Degree Requirements

4 credits

During the semester, Understanding Media course will trace the development, survey the literature, and explore the impact of media--whether traditional, interactive, social or mobile--examining conceptual, theoretical, and practical aspects of today's global media environment. The course will also review the factors that have shaped the nature of contemporary media, including their content, uses, functions, and audiences. Understanding Media provides students with a broad understanding of the social and psychological impact of mediated communication and empowers students to think originally and critically about how media technologies evolve, function, advance, and shape society, industry, and professional practices. It makes dynamic connections between theoretical frameworks, everyday life, and industry practices in a manner that can engage undergraduate students in Advertising, Media Science, and Public Relations and can inform them of the significance of using strategic approaches to constructing, disseminating, and evaluating media initiatives and media messages. 4 cr. Either sem.

4 credits

Introduction to the philosophy and process of social-scientific research and the most common methods used to study mass communication. Includes a variety of research methods, an examination of data-analysis procedures, and an analysis of mass communication issues.

4 credits

Undergraduate Prerequisites: CO201 AND First Year Writing Seminar (e.g., WR 100 or WR 120). - Intensive exposure to some of the basic writing formats in the communications profession: news releases, letters, features, and profiles. Lead writing, editing, and techniques of interviewing. Extensive writing and rewriting. Develops basic writing skills for different audiences. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: Writing-Intensive Course.

4 credits

Students will learn the essentials of effective presentation, from preparation (audience analysis, content development) to critical thinking when presenting. This course is designed to help students to incorporate theories and skills of effective communication in a variety of contests. Using a combination of lecture, discussion and hands-on practice and simulation, this course is designed to place students in common business and social settings that require a mastery of oral presentation skills in order to be successful. This course will also include instruction on the effective use of presentation software and interactive technology. (Formerly CM 311. Cannot count here for Communication Studies students.)

4 credits

The theories, strategies, and techniques of persuasion as a means of shaping public opinion and attitudes. How individuals, business, government, and institutions craft messages and communicate through the press, entertainment media, advertising, and public relations. Ascertaining and understanding the beliefs, attitudes, and values of groups and society. (Formerly CM 409)

4 credits

Provides knowledge and practice for effective graphic design for all media. Develops a foundation in design principles and software skills including Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. Students create projects demonstrating how graphic design is used to engage an audience and enhance comprehension of all forms of mass communication from traditional print to new media.

4 credits

Study of the laws that apply to communication practitioners. Topics covered include the First Amendment, defamation, invasion of privacy, copyright, regulation of advertising, obscenity, and indecency, and the emerging field of cyberspace law. (Cannot count here for Communication Studies students.)

4 credits

Students will learn the essentials of effective presentation, from preparation (audience analysis, content development) to critical thinking when presenting. This course is designed to help students to incorporate theories and skills of effective communication in a variety of contests. Using a combination of lecture, discussion and hands-on practice and simulation, this course is designed to place students in common business and social settings that require a mastery of oral presentation skills in order to be successful. This course will also include instruction on the effective use of presentation software and interactive technology. (Formerly CM 311. Cannot count here for Communication Studies students.)

4 credits

Study of the laws that apply to communication practitioners. Topics covered include the First Amendment, defamation, invasion of privacy, copyright, regulation of advertising, obscenity, and indecency, and the emerging field of cyberspace law. (Cannot count here for Communication Studies students.)

4 credits

An introduction to the field of public relations: its theoretical origins, scope, and principles. Discussion focuses on researching problems, setting objectives, identifying audiences, designing messages, choosing communication channels, and evaluating results for all types of organizations. Ethical decision making, on-line communication, and career opportunities are also analyzed case studies in the field. The format is a combination of informal lecture and small-group discussion, case analysis, and guest lecture. Open the freshmen. 4 cr. Either sem.

4 credits

Explores the history, nature, function, and social and economic aspects of advertising: ethical responsibilities, psychological appeals, marketing, media research, product analysis, creative strategies, and agency operation. Students prepare comprehensive advertising plans, including marketing strategy and speculative advertising campaigns. Open to freshmen. 4 cr. Either sem.

