
Master of Professional Studies in Digital Media — Boston
The Master of Professional Studies in Digital Media offers a hands-on, collaborative way to explore core creative concepts and innovative ideas in diverse areas of the digital media world. The program provides a solid preparation in the three core digital media knowledge areas: design thinking, technical competency, and creative expression.
Take a Quick Look
We’re committed to creating an education as unique as your career path. So, whether your goal is a new career or moving up in your field, our innovative programs will get you going your way.
Overview
Overview
Northeastern’s Master of Professional Studies in Digital Media is a STEM designated degree program built for you to gain skills and expertise in digital media by using today’s cutting-edge technologies.
Throughout the program you will create media content by integrating video, animation, motion graphics, sound, and programming logic. In addition, hands-on specialized technical workshops give you the operational techniques for items like web development, game programming and design software.
The curriculum for this digital media degree is organized around three types of experiences: core courses, concentration electives, and a final, hands-on project where you work with the guidance of a faculty advisor on a personal proposal to turn your passion in to a project that can be shared with future employers.
With a master’s degree that is by nature experiential, you have the unique opportunity to collaborate with fellow students and faculty from around the globe.
Connect Pathway - Break into Digital Media: Built for career changers, the Digital Media Connect pathway gives students without prior programming, coding, or visual communication experience the opportunity to break into the digital media field. Courses focus on visual communications foundations, programming foundations, and web creation. This pathway provides 12 additional quarter hours of credit that are required to complete the degree. If you cannot show evidence of prior coursework or direct work experience in these areas on your application, you will enter through the connect pathway.
Program Objectives
Leverage your existing professional experience and knowledge in a technology-centric media world.
Apply human interaction (visual language) concepts and systems to a wide range of projects.
Study character and story development across a variety of digital media.
Develop and test a variety of user experiences for different media and devices.
Understand fundamental programming concepts and their application to digital media design.
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Unique Features
- Complete an in-depth capstone project experience working under the guidance of a faculty advisor.
- Multiple concentration options provide specialized focus in distinctive areas of digital media - with optional digital media workshops also available.
- Program format is designed to enhance collaboration and networking opportunities for students - including three concentrations offered 100% online for maximum flexibility.
Career Prospect
Beginning your journey with us is a big decision. But it's a smart one. Your field is evolving rapidly. That's why we're constantly innovating our programs to anticipate your industry's needs. So, no matter where your field goes, you can lead the way.
Average Salary, Art Director
Average Salary, Marketing Manager
Northeastern's signature experience-powered learning model has been at the heart of the university for more than a century. It combines world-class academics with professional practice, allowing you to acquire relevant, real-world skills you can immediately put into action in your current workplace. This makes a Northeastern education a dynamic, transformative experience, giving you countless opportunities to grow as a professional and person.
Experiential Learning and Co-ops
Apply classroom learning to real-world professional settings during experiential project execution inside of coursework.

Get Set With a Custom Course Plan
Please note: The following is a sample curriculum and is subject to change. Enrolled students should reference the academic catalog for current program requirements.
Required Core Courses
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 2.00 |
Complete one of the following:
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 |
Complete one of the following options:
Thesis Option
Credits 2.00 | ||
4.00 | Credits 6.00 |
Capstone Option
Credits 6.00 |
Technical course from the workshops list
Elective
Complete one of the following:
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
3.00 | Credits 4.00 | |
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 2.00 |
Workshops
Optional digital media workshops are designed to provide valuable technical skills and tools for students in all graduate degree programs.
Students may complete one of the following:
Credits 2.00 | ||
Credits 2.00 | ||
Credits 2.00 | ||
Credits 2.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 2.00 | ||
Credits 2.00 |
Concentrations
Credits 4.00 Credits 4.00 Credits 4.00 Credits 4.00 Credits 4.00
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 |
Complete 20 quarter hours from the following:
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 |
Complete 20 quarter hours from the following:
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 |
Interactive Design
Credits 4.00 |
Complete four courses from one of the following tracks:
Design Track
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 |
Usability and Development Track
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 |
Complete the following:
Required:
Credits 4.00 |
Electives
Complete 15-17 quarter hours from the following:
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 |
Follow our leaders
“I want us to go beyond transferring information and technical skills. Digital Media faculty spark success because we are passionately committed to our role as mentors. We want students to not just equal but to surpass our accomplishments, because that is how our creative professions innovate and grow.” Cynthia Baron, Faculty Director, Digital Media
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Darin Detwiler
Dr. Darin Detwiler, LP.D., M.A.Ed., brings many years of military, writing, policy, and instructional experienceFull bio -
Kristen Lee
Behavioral Science educator, clinician, author, comedian, and activist devoted to leveraging human potential, particularly for marginalized and underserved populations.Full bio -
Corliss Thompson
Corliss Thompson, Ph.D., teaching professor, has taught research methods, research design, and social justice courses in the Graduate School of Education since 2013.Full bio -
Xiaomu Zhou
Xiaomu Zhou is a lead faculty member in the Master of Professional Studies in Informatics program, College of Professional Studies, Northeastern University.Full bio
Cost and Tuition
Tuition
Avg Institutional Aid
% Receiving Aid
Estimated Total Tuition
This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2024-2025 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.
For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.
Application Deadlines
Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis; however, we do recommend the application guidelines below to ensure you can begin during your desired start term:
Domestic Application Guidelines
International Application Guidelines*
*International deadlines are only applicable if the program is F1 compliant.
Did you know?
Below is a look at where our Digital Media and Design alumni work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization.
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Where They Work
- Harvard
- MIT
- ViralGains
- Cognizant
- Deloitte Consulting
- TJX Companies
- GNS Healthcare
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What They Do
- Art and Design
- Engineering
- Information Technology
- Marketing
- Media and Communication
- User Experience Designer
- UX Manager
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What They're Skilled At
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Social Media
- CSS
- Digital Media
- Marketing
- Interactive Design
- User Experience
Learn more about Northeastern Alumni on Linkedin.
Related Programs
Admissions
- Online application
- Statement of purpose (500–1000 words): Identify your educational goals and expectations of the program. Please be aware that Northeastern University's academic policy on plagiarism applies to your statement of purpose.
- Professional resumé
- Unofficial undergraduate transcripts; official transcripts required at the time of admission
- The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review the FCE requirements by country.)
- Two letters of recommendation from individuals who have either academic or professional knowledge of your capabilities such as a faculty member, colleague, or mentor, preferably one from your current employer
- English language proficiency proof. Students for whom English is not their primary language must submit one of the following:
- Official associate or bachelor's degree transcript from an accredited college or university in the U.S., stating degree conferral and date
- TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, Duolingo, or NU Global Exam scores
Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply.
Admissions Details Learn more about the College of Professional Studies admissions process, policies, and required materials.
Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.
How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.
Let’s Find Your Path Forward
Our enrollment representatives can walk you through the application process and help you explore your program options.
Call Toll Free: 877.668.7727