation. Exhibitions, installations, and performances will also be considered for the Media Anthropology final project, so long as they incorporate a significant media component. In collaborative media projects, the Practitioner’s Statement must be accompanied by a further paragraph detailing the candidate’s role in the work. Collaborative media projects will only be considered when the student not only contributes ethnographic expertise, but also has a primary authorial role in the work.

The work, and the Practitioner’s Statement, must be formally submitted, exhibited, and defended in conjunction with the written dissertation. Students working in site-specific installations or performances must submit detailed documentation of the project. When all requirements have been fulfilled, the candidate will receive, in addition to the Harvard- awarded Ph.D., departmental recognition of degree completion, “with Media.”

Applicants interested in Media Anthropology should apply to the Social Anthropology Ph.D. program and follow the usual procedures for applications to the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Applicants should indicate an interest in Media Anthropology in the statement of purpose, and submit, whenever possible, a portfolio documenting previous media work, using the  Digital Portfolio  option on the Harvard Griffin GSAS application; please provide a statement and your role therein.

Students indicating their interest in Media Anthropology who are admitted into the doctoral program in Anthropology must apply for their admission into the Critical Media Practice Secondary PhD field after having successfully complete at least one core CMP course, usually in their second year of studies.  Students who are not admitted into the CMP program may not continue with the specialization in Anthropology with Media.

Anthropology Faculty Associated with the program:  

• Anya Bernstein
• Lucien Castaing-Taylor
• Steven Caton
• Nicholas Harkness
• Arthur Kleinman
• Ajantha Subramanian

Affiliates Associated with the program:

• Peter Galison, History of Science
• Ernst Karel,  Anthropology and AFVS
• Verena Paravel, AFVS
• Joana Pimenta, AFVS                                   
• Matt Saunders, AFVS
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Master of Science in Digital Social Media

We prepare you with the critical foundation in the science and practice of digital social media that you need to drive the future of communication, new media technologies and business.

You will learn the theory, skills and strategic mindset that are essential for undertaking, developing and managing social media platforms, digital media, apps and online communication. As you engage with our expert faculty, you will build a personalized course of study that culminates with the design, incubation and execution of a portfolio-building capstone project.

Our STEM-designated degree program and unmatched location in Los Angeles, a worldwide epicenter for the digital, social, technology and media industries, will empower you as a professional or entrepreneur across business, marketing, advertising, entertainment, education, and beyond.

Program Information

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• Class Profile

By the numbers

Student, alumni and faculty work.

Connecting storytelling with brand management and corporate comms

Taking advantage of USC Annenberg’s progressive degree program, Nisha Venkat used their experience as a journalism undergraduate as a springboard for corporate communications.

Preparing to collaborate with, manage and lead diverse teams

Through the Managing Complexity in Diverse Organizations program, USC Annenberg master’s students learn to advance equity and representation across the communication and media landscape.

Taking the next step

Jake Wachtel ’16 returns to school mid-career and blends his prior experience with new knowledge.

The power of doing good

Juliana Carbonara ’20 uses her social media skills to fundraise for the Midnight Mission during the coronavirus pandemic.

The art of SEO

Digital Social Media (MS) Associate Director Freddy Tran Nager offers creative strategies to boost your website’s visibility.

Bridging tech and creative skills

Meghan Wainwright knew that the combination of creativity and strategy in USC Annenberg’s DSM program would open up a lot of different pathways for her — and it did.

STEM-designated degree program

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) designated programs provide the interdisciplinary skills needed to drive the future of communication and business. Our MS in Digital Social Media program qualifies as a STEM-designated degree program by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and provides potential extension of employment opportunities in the U.S. for international graduates via application for a 24-month extension of a 12-month Optional Practical Training (OPT) authorization.

Digital Social Media (MS) faculty

Online Master's in Social Media Marketing and Management Programs

Updated: december 4, 2023.

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• Online Programs
• Curriculum Details
• Career Paths

Directory of Online Master’s in Social Media Programs

The explosive growth of digital media – explicitly social media – during the past fifteen years has dramatically and forever altered the landscape of how people communicate and interact. In turn, social media has disrupted every industry. In today’s socially connected world, it is critical businesses, start-ups, and entrepreneurs alike understand how social media can both impact and shape their consumer relationships, brand messaging, website traffic, bottom-line revenue, sales opportunities and overall company perception.

From Facebook to Twitter, Reddit to Instagram, Snapchat to WeChat, social media has become a critical marketing tool. Companies now compete for customer’s attention on social media, and need trained professionals to coordinate messaging across various social platforms. Master’s in social media programs provide students with foundational knowledge of audience-based communication with real-world skills in managing social media platforms, coordinating digital campaigns, measuring social media effectiveness, handling crisis communication situations, and growing relationships with consumers and other social media influencers.

