Master of Professional Studies in Digital Media Connect – Online
The Master of Professional Studies in Digital Media Connect program is designed for students without prior experience in core technical and/or creative concepts. This program requires an additional 12 quarter hours of credit, with courses providing intensive, hands-on guidance into the essential knowledge required for the MPS Digital Media curriculum.
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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.
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Customize your plan
We work with you to map your path to your goal.
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Learn from experience
From real-world case studies to employer-based projects, we prepare you to manage what comes next.
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Choose your focus
Whatever you’re passionate about, you’ll find the classes to sharpen your specialty.
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Study anywhere, on your time
Part-time or full-time, we move at your speed, to get you where you’re going.
Overview
The Master of Professional Studies in Digital Media-Connect is designed for students seeking a career change into digital media. The STEM-designated program offers you core courses in visual communications, programming foundations, and web creation to provide the underpinning for expertise as you gain the essential knowledge required for the Master of Professional Studies in Digital Media curriculum. With concentrations in social media, digital media management, and interactive design – usability and development, you’ll be able to focus your studies on what interests you most. For your final capstone project, you’ll work with a faculty advisor or a small, focused team to channel your passion into a project that provides tangible evidence of your new skills and abilities.
The Master of Professional Studies in Digital Media Connect program is available to both international and domestic students. If you are a domestic student, you may, alternatively, be eligible to apply to the Master of Professional Studies in Digital Media program.
This is an online program.
This video was led by instructor Gary Greenbaum and developed by the following students: Cameron Drezelo, Fanny Fellevik, Hana Fox, Sarah Hoye, and James Whalen. Please note that the clip was created by students in the Digital Video concentration for the Documentary and Nonfiction Production course.
More Details
Unique Features
- Change careers and break into the digital media industry without getting a second bachelor's degree. Prospective students should be aware that there are 12 quarter hours of required coursework that should be completed in the first quarter of the program.
- Four foundation courses focus on visual communications, programming foundations, and web creation, helping you connect your current background to a new digital media track.
- Complete an in-depth capstone experience working under the guidance of a faculty advisor.
- Three elective options provide a specialized focus on distinctive areas of digital media, and optional digital media workshops are also available.
- Cohort program format is designed to enhance collaboration and networking opportunities for students.
Learning Outcomes
- Design Thinking
Investigate interdisciplinary methodologies and information technology creative practices (ITCP) that focus on the design, planning, and implementation of innovative prototypes. - Usability and User Experience
Design or produce interactive media products or action plans, based on established HCI (Human Computer Interaction) principles and user-centered design including logic, imagination, intuition and systematic reasoning. - Personal Craft/Narrative skills/CreativeThinking/Intellectual Agility
Apply digital media narrative principles and a range of technologies, visual, design and programming ideas to provide creative and timely solutions for practical digital media challenges. - Communication/Organization & Planning
Develop a formal proposal, real or hypothetical, addressing a challenge or opportunity in cross-cultural and global information and communication.
Who will your classmates be?
This program is intended to give those without prior experience or background in visual communications, programming, and coding a chance to learn these skills fully online.
Transfer Credit Opportunities for Certifications from Professional Associations
Successful applicants for a master's degree program in the Social Media concentration with their HubSpot Academy Certification:
- Will receive 4 quarter hours of transfer credit – a 6% savings in tuition
- Will be able to earn a master’s degree by completing 14 courses, rather than 15
- Transfer credit is awarded for the following course: DGM 6285 Interactive Marketing Fundamentals
Check Out Your Career Prospects
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.
Job growth for digital media and marketing, faster than average for all jobs
U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics
Experiential / Co-op Opportunities
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.
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.
General Requirements
Foundation Courses
| 4.00 | ||
| 4.00 | ||
| 2.00 | ||
| 2.00 |
Required Core Courses
| 4.00 | ||
| 4.00 | ||
| 4.00 | ||
| 2.00 |
Thesis Option
| 2.00 | ||
| 4.00 | 6.00 |
Capstone Option
| 6.00 |
Technical course from the workshops list.
Elective
Complete one of the following:
| 3.00 | ||
| 4.00 | ||
| 3.00 | 4.00 | |
| 3.00 | ||
| 2.00 |
Workshops
Optional digital media workshops are designed to provide valuable technical skills and tools for students in all graduate degree programs.
| 2.00 | ||
| 2.00 | ||
| 2.00 | ||
| 4.00 |
Concentrations
Digital Media Management
| 4.00 | ||
| 4.00 | ||
| 4.00 | ||
| 4.00 | ||
| 4.00 |
Interactive Design
Interactive Design
| 4.00 |
Usability and Development Track
Complete four courses:
| 4.00 | ||
| 4.00 | ||
| 4.00 | ||
| 4.00 | ||
| 4.00 | ||
| 4.00 |
Social Media
Complete the following:
Required
| 4.00 |
Electives
Complete 15-17 quarter hours from the following:
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 4.00 | ||
| 4.00 | ||
| 4.00 |
Follow Our Leaders
Our faculty represents a wide cross-section of professional practices and fields. They serve as mentors and advisors and collaborate alongside students to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.
“I critique my students as if they are working on real projects for my agency. I offer a lot of feedback, and their work evolves into agency-quality work. This gives them the knowledge and portfolio that will impress future employers.” Michael Flint, Lecturer and President, Metropolis Creative
I never thought I could do a lot of things that the program really challenged me to do, it was great to have the experience of really being pushed by professors, and by my classmates, to just learn something new.
Rachel Newborn MPS Digital Media - Interactive Design Concentration 2018
Now Let's Talk Admissions
You know where you are headed and you've seen how our program will lead you there. So let's get going. Here's what you need to know before you enroll.
Application Requirements
- 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
- 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, or NU Global Exam scores
International Requirements
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.
Financing Requirements
Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.
How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.
Prior Learning Assessment/Transfer Credits
Some courses in this program offer transfer credit for students’ experience through prior learning assessments and professional certifications. View the full list of eligible certifications and transfer credits.
HubSpot Academy
Successful applicants for a master's degree program in the Social Media concentration with their HubSpot Academy Certification:
- Will receive 4 quarter hours of transfer credit – a 6% savings in tuition
- Will be able to earn a master’s degree by completing 14 courses, rather than 15
- Transfer credit is awarded for the following course: DGM 6285 Interactive Marketing Fundamentals
Cost and Tuition
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.
Student Body Profile
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.