4 credits

Undergraduate Prerequisites: (COMCM180) - This course examines the role that communication--and especially mediated communication--play in the social influence process. This course is organized around theoretical persuasive approaches to the study of attitudinal and behavioral change. It uses these theories as a basis for teaching about persuasive strategies that can be implemented to lead to changes in others' attitudes and behaviors--whether in the areas of media campaigns, marketing communication, advertising, or public relations. The course includes discussion of the strategies that "professional persuaders" use when peddling their ideas, products, services, and philosophies. Pre-req: COM CM180. 4 cr. Either sem.

Var credits

Undergraduate Prerequisites: (COMCM331) AND for Advertising: COMCM217; Public Relations: COMCM215; Media Science: one COMCM280, COMCM434, COMCM481, COMCM535, or COMCM539Students enrolled in CM 471 can earn credits for completing internships they secure at advertising, public relations and integrated marketing communication agencies; communication or public affairs departments of companies, nonprofit organizations, and government entities; corporate sales or nonprofit fundraising departments; and communication-related functions at media companies. Two-credit students must work a minimum of 100 hours during the semester in which they are enrolled in CM 471. Four-credit students must work a minimum of 200 hours during the semester in which they are enrolled in CM 471 and their internship role must be with a non-Boston University entity. Virtual or hybrid internships may qualify for academic credit. It is allowable to receive academic credit and be paid for your internship. Undergraduate students are limited to four total CM 471 credits via the departmental internship coordinator, and an additional four credits through a Boston University Study Abroad Program. The assigned supervisor at the internship oversees student work. Students complete a detailed end-of-semester internship report, and the internship supervisor provides a thorough evaluation. Register for 2 or 4 units.

4 credits

Provides knowledge and practice for effective graphic design for all media. Develops a foundation in design principles and software skills including Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. Students create projects demonstrating how graphic design is used to engage an audience and enhance comprehension of all forms of mass communication from traditional print to new media.

4 credits

This course introduces students to using new media tools as a source and vehicle for creating expression and media communication. Students will acquire building blocks for design thinking and hands-on skills to successfully communicate ideas using media technology. Students will experience the design process: ideation to execution. Topics on media technology, interface design, information architecture, and interaction design will be covered.

4 credits

Course prepares students for careers in an environment of constant technological development and institutional change. Provides an overview of current and near-future developments in telecommunications; a theoretical base and exercise in systems analysis for assessing the potential uses and importance of these technologies in media-related institutions; and consideration of legal, regulatory, and social issues which these technologies and their uses may raise for telecommunications and media industries and society in general.

4 credits

This course introduces students to principles of interactivity through a hands-on experience designing interactive work. Students will learn to apply design thinking for interactivity, re-framing information spaces in context of time-based access, and to develop an interactive package for the Net. Students will experience the design and development process: concept ideation to execution of a technologically functional presentation. Topics on media technology, animation, interface design, information architecture, interaction design, and general flash-based application opportunities will be covered.

4 credits

In this course students develop advanced design and new media skills while participating in multi-media lectures, critiques, and hands-on software skill building. While implementing individualized creative processes, students develop strategic projects from concept through to functional new media campaigns. The projects are continually updated to prepare students for emerging opportunities in the communication industry.

4 credits

In-depth focus on promotional, client-based writing. Course includes developing story ideas and angles; writing off- and on-line feature stories and slide shows for trade, business, and special-interest market as well as researching and writing a treatment/script video package with accompanying brochure. Also includes numerous multimedia workshops.

4 credits

Undergraduate Prerequisites: (COMCM180 & COMCM321) - Graduate Prerequisites: (COMCM710) - This course introduces the study of the effects of media on individuals and on society. This course will overview a broad range of media theories that have examined media as a social force, that have explored factors that affect individuals' selection of and perceptions of media messages, and that have studied how media affect viewers' attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. These theories will be used to examine a variety of different types of content, including media violence, portrayals of race and gender, politics, advertising, and entertainment, among others. 4 cr., 1st sem.

4 credits

Undergraduate Prerequisites: (COMCM217 OR COMCM317) - Focus is on the strategic creative process in advertising including concept development, copywriting, visualization, and design. Assignments require conceiving solutions to client marketing challenges across a range of media. Teaches foundations for development of effective advertising: problem definition, strategic development, and conceptual idea generation through tangible executions.