Classification of Master’s in Social Media Programs

Because of social media’s relatively young age when compared to other communication channels and practices, many universities have not developed independent social media educational programs. Instead, social media largely remains a specialization in communication, marketing, mass communication, journalism, and business degree programs. However, standalone graduate programs have emerged during the past five years that offer unique master’s degrees in social media marketing. While these programs vary by institution, they are typically offered as either a Master of Science (M.S.) or Master of Arts (M.A.) degree program. They can be found in different schools, ranging from schools of communication and journalism, to schools of business and/or marketing.

Examples of master’s degree programs in social media include:

• Master of Science in Communications with an Emphasis in Social Media
• Master of Science in Applied Communication with a Concentration in Social Media
• Master of Arts in Emerging Media
• Master of Arts in Strategic Communication with a Concentration in Digital and Social Media

Online Master’s in Social Media Marketing Programs

Individuals who want to hone their social media skills and apply them towards marketing, public relations, business development, and other industries have an increasing number of options for online master’s programs in social media. Online graduate programs in social media can be particularly advantageous for professionals who want to continue working while earning their degree, as they allow students to arrange their class schedules around their professional and family obligations. In addition, with the advent of advanced technologies and learning management systems, online graduate programs have more interactive capabilities that enhance student learning outcomes.

Students interested in earning their master’s in social media online can choose between programs that employ primarily asynchronous instruction, synchronous instruction, or a combination of both. Asynchronous instruction is delivered through lectures and materials that have been previously recorded, and which students can access on their own schedule, as long as they meet assignment deadlines. Programs that use mainly asynchronous instruction are ideal for students who need maximum scheduling flexibility, and who are adept at managing their own time to complete the course material and not fall behind.

Online master’s in social media programs that employ primarily synchronous instruction require students to meet at set times each week to participate in real-time online lectures and virtual class discussions; these programs have the benefit of offering more of a traditional classroom setting. On the other hand, they also are somewhat less flexible, in that students must commit to meeting each week at the same time. Online classes may involve students watching live campus-based lectures and submitting questions through the learning management system or they may involve only online students and use webcams so that students can see their instructor and classmates at the same time on one screen. While live classes are typically held at night, students who are considering a program that utilizes synchronous instruction should ask when live lectures are held and factor in the time zone in which they live to make sure they will be able to regularly attend the sessions. Students should note that programs that use synchronous instruction still have some asynchronous elements, such as course readings and assignments that students complete on their own time.

Curriculum Details for Master’s Programs in Social Media Marketing and Management

Just as social media has revolutionized communication, it is slowly doing the same to media, journalism and business programs on college campuses. As mentioned previously, social media coursework has historically remained on the periphery, offered as a specialization in other major subjects. However, some universities have begun to recognize it is a viable and important professional field, one that deserves its own curriculum and degree tracks.

Through focused courses in topics ranging from online marketing channels to strategic social marketing communication, students can study the history, theory and technology of social media. Classes that focus on social media communications can teach students how to segment consumer populations according to their social media activities and preferences, conduct marketing research, establish return-on-investment benchmarks, develop social marketing strategies, and communicate effectively across varied social media platforms.

Master’s in Social Media programs generally require students to complete between 30 and 36 credit hours of study to earn their degree. During the first year of study, students are typically introduced to fundamental concepts in social media, technology, marketing, and communication. After completing approximately 12 credit hours of study in core coursework, students transition into 15 to 18 credit hours of specialized or elective classes. These classes range from deep dives into business and customer intelligence to interactive marketing campaigns, and organizational behavior to crisis communication in social media.

Below is a list of example courses students in a master’s in social media may encounter in their program:

• Social Media Marketing Strategy : Introduces students to the strategic fundamentals of building social media marketing campaigns and how to evaluate their success, emphasizing how to engage multiple audiences through tailored messaging to various customer segments.
• Social Community Management : Explores the idea of social community on the internet, teaching students about the social community manager’s responsibility and role to develop, foster, maintain and enhance these communities by building relationships with its members.
• Digital Media and Analytics : An overview of mobile and social communication, studying specifically how to gather, analyze and interpret data analytics on a variety of digital platforms for integrated marketing, mobile, and social marketing campaigns.
• Strategic Communication Management : Reviews the core concepts and theories of strategic communication, including skill building in designing, launching, and measuring social communication initiatives for both internal and external audiences.
• Introduction to Social Media : A high-level overview of the social media industry and its various online communities, emphasizing major platforms (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat), their content forms, advertising strategies, and current business models.
• Social Media Marketing and Branding : A study of the social media landscape, concentrating on effective strategies to communicate brand messaging across social platforms and influence consumers, influencers and social community members.

