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.

Enrollment
Full-Time, Part-Time
Entry Terms
Fall, Winter
Completion Time
15-24 Months
F1 Visa Eligible
Yes
Program Type
Classroom

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. 

  • 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.

$105,180

Average Salary, Art Director

$138,730

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. 

Learn About Getting Real World Experience 

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.

Concentrations

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

  • Darin Detwiler

    Dr. Darin Detwiler, LP.D., M.A.Ed., brings many years of military, writing, policy, and instructional experience
    Full bio
  • Kristen Lee

    Behavioral Science educator, clinician, author, comedian, and activist devoted to leveraging human potential, particularly for marginalized and underserved populations.
    Full bio
  • Berkeley Almand-Hunter

    Part-Time Analytics Instructor at the Roux Institute
    Full bio
  • Mike Radice

    Lecturer, Nonprofit Management, College of Professional Studies
    Full bio
  • Jim Giumarra

    Faculty Lead for Mechatronics Engineering
    Full bio
  • Shannon Alpert

    Shannon Alpert, EdD, PMP
    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
  • Thomas Kee

    Full bio
  • Nhi Mulkern

    Full bio

Cost and Tuition

$50.7K*

Tuition

$2.9K

Avg Institutional Aid

18%

% 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.

 

  • Where They Work

    • Harvard
    • MIT
    • ViralGains
    • Google
    • Cognizant
    • Deloitte Consulting
    • TJX Companies
    • GNS Healthcare
  • What They Do

    • Art and Design
    • Engineering
    • Information Technology
    • Marketing
    • Media and Communication
    • User Experience Designer
    • UX Manager
  • 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.

Admissions

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