Digital Social Media (MS)

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The School of Communication in the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism offers a Master of Science in Digital Social Media degree, which is an intensive program focused on leadership and management of digital and social media, and online communities. Students learn to be digital and social media executives, leaders and entrepreneurs through a sequence of classes that teach conceptualization, management of development and analytics, creation of content, and implementation of digital products. Students take 32 units over the course of one calendar year including a funded, final project in which teams receive a budget to develop and launch a working, dynamic, social media product. An internship is highly recommended as students are expected to gain relevant, professional experience while enrolled in the program. No engineering skills are required, but the program provides instruction in collaborating with, and managing, developers.

The program begins in spring semester, and includes courses during summer and fall. Students applying for this program are required to take the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE).

The completion of this degree program requires 32 units including the successful development and launch of a digital social media product. Core courses are taught in the School for Communication and Journalism. With approval of the program director, students may select electives from the entire USC graduate curriculum.

Digital And Social Media Core Requirements (12 Units)

DSM 510 Introduction to Digital Social Media Units: 4
DSM 520 Managing Technologies for Digital Media Units: 4
DSM 596 Final Project Capstone Units: 4

Research And Practicum Required Classes (8 Units)

DSM 550 Analytics and Research Methodology Units: 4
DSM 560 Digital Media Policy, Law, Practices, and Regulation Units: 4

Specialization Classes (4-8 Units)

Students choose one to three classes (4-8 units) that help them specialize their area of expertise within the realm of digital social media. Approval from the director is required for these classes. Student may choose from the director’s list or request approval for other classes.

Electives-Communication Or Other Relevant Classes (4-8 Units)

Students may elect to take classes in related topics within the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, or from engineering, business, cinema, music, or other area related to digital and social media or related to the sector of implementation that interests the students. Students are strongly encouraged to acquire relevant experience through an internship and may earn degree credit by enrolling in CMGT 591 Communication Internship . With the permission of the program director, students may take up to 8 elective units within the Annenberg School, or from other USC programs.