Below is a table with an example course plan for students earning a master’s in social media.

Career Paths for Graduates with a Master’s in Social Media

It’s important to note that social media is a nascent industry, one still finding its role in the broader business world. Yet, social media’s growth is historic and its impact is now impossible to deny. Consider this: in Q4 of 2020, Facebook had more than 2.8 billion actively monthly users (according to the company’s fourth quarter financial results ). That’s 440% growth (from 500 million) since 2010.

While many are quick to dismiss social media’s legitimacy as a source of information, and think of professionals in the field as those who simply write posts and answer questions on Facebook or Twitter, social media is in fact a broader, more intricate field. As social media’s primary content producers are also its main consumers (i.e. members of the public who share content with friends and followers), it has the ability to spread compelling ideas rapidly across countries and the globe. The power of the “viral” video or meme, and the trust that social media users have in the content their peers share, means that social media can play a major role in the growth of businesses, non-profits, and political organizations. The practical, skills-based curriculum of social media master’s programs equips graduates with an in-depth understanding of how to communicate effectively using today’s social media tools, and where to reach consumers at influential points in their consumer journey.

With their knowledge of trends, communication strategies, audience behavior, and analytics, graduates of these programs can open their own consultancies, or find opportunities in organizations in both the private and public sectors. Whether working for a social media agency, such as Socialfly in New York, or as a social media manager for Home Depot, there are roles available in nearly every professional industry. And, as felt by companies every year, social media blunders hit not only the bottom line, but the company’s reputation as well.

Indeed, a graduate education in social media prepares students for diverse career paths that do not only include creating social media posts. Below is a list of employment paths that graduates with a master’s in social media may want to consider:

• Marketing Director : Marketing managers study market trends, industry competitors, and target consumers to identify marketing opportunities for their companies and clients. They build strategies for campaigns, as well as product and company promotional content through social media and other marketing channels.
• Communication Manager : Communication managers handle both internal and external communications for their companies. In this role, they create broad, integrated communication strategies that incorporate social media, public relations, and marketing messaging components.
• Social Media Manager : Social media managers manage social media accounts for companies or clients, creating unique content for social networks, developing strategies for connecting with consumers, implementing social media campaigns, and devising plans for promoting business interests through social media channels.
• Brand Manager : Brand managers maintain and oversee the overall brand of a company or product, monitoring marketing trends, and developing and launching brand-focused marketing initiatives across social media, online, print and other channels.

The following schools offer master’s degree programs that include a specialization or concentration in social media marketing and/or management, and programs that offer training in digital strategy and new/emerging media.

• Academic Schools
• School of Arts and Sciences
• Communications Media Department

Social Media Concentration, Applied Communication, MS (online)

Prepares students for a variety of careers in communication fields within business, industry, government, nonprofit, and health services.

• Applied understanding of social media theories and practice
• Design and management of social media content
• Ability to design and execute a social media campaign

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Earn your master's degree in as little as two years. Learn more about our 100% online M.S. in Applied Communication.

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Program Overview

This accelerated 100% Online Social Media concentration is designed to meet rigorous academic and career training goals, in line with the employment outlook for careers requiring a master’s degree in Communication and Media Studies, and related disciplines. 

Career Opportunities

• Social Media Manager
• Marketing Manager/Director
• Communications Manager
• Director of Media Relations
• Communications Specialist
• Brand Manager
• Public Relations Director

Total Credits

While you can complete the program in as few as five months, you have six years to complete the program.

Register for classes

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Degrees and other information.

• MS, Applied Communication, Social Media Concentration  - Program information from the University Catalog.
• Two-Year Course Rotation  (PDF)

Applied Communication, Social Media Concentration students will be able to:

• Critically conceptualize social media within historical and social contexts
• Identify and assess the ethical implications of social media uses
• Collect and analyze research data, and contextualize research findings
• Design, plan, monitor, manage, evaluate and revise social media content and campaigns

Tuition and Fees

Completed applications are reviewed on a rolling admission basis. Admissions requirements are as follows:

• Official transcript of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Three letters of recommendation
• Professional resume
• Official transcripts of graduate level course work from a regionally accredited institution (if applicable)
• Graduate application and fee
• No GRE or MAT exams required

Still have questions? We're here to help!

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• Email an enrollment counselor  [email protected]  or call 978.665.3182
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• M.A. in Social and Emerging Media
• Admission Requirements
• Degree Requirements and Plan of Study
• College of Arts and Letters

Advance your skills and career in a dynamic digital market

The University of Tampa’s new M.A. in Social and Emerging Media blends technology and creativity as it prepares students to develop compelling media projects, build sophisticated social media strategies and engage effectively with audiences.

