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Media Innovation and Data Communication, MS

The MS in Media Innovation and Data Communication program focuses on the current revolution in data storytelling and computational methods in media work; the rapid evolution in video, animation, and augmented/virtual reality technologies; and social networks and digital analytics. Our graduates will be prepared to become leaders in media firms and outlets engaged with cutting-edge technologies and innovative digital startups, as well as a broad range of media and communications organizations across the rapidly evolving digital economy.

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Photo by Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University

The Master of Science in Media Innovation and Data Communications is a STEM-designated program that bridges digital communications with strategic, innovative storytelling, preparing students for high-demand careers across different media industries. This interdisciplinary degree connects Journalism, Art + Design, and Communication Studies to develop sophisticated visual and data communication skills.  

The 36-credit curriculum features core courses in Visualization Technologies, Media Innovation Studio, Digital Journalism Fundamentals and Data Storytelling, complemented by specialized electives that students can choose from. The MS in Media Innovation and Data Communication is also affiliated with multiple campus research entities, including the Co-Laboratory for Data Impact, the Center for Design and the Center for Transformative Media, allowing students to participate in valuable experiential and intellectual endeavors. This program is typically completed in three semesters with scholarship and assistantship opportunities available.

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Application Deadlines + Requirements

Scholarships + Assistantships

 

Learning Outcomes

  • Articulate knowledge at the cutting edge of new media, data analysis and communication, and visualization.
  • Explore, evaluate and create new formats, tools and ventures to investigate research questions through qualitative and quantitative methods in all stages of data collection, transformation, analysis, and communication in the service of multimedia storytelling.
  • Use emerging technologies and techniques of information and data design; visual communication and cognitive science; data analysis and visualization; photography, documentary and visual storytelling; virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality; social media; computer science; and more.
  • Add valuable insight to the conversation around new media and data storytelling through external engagement with the community driving media innovation.
  • Evaluate and critique media products, platforms, and projects based on principles of democracy and equity, and on ethics, history, and cultures of media innovation.
  • Examine the role of media technologies in practices of knowledge production and society.
  • Drawing on scholarly literature, articulate arguments for relevant theoretical and critical positions that relate to issues of inclusivity, diversity, and social goods.
  • Describe, analyze, and critique the role of Journalism in a democracy (1st Amendment).
  • Gather and use data for reporting & analysis.
  • Collaborate with other news professionals in writing & production of news.
  • Report & produce a story across a range of media.
  • Identify patterns in media innovation & the evolving business dynamics of Journalism.
  • Write focused, organized, literate, and accurate narratives using AP Style; when appropriate.
  • Critically analyze visual information.
  • Understand and apply ethical standards of Journalism.

Degree

Master of Science

Credits

36

Duration

1.5 Years

Location

Boston

Format

In-person

Type

STEM-designated

 

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Shape the Future of Storytelling

Students gain comprehensive training in both traditional journalism fundamentals—including information gathering and verification, professional writing, data gathering for analysis, and collaboration with news professionals—and innovative digital tools needed for today’s media environment. The program guides students to contribute valuable insights to media innovation conversations through external community engagement, while developing the ability to identify patterns in media innovation and evolving business dynamics. Students also examine how media technologies impact knowledge production and society, drawing on scholarly literature to articulate positions on diversity, social goods, and the ethical standards that govern modern journalism practice.

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COURSE CATALOG

Sample Plan of Study

Cutting-Edge Media + Data Analysis

Students develop expertise in new media technologies, data visualization, and communication methods while exploring emerging formats and tools for multimedia storytelling.

Interactive + Data-Driven Projects

Students will design and build interactive, data-driven storytelling projects that clarify complex matters and reveal insights about newsworthy topics and human experiences.

Emerging Technology Integration

Students learn to combine virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, social media platforms, and advanced visualization techniques with traditional journalism skills.

Critical Analysis + Democratic Values

The curriculum emphasizes evaluating media products and platforms based on principles of democracy, equity, ethics and inclusivity.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Master of Science in Media Innovation and Data Communication are reshaping how stories are told and information is understood in a digital world. They bring together creative storytelling, data analysis and technical expertise to create powerful, human-centered media experiences. With a deep understanding of emerging technologies and a foundation in visual communication, interactive design and data-driven reporting, they craft compelling narratives that clarify complex topics and engage diverse audiences. Whether developing multimedia stories that drive public understanding, designing innovative platforms for social impact or using data to illuminate pressing global issues, they are redefining the future of media through clarity, creativity and purpose. 

Our program prepares students for careers such as: 

  • Editors  
  • Reporters 
  • Data Analysts 
  • Producers  
  • Authors 
  • Public Relations Managers

Industries where our students work include: 

  • Entertainment  
  • News 
  • Business 
  • Non-profit  
  • Technology  

Students

The MS in Media Innovation and Data Communication program appeals to students from journalism, art, design, media and communication studies backgrounds who want to develop sophisticated visual and data communication skills. Students are innovators looking to bridge creative storytelling with strategic digital communications.  

After graduation, our alumni have gone on to roles including: 

  • Concord Monitor (Engagement Editor) 
  • Times Media Group (Staff Reporter) 
  • The Emancipator (Social Media Producer) 
  • Amazon (Data Associate) 
  • NBCUniversal (Content Producer) 
  • Boston.com (Content Producer) 
  • Financial Planning (Data and Retirement Reporter)

Journalism

Resources + Community

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Deadlines and Requirements Scholarships and Assistantships

Admissions Contact

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Faculty

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