MS in Advertising
Offered in collaboration with Boston University College of Communication
Practical, cutting edge, and well-rounded, Boston University's part-time Master of Science (MS) in Advertising is a hands-on, professional program offered through BU's College of Communication and Metropolitan College.
Our evening courses combine core advertising fundamentals with the latest approaches in digital content and marketing, preparing students to compete in the fast-paced, ever-changing world of communication-whether they are newly entering the field or seeking to enhance their industry knowledge and experience.
Students can customize the advertising program by choosing a sequence of courses that provide an understanding of interactive, digital content, or by focusing on international marketing and management. We also make sure students master the arts of presenting a pitch and working collaboratively.
Through case studies, hands-on practice, market research, and analysis of what works, our curriculum covers:
Interactive media
Branding and creative development
Advertising management and strategy
International marketing
Mass communication
Learning Outcomes
An ability to solve contemporary marketing problems from strategic, creative, and technological perspectives.
A sound understanding of the principles of digital advertising.
Proficiency in the communication of ideas using coherent persuasive skills in writing and oral presentation.
Admissions Information
For current admissions information, please visit the Metropolitan College website.
Degree Requirements
The MS in advertising consists of 10 courses for a total of 40 units.
Please note: Some courses may have prerequisites.
Required Courses (three courses/12 units)
MET CM 707 Writing for Media Professionals
MET CM 708 Principles and Practices of Advertising
MET CM 719 Interactive Marketing Communications
Electives (seven courses/28 units)
Electives marked with an asterisk () have a digital media focus.
Advertising Electives (choose four)
MET CM 702 Advertising and Society
MET CM 704 Contemporary Mass Communication
MET CM 711 Consumer Insight and Account Planning
MET CM 714 Video in the Digital Age
MET CM 716 Digital Communication
MET CM 717 Fundamentals of Creative Development
MET CM 721 Advertising Management
MET CM 726 Strategic Brand Solutions
MET CM 736 New and Traditional Media Strategies
MET CM 737 Social Networks in Strategic Communication Planning
MET CM 739 Principles of Search Engine Marketing
MET CM 744 Design and New Media
Management Electives (choose three)
MET AD 632 Financial Concepts
MET AD 648 Ecommerce
MET AD 670 Creative Multimedia: Tools, Design, and Application
MET AD 725 Negotiations and Organizational Conflict Resolution
MET AD 733 Leadership in Management
MET AD 737 Innovative Marketing Techniques
MET AD 741 The Innovation Process: Developing New Products and Services
MET AD 852 International Market Research
MET AD 857 Marketing Strategies
MET AD 860 International Advertising
MET/COM students may petition for additional advertising elective courses to substitute for the list of management elective courses above.
Academic Standing
Expected September 2026
Boston Campus
881 Commonwealth Avenue,
Boston,
Massachusetts,
02215, Northeast, United States
Applicants to master’s degree and graduate certificate programs must have earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution (or the international equivalent) prior to enrollment.
English proficiency
Unless otherwise indicated by the department/program to which you are applying, the minimum total internet-based TOEFL score is 84, with minimum scores in each section as follows: Reading—21; Listening—18; Speaking—23; Writing—22.
The minimum total band score of 6.5 is required for admission to Metropolitan College, along with scores of 6.5 in each section: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