Gain hands-on experience and increase your technical expertise as you learn to plan, produce and distribute professional media for multiple platforms, from websites, to social media, to the latest interactive technologies.

Areas of study include digital storytelling, visual design, audio-video production, emerging media technologies, user experience production, audience and user experience research, media strategy and analytics, project management and emerging media policy and law.

Take your career in a new direction

Virtually every industry, including health care, government, finance, academia, real estate and the nonprofit sector, has a growing need for communication professionals skilled in social and emerging media.

UT’s program is designed for a broad range of students, including:

• Corporate or nonprofit employees positioning themselves for advanced roles in social media management, content production or digital marketing.
• Recent college graduates who want to take their degree in communication, journalism, writing, marketing or film to the next level.
• Designers, photographers, writers and filmmakers who want to translate their work onto new platforms and reach a wider audience.
• Anyone seeking a new skill set and a competitive edge for a promotion or new job

Complete to receive more information about the M.A. in Social and Emerging Media.

Prepare for an online future — with a personal touch.

UT’s unique in-person program provides a superior level of learning and support. Get hands-on media training and experience using industry-standard equipment and tools. Through real-world team projects, including the chance to work with local companies, students develop valuable career connections in Tampa’s vibrant downtown — an emerging tech center and the heart of the nation’s 12th-largest media market.

We offer state-of-the-art computer labs with industry-standard video and graphics software, portable video production kits, mobile photoshoot stands, VR headsets, Pivo Pods, 360 cameras, smartphone gimbals and wireless mics, an A/B testing lab with biometric eye-tracking software and gaming consoles, and a Blackmagic 4K TV studio for multi-cam productions in front of a cutting-edge 30x14 foot Vū LED volume , the same technology used to create Disney’s The Mandalorian.

• Learn in a team environment on UT’s convenient downtown campus.
• Take classes in the evening and earn your degree in as little as one year.
• Gain marketable skills that are immediately applicable in a variety of fields.
• Receive professional hands-on training in UT’s state-of-the-art facilities.
• Learn from expert faculty with diverse specializations and professional experience.
• No GRE or portfolio required.
• Emerging Technologies and Applications
• Digital Storytelling
• Visual Design for Emerging Media
• Audio and Video Production for Emerging Media
• Social and Emerging Media Strategy and Analytics
• User Experience and Audience Research
• Media Creation and Project Management
• Emerging Media: Industry, Policy and Law
• Advanced Production in Emerging Media
• Ethics and Communication Law
• Motion Graphics and Visual Effects for Social and Emerging Media 

• M.A. in Social and Emerging Media Flyer
• M.A. in Social and Emerging Media Guaranteed Admission Flyer
• UT2UT Spotlight

Undergraduate Research Inspired by Student's Hispanic Roots

UT Senior Spends Summer with the NFL

Trip to Morocco Enhances Students' Ability To Be Global Communicators

Use our online calendar to view and register for daily information sessions, open houses and program-specific events.

Contact the Office of  Graduate and Continuing Studies at  (813) 253-6249 or  email us at  [email protected] .

Start the admissions process today!

Students should be prepared to get fully immersed into this program. Just get fully involved with it. Get to know your classmates. The small class sizes and structure allow us to go through the entire program together, [which is] very helpful for networking.

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Contact International Graduate Admissions

International graduate program admission

Requirements for international graduate students.

In addition to the admissions requirements for all graduate students, international students must meet additional criteria to be eligible for admission to NAU.

Office of Graduate & Professional Studies requirements Accordion Closed

Applicants must have earned a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 out of a 4.0 scale for their bachelor’s degree to be considered for regular admission. Admitted students are expected to have undergraduate educational experiences, including general education studies, that are similar to those required for a baccalaureate at Northern Arizona University.

Applicants who have earned their degree(s) from an international institution must submit official transcripts directly from the university or college. The transcripts must be in the original language of the country accompanied by an English translation. If the degree awarded and the date of award is not on the transcripts, applicants must also include a separate degree certificate document.

Please send transcripts to:

Northern Arizona University Center for International Education

PO Box 5598 523 S Knoles Dr. Flagstaff, AZ 86011-5598

All transcripts become the official property of the university and cannot be returned. Failure to provide complete information may delay your admission decision.

NOTE to all applicants from Nigeria: NAU accepts transcript evaluations from members of the  National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) as part of the evaluation process. However, the result of a transcript evaluation does not guarantee that transfer credits will be awarded. Evaluation Services:  NAU SpanTran Application ,  World Education Services

Having trouble uploading transcripts? Check out our frequently asked questions  page.