4 credits

Undergraduate Prerequisites: (COMCM217 OR COMCM317) - This course examines media planning, buying, and sales as performed by advertising agencies, clients and the media. Students will discuss the essential principles, measurements, procedures and problems encountered in determining appropriate media in which to place specific kinds of advertising messages designed to reach closely defined target audiences. Students will learn to use research sources that provide data on media audiences and product usage. The advantages and disadvantages of various media will be discussed from an advertising perspective. The course will examine contemporary trends in communications media and their effects on advertisers. Effective Spring 2026, this course fulfills a single requirement in the following BU HUB area: Critical Thinking.

4 credits

Undergraduate Prerequisites: COMCM217 - Explores how to arrive at consumer insights that lead to better advertising and promotion. The course focuses on the set of skills necessary to create breakthrough advertising, including qualitative research, observation, interviewing skills, mapping, and presentation tools. Students learn to write effective, creative briefs.

4 credits

Undergraduate Prerequisites: COM CM217 - Administration of a complete advertising program. Case-study method used to explore the marketing mix, budgeting, medial strategy, planning, coordinating advertising with promotion, working with client or agency, and the social responsibility of advertisers.

4 credits

Undergraduate Prerequisites: (COMCM217 & COMCM417) - A course for aspiring art directors/designers and copywriters interested in the creative side of the advertising industry. Students work in teams of two or three or individually to develop creative ideas, campaigns, and an entry-level portfolio of work (print, video, digital, mobile, experiential). A workshop-like environment, mirroring an advertising agency, is augmented with lectures and case studies.

Var credits

Undergraduate Prerequisites: (COMCM331) AND for Advertising: COMCM217; Public Relations: COMCM215; Media Science: one COMCM280, COMCM434, COMCM481, COMCM535, or COMCM539Students enrolled in CM 471 can earn credits for completing internships they secure at advertising, public relations and integrated marketing communication agencies; communication or public affairs departments of companies, nonprofit organizations, and government entities; corporate sales or nonprofit fundraising departments; and communication-related functions at media companies. Two-credit students must work a minimum of 100 hours during the semester in which they are enrolled in CM 471. Four-credit students must work a minimum of 200 hours during the semester in which they are enrolled in CM 471 and their internship role must be with a non-Boston University entity. Virtual or hybrid internships may qualify for academic credit. It is allowable to receive academic credit and be paid for your internship. Undergraduate students are limited to four total CM 471 credits via the departmental internship coordinator, and an additional four credits through a Boston University Study Abroad Program. The assigned supervisor at the internship oversees student work. Students complete a detailed end-of-semester internship report, and the internship supervisor provides a thorough evaluation. Register for 2 or 4 units.

4 credits

Undergraduate Prerequisites: (COMCM217 & COMCM417) - Graduate Prerequisites: (COMCM708 & COMCM717) - Students develop concepts, create scripts and storyboards, and study execution-based challenges of video production. Students will create extendable advertising concepts for video, designed to succeed in a changing media landscape on multiple platforms.4 cr. Either sem. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Digital/Multimedia Expression, Creativity/Innovation, Teamwork/Collaboration.

4 credits

Undergraduate Prerequisites: (COMCM215 OR COMCM217) - Graduate Prerequisites: (COMCM701 OR COMCM708) - Students study how interactive marketing strategy integrates communication objectives with consumer insight and digital execution. How social, digital and experiential media are used to achieve branding, engagement and behavioral goals for organizations in a wide range of business categories. The impact of interactive marketing strategy on the advertising and public relations sectors.4 credits.

4 credits

Undergraduate Prerequisites: (COMCM217 & COMCM417) - Graduate Prerequisites: (COMCM708 & COMCM717) - Today's rapidly changing digital and media landscape calls for strategic and creative solutions that take into consideration emerging consumer behaviors and the new technologies that enable them. In this course, students create content and campaigns that consider the many different ways in which brands engage with their communities - paid and earned media, mobile apps, and branded utility. 4 credits.

4 credits

Undergraduate Prerequisites: (COMCM501) - Graduate Prerequisites: (COMCM501) - In this course students develop advanced design and new media skills while participating in multi-media lectures, critiques, and hands-on software skill building. While implementing individualized creative processes, students develop strategic projects from concept through to functional new media campaigns. The projects are continually updated to prepare students for emerging opportunities in the communication industry. 4 cr. Either sem.

4 credits

Undergraduate Prerequisites: (COMCM331) - Graduate Prerequisites: (COMCM707 OR COMCM703) - In-depth focus on promotional, client-based writing. Course includes developing story ideas and angles; writing off- and on-line feature stories and slide shows for trade, business, and special-interest market as well as researching and writing a treatment/script video package with accompanying brochure. Also includes numerous multimedia workshops. 4 cr. Either sem.

