Boise State University

What you'll study

This programme combines core theory, empirical research skills and practical media production. Students engage with contemporary topics such as media effects and audiences, digital and social media strategies, media law and ethics, and the political economy of communication. Instruction balances qualitative and quantitative research methods, allowing students to design and conduct original research projects or applied capstone work.

• Core modules – media theory, research design and methods, ethics and law in communication.
• Media-focused modules – digital media and society, journalism studies, visual communication and storytelling, strategic communication and persuasion.
• Research and methods – qualitative methods (interviews, focus groups, ethnography), quantitative methods (survey design, statistical analysis), and mixed-methods approaches.
• Production and practicum – hands-on classes in audio/video production, multimedia storytelling, social media campaign development, and internships or practicum placements with media organisations.
• Capstone or thesis – students typically choose between a research thesis that contributes to scholarly knowledge or an applied capstone project demonstrating professional competence.

Course delivery mixes seminars, lab-based production sessions and independent research. Small cohort sizes allow close faculty supervision and opportunities to publish or present at conferences for students pursuing academic careers.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, preferably in communication, media studies, journalism, English, sociology, political science, or a related field. Candidates with professional experience in media, public relations, marketing or allied areas may also be considered, particularly if they demonstrate the ability to undertake graduate-level study.

• Official transcripts demonstrating undergraduate study and academic achievement.
• A statement of purpose outlining academic and professional goals, and how the programme fits those aims.
• Letters of recommendation, usually two academic or professional references.
• A writing sample or portfolio of media work may be requested for applicants to production-focused pathways.
• International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements through recognised tests or equivalent evidence of instruction in English.

Additional requirements such as an interview, GRE scores, or specific preparatory coursework depend on the applicant's background and the chosen pathway; applicants should consult the department for tailored guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of roles across media, public and private sectors. The programme equips students for careers that require analytical skills, research literacy and content-creation abilities.

• Digital content strategist, social media manager or content producer for media organisations, brands and agencies.
• Public relations and corporate communications roles, including media relations and crisis communication.
• Research positions in market research firms, think tanks, policy institutes and academic settings.
• Journalism and multimedia reporting positions, including podcasting and video journalism.
• Further academic study at the doctoral level for those pursuing teaching or scholarly research careers.

Alumni commonly combine their degree with internships or practicum experiences to transition quickly into industry roles or to build portfolios for freelance and consultancy work.

Why study at Boise State University

Boise State offers a programme that blends scholarly rigour with applied learning. The department emphasises small-class interaction, personalised mentorship and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration across arts, technology and public affairs.

• Hands-on facilities – access to multimedia labs, audio/video production studios and tools used in contemporary media practice.
• Industry connections – partnerships and internship pathways with local and regional media organisations, public broadcasters and creative agencies.
• Faculty expertise – faculty active in research areas such as digital communication, media policy, health communication and visual cultures who provide supervision for research projects.
• Location advantages – Boise’s growing creative and tech sector provides entry points for internships and applied projects, while a relatively compact campus community fosters collaboration.

Prospective students benefit from a programme that prepares them both for professional practice and for advanced research, supported by mentorship and practical experience opportunities unique to Boise State.