Degree availability for students with an F-1 or J-1 visa Accordion Closed

Flagstaff Mountain campus: International students may apply to most master’s and doctoral programs at the Flagstaff Mountain Campus, with the exception of the following programs (many of these programs ARE available for online student for international students):

• Applied Geospatial Sciences, Master of Science (Flagstaff Mountain)
• Early Childhood Education, Master of Education (Flagstaff Mountain)
• Educational Leadership – Community College/Higher Education, Master of Education (Flagstaff Mountain)
• Educational Leadership – Instructional Leadership, Master of Education (Flagstaff Mountain)
• Educational Leadership – Principal K-12, Master of Education (Flagstaff Mountain)
• Educational Foundations, Master of Education (Flagstaff Mountain)
• Elementary Education- Certification, Master of Education (Flagstaff Mountain)
• English – Rhetoric, Writing, and Digital Media Studies, Master of Arts (Flagstaff Mountain)
• Graduate – Non-Degree Seeking (Flagstaff Mountain)
• Human Relations, Master of Education (Flagstaff Mountain)
• Mathematics Education, Master of Science (Flagstaff Mountain)
• Occupational Therapy, Doctor of Occupational Therapy
• Physician Assistant Studies, Master of Physician Assistant Studies
• Public Administration, Master of Public Administration (Flagstaff Mountain)
• Social Work, Master of Social Work (Flagstaff Mountain)
• Special Education with Certification, Master of Education (Flagstaff Mountain)
• Special Education- Early Childhood Special Education with Certification, Master of Education (Flagstaff Mountain)
• Special Education- Mild/Moderate Disabilities with Certification, Master of Education (Flagstaff Mountain)
• Teaching Science with Certification, Master of Arts in Teaching (Flagstaff Mountain)

Special instructions: Please contact the department prior to applying to the following programs: ESL and Bilingual Education, Master of Education (Flagstaff Mountain)

Please Note: International students may pursue degrees from their home country if delivered completely online. In those circumstances, the student would not need to acquire a visa.

International students may only pursue in-person degree programs on the Flagstaff Mountain or Yuma campuses. In-person Graduate Certificates may only be pursued by international students if paired with a degree program.

English proficiency requirements Accordion Closed

If English is not your native language, you must provide proof of English proficiency from one of the following testing agencies:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Scores are sent directly to NAU from ETS NAU’s Institutional Code is 4006.
• DuoLingo Scores are sent directly to NAU from DuoLingo
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Please send IELTS scores via email to [email protected] . We will verify your scores. You can also send directly from IELTS to:

Center for International Education- NAU 523 S Knoles Drive PO Box 5598 Flagstaff, AZ 86011

Minimum scores for most programs:

Scores must be sent directly to the Center for International Education from the Testing Institution. Please note that some departments have their own requirements and it is important to reach out to them to ensure they accept the English Proficiency Test that you plan to submit.

Some programs require English proficiency scores that are lower or higher than the Office of Graduate & Professional Studies minimums. Below is a list of programs that have specific proficiency requirements.

Additionally, some programs require specific score minimums in the individual exam sections, that are above the Office of Graduate & Professional Studies requirements, as shown below.

The TOEFL/IELTS may be waived*:

• If you are a native speaker of English. Native speakers are considered applicants who are from and have completed a high school or university education at an institution in an English-speaking country.
• If you have earned a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from a U.S. university or college.

*Applied Linguistics, PhD and MA TESL applicants must submit official TOEFL/IELTS scores (no more than 2 years old), regardless of where the applicant received their higher education degree. Exemption from these requirements may be requested by contacting the English department.

Program in Intensive English (PIE) Accordion Closed

The Program in Intensive English (PIE) meets the academic needs of NAU international students by providing academic English preparation and support. PIE teaches skills that are essential to successful academic performance at the university. The specific plan for English instruction will be finalized upon arrival at NAU and will include the degree program advisor and the PIE Director.

If an applicant does not meet the TOEFL/IELTS minimum score requirement for a program, they may be admitted to the PIE Program as a non-degree-seeking undergraduate student. Upon successful completion of the PIE program, the TOEFL/IELTS exam must be re-taken and new scores must be re-submitted to the Office of Graduate & Professional Studies.

Immigration and visa information Accordion Closed

The privileges and responsibilities of a foreign national in the United States of America depend on the type of visa held. Therefore, is important to ensure that international graduate students obtain the appropriate visa.

Obtaining an F-1 or J-1 Visa

To obtain a visa, you should present to the nearest United States Consulate in your country the following items:

• A Form I-20 (F-1) or a Form DS-2019 (J-1) issued by Northern Arizona University and your admission letter;
• A valid passport;
• Receipt of the SEVIS fee Form I-901 payment; AND
• Proof of financial support, as stated on the Certificate of Eligibility.

It is not advisable to enter the United States on a visitor’s visa and then later request to change this to a student visa. Please note that these requests are usually denied.

