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 degree in Digital Social Media, which is an intensive program focused on leadership, development, and management of social media platforms, apps, and communities. Students learn to be 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 three semesters, including a final project in which students produce a working, dynamic site, app, or embedded social platform project with digital/multimedia elements. Development includes pitching, conceptualizing, building, and launching of the final project. 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 the fall semester, and includes courses during the following spring and summer semesters. 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 the final digital social media project. Core courses are taught in the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism and the Viterbi School of Engineering. With approval of the program director, students may select electives from the entire USC graduate curriculum.

Digital And Social Media Core Requirements (12 Units)

COMM 502 Theoretical Approaches to Multidisciplinary Design Projects 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)

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.