Digital Social Media (MS)

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A STEM-designated degree program, the Master of Science in Digital Social Media (DSM) aims to equip students with the practical skills, critical knowledge and state-of-the-art strategies to succeed in a cutting-edge career in the digital and social media sectors. Beyond learning the fundamentals of digital and social media industries theories and methods, students pursue a customized curriculum toward the design, incubation, and execution of a rigorous, portfolio-building capstone project.

The 32-unit degree program may be completed in three consecutive semesters (fall/spring/summer) or over two academic years (fall/spring/fall/spring).

Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA in the program to graduate.

More information about STEM designation can be found here.

Graduate admissions requirements for the Annenberg School of Communication can be found here .

Course Requirements

Mandatory Courses:

DSM 510 Introduction to Digital Social Media Units: 4
DSM 520 Managing Technologies for Digital Media Units: 4
DSM 550 Analytics and Research Methodology Units: 4
DSM 596 Final Project Capstone Units: 4

Electives:

Among the remaining courses, at least 8 units must be from a list of approved electives across the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. Up to 8 units may be taken at USC outside the Annenberg School; these courses must be approved by the DSM program director and may be selected from a variety of disciplines.