Students under H-1B visa status

Prospective students under a H-1B visa are required to provide a copy of their current H-1B visa and official documentation from their employer verifying the academic studies are incidental to their employment. The Office of Graduate & Professional Studies will request this information and provide instructions upon receipt of the student’s application.

Visas for a spouse or child

Your spouse and children may be issued F-2 or J-2 visas at this time, provided you are able to provide evidence of your ability to support dependents. Please be aware that it is illegal for spouses on F-2 visas to work while in the United States. Spouses with J-2 visas may only work with permission from the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service.

Maintaining your visa

United States immigration regulations require that, as the holder of a student visa, you maintain student status by enrolling in an academic program on a full-time basis; this means you must complete a minimum of nine (9) credit units each Fall and Spring semesters, six (6) of which must be in-person on the Flagstaff Mountain campus. Additionally, if you intend to complete your degree over the summer term, you must enroll in a minimum of five (5) credit units, in-person on the Flagstaff Mountain campus. Your department can help you determine eligibility for the summer graduation option.

Cost of Attendance (Flagstaff Campus) Accordion Closed

Estimated costs for Academic Year 2024-25:

Tuition $31,658

Mandatory Student Fees $1,321

Program Fees* $945

Housing $7,301

Meals $5,770

Books/Supplies $900

Mandatory Health Insurance $2,876

*Personal expenses, transportation, and summer costs are not included. $945 in program fees included but costs vary by degree program.

Total $50,771

Upon admittance to a program, international students must verify they have adequate funding available to support educational costs and all other costs associated with their stay in the United States before a visa application is processed. International students must submit one, or a combination of many, of the following documents to verify availability of $50,771 (Flagstaff campus) or $49,575 (Yuma campus):

• Self-support (e.g. submit a current bank statement) • Governmental, Employer, or Academic Institution support: Submit a letter of official financial sponsorship

• Third Party support: submit a completed Financial Guarantee Form . If you bring dependents with you, please submit the  Dependent Form and provide an extra USD $6,000 per dependent.

Important Memo for MBA students: MBA Students are charged an additional $7,000 fee for this program.  Please ensure that this additional $7,000 is shown on your financial guarantee in addition to the total Estimated Cost of Attendance amount above.

Cost of Attendance – (Yuma Campus) Accordion Closed

Estimated Costs for Academic Year 2024-25:

NAU Yuma Graduate Tuition $30,658

Mandatory Student Fees $495

Program Fees* $1575

Meals  $5,770

*Personal expenses,  transportation, and summer costs are not included. $1,575 in program fees included but costs vary by degree program

Total $49,575

Health insurance purchasing options Accordion Closed

All international students must purchase NAU student health insurance. Exceptions may be made only for sponsored students who have adequate health insurance provided by the government or a sponsoring agency, or for students whose parents or spouse have health insurance coverage through their employment in the United States. Private policies are not accepted.

NAU has a number of health insurance/healthcare options, including major medical insurance. More information about services is available at Campus Health Services .

Office of Graduate & Professional Studies

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• Master of Science

Master of Science (MS) in Psychology with an emphasis in Industrial and Organizational Psychology (MIOP) Program

Important to know: The Summer 2024 classes will be offered in-person on the Manhattan, KS Campus.

The application deadlines for the Summer 2024 cohort is April 1, 2024 .

We review applications year round and make considerations for fall or spring start terms.

Master of Science (MS) in Psychology with an emphasis in Industrial and Organizational Psychology ( MIOP ) Program is a 38-hour hybrid sequence of on-campus and web-based courses.

The program is directed at working human resource professionals and aims at teaching students to apply analytical behavioral science skill and course concepts to company related issues.

The program spans 2 1/2 years and consists of eight courses in such areas as performance appraisal, training and program evaluation, job analysis and selection, organizational topics, ethical and legal issues, and applied research methods. The last semester of the program consists of students conducting a research practicum in their own organization under the supervision of faculty.

Students attend campus once a year over the summer for two-week sessions. Four courses are taught as on-campus courses, and the remaining four courses and practicum are delivered via web-based instruction.

Program Details

I. summer course work (with two-week, on-campus workshops/sessions).

Students are required to bring laptop computers to the summer on-campus courses. During on-campus sessions, students learn Internet-related skills such as how to access course modules, participate in chat rooms and post messages. These sessions also provide students with the opportunity to interact with peers and faculty.

First Summer (on-campus workshops required)

PSYCH 804 - (Introductory Seminar) Industrial/Organizational Psychology (3 credits)

This is an advanced survey of theory, research and practice pertaining to human behavior in work organizations. Topics include an overview of selection, training and evaluation of employees, job analysis and evaluation, work motivation and satisfaction, organization behavior and development and working conditions.