4 credits

An introduction to the field of public relations: its theoretical origins, scope, and principles. Discussion focuses on researching problems, setting objectives, identifying audiences, designing messages, choosing communication channels, and evaluating results for all types of organizations. Ethical decision making, on-line communication, and career opportunities are also analyzed case studies in the field. The format is a combination of informal lecture and small-group discussion, case analysis, and guest lecture. Open the freshmen. 4 cr. Either sem.

4 credits

Undergraduate Prerequisites: (COMCM215 & COMCM331) - Students study planning, implementing, managing, and measuring earned media and influencer strategies, as well as integrating earned media into an overall Paid, Earned, Shared, and Owned (PESO) campaign. Involves lectures, in-class discussions, video cases, mock scenarios, and individual take-home cases.

4 credits

Undergraduate Prerequisites: CM215 - Explores the trends and issues affecting corporations, crisis management, public affairs communication, consumer affairs, employee relations, environmental problems, and issues of multinationals. Uses case studies.

2 credits

Students will learn an in-depth exploration of user interface design within the framework of human-centered design. This class will focus on methods for creating interfaces that are functional, usable, and engaging, with an emphasis on aligning design decisions with user needs and behaviors. The course covers principles of interaction design, visual hierarchy, and accessibility. Students will gain hands-on experience with industry-standard prototyping tools to produce low to high fidelity prototypes. By the end of the course students will have projects that show how the user experience and the user interface are inextricably linked.

Var credits

Undergraduate Prerequisites: (COMCM331) AND for Advertising: COMCM217; Public Relations: COMCM215; Media Science: one COMCM280, COMCM434, COMCM481, COMCM535, or COMCM539Students enrolled in CM 471 can earn credits for completing internships they secure at advertising, public relations and integrated marketing communication agencies; communication or public affairs departments of companies, nonprofit organizations, and government entities; corporate sales or nonprofit fundraising departments; and communication-related functions at media companies. Two-credit students must work a minimum of 100 hours during the semester in which they are enrolled in CM 471. Four-credit students must work a minimum of 200 hours during the semester in which they are enrolled in CM 471 and their internship role must be with a non-Boston University entity. Virtual or hybrid internships may qualify for academic credit. It is allowable to receive academic credit and be paid for your internship. Undergraduate students are limited to four total CM 471 credits via the departmental internship coordinator, and an additional four credits through a Boston University Study Abroad Program. The assigned supervisor at the internship oversees student work. Students complete a detailed end-of-semester internship report, and the internship supervisor provides a thorough evaluation. Register for 2 or 4 units.

4 credits

Undergraduate Prerequisites: COM CM215 - Explores the effects of new media on the fundamental theories, models, and practices of public relations. Studies how websites, blogs, citizen journalism, social media, direct-to-consumer communication, podcasting, viral marketing, and other technology-enabled changes are affecting interpersonal, small group, and mass media relationships. Also covers and uses the interactive tools that are re-defining the practice of public relations. The course combines lecture, discussion, guest speakers, case study, and research to help students uncover and appreciate the power and potential of interactive media.

4 credits

Undergraduate Prerequisites: (COMCM215) - Graduate Prerequisites: (COMCM701) - Students learn about the strategy and tactics associated with effectively preventing, preparing for, managing, and responding to a variety of crisis scenarios that stretch an organization's vital relationships and resources. The course will focus on the options and opportunities available to communication professionals and leaders as they manage a wide range of crisis scenarios. Students will be instructed on how to navigate and provide executive counsel before, during, and after a crisis, while also preparing detailed crisis plans. The course includes lectures, in-class discussions, guest speakers, case examples, and crisis simulations. Students will be challenged to investigate and gain a command of the critical thinking skills, tools and strategies required for successful crisis management and communication in 21st century corporate, non- profit, and government settings.

4 credits

Undergraduate Prerequisites: CM215 or CM701 - This course will acquaint students with ethical standards and expectations society has for public relations practitioners. Through the study of case studies and other readings it will prepare students so they can adequately wrestle with ethical complexities, dilemmas and ambiguities so as to form personal ethical underpinnings for their future careers. 4 credits. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: Ethical Reasoning.