Program Overview

Introduction to the MS in Media Ventures Program

The Master of Science in Media Ventures is an advanced program designed for creative and enterprising students interested in innovative media models. This program focuses on the skills and strategies necessary to bring new ideas to the marketplace, emphasizing how content and technology are used to create something new and profitable. The goal of the Media Ventures program is to create a bridge to industry opportunities where innovation is key.

Program Structure

The MS in Media Ventures is a 12-month, three-term, bicoastal program that benefits from the strengths of both the Boston University College of Communication and the BU Los Angeles program.

• Students develop an idea for a new media business, product, or service for their thesis project.
• The fall term is spent in Boston, where students begin to build their idea, complete with pitch, prototype, business, and marketing plans.
• The spring and summer terms are spent at the BU Los Angeles program, where students complete two internships alongside their courses.
• At the conclusion of the program, students pitch their capstone projects to a group of industry executives.

Academic Requirements

Students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average each term and earn a minimum grade of B– in COM FT 728 Creating New Ideas to continue in the program. Failure to meet these standards may result in dismissal from the program, although the requirement may be waived by the chair of the department in consultation with appropriate faculty members.

Learning Outcomes

• Students will examine the detailed processes required to take a business from concept to successful execution, focusing on the creation of compelling content that drives new media businesses.
• Students will develop a new media business, product, or service from concept to marketplace and present their Pitch Deck and/or prototype as their thesis project to industry leaders.
• Students will develop a clear understanding of strategic challenges facing all start-ups, with an emphasis on the media industry.
• Students will learn the skills and strategies of media product innovation, distribution, marketing, and management.

Curriculum

Students must complete 42 units.

Fall Term (Boston campus)

• COM FT 518 The Media Money Trail (4 units)
• COM FT 700 Fundamentals of Interactive Media (4 units)
• COM FT 715 Market Analysis for Creative Ventures (4 units)
• COM FT 728 Creating New Ideas (4 units)

Spring Term (Los Angeles Program)

• COM CM 505 Entertainment Marketing and Promotion (4 units)
• COM CM 564 Careers in the Entertainment Industry (4 units)
• COM FT 825 Thesis Project (2 units)
• COM FT 856 Graduate Media Ventures Seminar (4 units)
• COM FT 953 Internship (4 units)
  • The spring term also includes two thesis workshops: one focusing on refining individual thesis projects and an intense workshop in presentation skills.

Summer Term (Los Angeles Program)

• COM FT 825 Thesis Project (4 units)
• COM FT 954 Internship (4 units)

Additional Resources

Master’s students should refer to the College of Communication Graduate Handbook for a comprehensive guide to policies, academic regulations, and resources.

Accreditation

Boston University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).