PSYCH 808 - Applied Research Methods I (3 credits)

This laboratory-based course will teach students how to set up and analyze human resource information systems to enable them to make data-based human resource decisions. Case studies on real organizational data will be used to assess such human resource areas as discrimination, strategic planning, grievance filing, performance-based compensation systems and job evaluation.

Second Summer (on-campus workshops required)

PSYCH 968 - Ethical and Legal Issues: Seminar in Professional Problems (3 credits)

This course will look at current ethical and legal policies that affect human resource professionals. The ethical implications of consulting with and doing research in organizations will be discussed. Recent legislation and legal cases and their impact on human resource functions will also be examined.

PSYCH 809 - Applied Research Methods II (3 credits)

The second part of the research component will focus on applied research techniques in organizations and developing the skills that students will require to complete their third-year project. Students will be taught how to utilize resources to review the literature, operational research, develop a research agenda and budget, and evaluate their research.

II. Online Courses

Each spring and fall semester, one of the following four courses will be offered using distance and web-based educational resources. Also, students will be enrolled in 2 credit hours of Master's Research in Psychology each spring and fall semester. Delivery will be accomplished using the web, email and guided study. Students and faculty will communicate through message boards, email, telephone, and video conferencing. Assignments will enable students to apply the concepts and techniques learned to company-related problems.

PSYCH 878 - Personnel Selection (3 credits)

This course will focus on developing, performing and analyzing several different job procedures, which provide the basis for several human resource functions. It will also examine the theoretical and practical issues in staffing industrial organizations, including recruitment, test validation and other employment opportunity issues (test fairness, adverse impact, etc.).

PSYCH 880 - Performance Appraisal (3 credits)

The course will examine data sources, rating procedures, psychometric criteria for evaluating performance appraisal systems and models/theories of the performance evaluation process. Different compensation models and their advantages and disadvantages will also be discussed.

PSYCH 879 - Organizational Psychology (3 credits)

Examines the individual's role in organizations and the effects of organizational variables on the individual worker. Topics include organizational communication, employee socialization, cultures and psychological climates of organizations, stress in organizations, group processes and employee performance, and organizational change and development.

PSYCH 875 - Personnel Training (3 credits)

An examination of the training of personnel in an organization. Topics include: determination of an organization's training needs, selection and motivation of trainees, design and evaluation of training programs and examination of several specific strategies for accomplishing the training function.

III. Guided Study Practicum Research

Students will be enrolled each spring and fall semester in 2 credit hours of Practicum: Research in I/O Psychology.

PSYCH 860 - Practicum: Research in I/O Psychology

Fall of Year One - 2 credits

Spring of Year One - 2 credits

Fall of Year Two - 2 credits

Spring of Year Two - 2 credits

IV. Summer of Year Three

PSYCH 860 - Practicum: Final Report in I/O Psychology - 5 credits

Students do NOT come to the campus in summer three.

The third summer of the program is spent writing and finalizing a guided-study practicum based on a company-related human resource issue. Each student will work on the research and practicum with his/her major professor.

Due to the diverse backgrounds of the students entering the MIOP program, practica are expected to be as equally diverse. However, broad study areas include: development of selection instruments, job training needs assessment, development of performance evaluations and performance-based compensation models, surveys of employee attitudes and evaluation of the programs. In some cases, students will work with real world data sets and projects provided by their instructor. Each student's major professor will work with the student to determine the scope and breadth of his/her practicum.

V. Fall of Year Three

Final course is PSYCH 860 - Practicum: Final Report in I/O Psychology - 1 credit

VI. Graduation

MIOP commencement takes place in December. Final report should be completed by the end of September in order to meet the graduation deadlines. It takes time to obtain feedback and make changes to a final report.

If a student does not complete the degree by December of MIOP year three, the student will be out-of-sequence and will be required to pay an additional MIOP program per semester fee of $250, as well as the current per- credit-hour cost of the course. These will include, but will not be limited to, the cost of enrolling in an additional 1 credit hour of 860 during each semester until the student graduates.

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• Updated: 5/29/24

‘There are no jobs’: PhD graduates struggle to build careers in academia

For the first time in decades, Ian Corbin has dental insurance.

Over the past 15 years, Corbin has been a doctoral student, an adjunct professor, and a postdoctoral fellow. And trying to scrape together a living has been tough. “I was always hustling,” he says.

When Corbin — who holds a PhD in philosophy from Boston College and works at the intersection of ethics and medicine — was a postdoc at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in 2019, he earned about $50,000 a year and had kids to support. “So I was always teaching classes in the evening and publishing articles as fast as I could. Just taking on really anything that anyone would give me,” he says.

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Corbin’s story isn’t unusual. For many of those with doctorates, who typically spend between four and seven years in graduate school, the employment picture is increasingly bleak, especially for jobs in academia.

