Media Design Curriculum

Emerson’s MA in Media Design requires 32 credits. You can choose from two program paths; A One Year Immersive Program or a Two Year Program Sequence. Courses are offered fully online.

32 Credits Required for Graduation

  • 24 Credits of Core Requirements
  • 8 Credit Electives
  • (Non-credit) Civic Design Colloquium offered each semester
Core Requirements - 24 Credits
NumberCourseCredits
CM 600Foundations in Civic Media4
CM 610Participatory Design Methods4
CM 620Design Studio 14
CM 621Design Studio 24
MD 630Experience Design or Elective4
MD 690Master’s Thesis4
Elective Requirements - 8 Credits Sample Courses
NumberCourseCredits
MK 664Design in Communication4
CC 640UX Design4
CM 640Salzburg Academy on Media & Global Change (global opportunity)4
MD 630Data Storytelling4
VM 637Place Space Image Sound4
MK 673Analytics4
VM 606Writing for Interactive Media4
VM 630Experimental Media4
MK 636Creative Thinking & Problem Solving4
GM 636Global Marketing4
BC 606Creative Collaboration4
CC 626Crisis Communication4

Thesis

The Media Design master’s thesis includes both written and production components. Successful theses include a literature review and theoretical justification, creative portfolio, the design of creative work or program scaled for implementation, and evaluation of initial sketch or intervention, as well as a plan to continue work with the partner organization. 

Final theses are in the form of design books to be reviewed by a faculty chair and small review committee, which is intended to be part of the responsibility of the Engagement Lab Fellows. An external reviewer for the final thesis may also be included, which would bring in practitioners or scholars from the Boston community, incentivized by small honoraria.

Program Paths

You may choose to complete your program as a One Year Immersive Program or a Two Year Program Sequence.

One Year Immersive Program 

The One Year Immersive Program is a three-semester program, running from Fall-Summer. The program is fully online with most classes taking place in the evening. Elective schedules are flexible and are offered during the summer semester.

Sample Curriculum Map

Program Start - September

  • Fall Semester 1 (12 credits)
    • CM 600 - Foundations in Civic Media
    • CM 610 - Participatory Design Methods
    • CM 620 - Design Studio I
    • Civic Design Colloquium 
  • Spring Semester 2  (12 credits)
    • CM 621 - Design Studio II
    • MD 630 - Experience Design or Elective
    • One Elective Requirement
    • Civic Design Colloquium 
  • Summer/May Semester (8 credits)
    • MD 690 - Master’s Thesis
    • One Elective Requirement or Global Media Academy, Salzburg, Austria

Two Year Program Sequence

The Two Year Program Sequence is a four-semester program with an optional summer semester available. The program is fully online with most classes taking place in the evening. Elective schedules are flexible and are offered during the summer semester.

Sample Curriculum Map

Program Start - September

  • Fall Semester 1 (8 credits)
    • CM 600 - Foundations in Civic Media
    • CM 610 - Participatory Design Methods
    • Civic Design Colloquium 
  • Spring Semester  2 (8 credits)
    • MD 630 - Experience Design or Elective
    • One Elective Requirement
    • Civic Design Colloquium
  • Summer Semester (optional)
    • One Elective Requirement or Global Media Academy, Salzburg, Austria
  • Fall Semester 3 (8 credits)
    • CM 620 - Design Studio I
    • One Elective Requirement
    • Civic Design Colloquium 
  • Spring Semester 4 (8 credits)
    • CM 622 - Design Studio II
    • MD 690 - Master’s Thesis
    • Civic Design Colloquium