Maren Wood, who founded a firm that helps those with doctorates find jobs, says that the market for full-time professors has collapsed. Between 2007 and 2020, the number of openings in philosophy dropped by roughly half. The number of openings in English fell by about 60 percent .

Universities staffed up to accommodate millennials, she says, and now they’re trying to cope with declining enrollments, which are predicted to continue indefinitely . “There’s nothing wrong with a PhD,” says Wood, chief executive of Beyond the Professoriate, whose platform is currently used by Harvard and BC . “The problem is there are no jobs.”

Wood holds a PhD in history, and her breaking point was in 2011 when she came in second place for a job thousands of miles away. The gig was a one-year position. In Reno. And she was told the pay wouldn’t even be enough to live on.

The woman doing the hiring encouraged Wood. “You came in second place!” she exclaimed.

“For what?” Wood asked.

Wood had hoped to be a professor. She had been a top student and earned her PhD from the University of North Carolina. But it didn’t take long to realize: Despite the fact that she had a prestigious degree, there were virtually no decent jobs in universities.

Often, those with doctorates serve as adjunct professors — sometimes while they look for a more permanent gig. To students, adjuncts and tenure-track faculty may appear to be the same. They have PhDs. Students call them “professor.”

But when it comes to stability, they’re worlds apart. Adjuncts rarely get health care. They’re generally paid between $3,000 and $7,000 per class, and you might have to drive considerable distances to get from one job to another.

Over 30 percent of nontenure-track educators in higher education make under $25,000 a year, according to a 2019 survey by the American Federation of Teachers . Another 30 percent make between $25,000 and $50,000 a year. But over the past few decades, the number of adjuncts has grown much faster than the ranks of full-time faculty.

The dearth of jobs has been particularly tough on those in the social sciences, humanities, and some sciences, including biology. Richard Larson, a professor of data, systems, and society at MIT, has noted that many professors churn out lots of doctoral students over the course of their careers — and a good chunk of those students would like to be professors themselves.

But the math simply doesn’t work. Only a few of those grad students — fewer than 20 percent — can get the sort of job that their advisers have. (Though there are certainly disciplines — including chemical engineering and computer science — in which graduates can find jobs fairly easily, often in industry.)

Kristina Aikens, who earned her PhD in English from Tufts University, initially tried to piece together a living as an adjunct. For a year and a half, she says, she was teaching four or five classes in two or three locations, which is a common — though brutal — workload.

Aikens doesn’t believe that doctoral students — particularly in humanities — understand the real threat of finding themselves in an unstable position. “I think people think it won’t happen to them,” she says. “It’s not because they think that they’re better than anyone else. It’s just a denial that they’re in.”

But the threat of job instability is considerable. Massachusetts is not only the state with the highest percentage of people with undergraduate degrees; it also has the highest percentage of those with graduate degrees . And while many of those degree holders are thriving, too many live in precarious situations — situations made all the more precarious by the extraordinarily high cost of housing in the Boston area.

So if the supply of academic jobs has waned, why don’t doctoral programs simply slim down and admit fewer students?

Most of the people I spoke with noted that professors may be loath to give up their graduate students because they genuinely enjoy working with them. Grad students can talk about esoteric areas of scholarship, built on years of deep study.

“I think that faculty want to believe that they’re doing good,” says Wood. “I think that graduate deans generally believe that graduate education does good. And the fact that universities have paid so little attention to career outcomes means that they don’t actually have good data to work with.”

It’s also possible that schools’ reluctance to admit fewer graduate students is financially motivated. Universities often run on the work of grad students, as the Boston University strike has demonstrated . Grad students teach sections of large classes. They work in labs. They perform in-the-field research.

“The business model only works with a lot of cheap labor,” Corbin says. “I think it’s bad. I think it’s bad for students. I think it’s bad for the classroom. I think it’s bad for the grad students and the perennial adjuncts.” But, he believes, doctoral students represent an enormous pool of untapped talent.

Corbin is now a tenure-track researcher in neurology at Harvard Medical School, with a secondary appointment in bioethics. It’s a job he likes, and life feels much more stable. “It’s becoming less desperate,” he says.

Aikens — who now serves as the program director of writing support at Tufts — says she doesn’t regret getting a doctorate, and she doesn’t think we should preclude people from pursuing that sort of intense study.

Coming from a working-class background in West Virginia, she had wanted to see if she could do it. And the six years she spent getting a PhD were hard. But she knew that success wouldn’t necessarily lead to employment:

“At my graduation, literally at the ceremony, I turned to my friend and said: ‘Should I apply to law school? Because I don’t think this is going to work out.’”

Follow Kara Miller @karaemiller .