Media Research and Technology, MS
Curious about how media and technology shape society? Dive into artificial intelligence, biometrics and real-time data to uncover how audiences engage with content. You'll turn advanced research into insight that counters misinformation and shapes the future of media.
Quick facts
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Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
The Master of Science program in media research and technology prepares you to study how media and human behavior interact in a rapidly evolving digital society. You develop advanced quantitative and qualitative research skills to analyze audiences and content using AI, biometrics and real-time data. You also gain foundational media creation skills that inspire your analyses.
Through applied research projects, you go beyond studying technology's relationship to media, using AI, biometrics and other emerging methods to conduct large-scale content analyses, measure content performance, model audience behavior, test messaging and examine audience attitudes. You also explore the issues at the nexus of media and tech --- including misinformation, polarization and network influence --- and drive solutions.
Emphasizing ethical frameworks to guide responsible research and interpretation, the program prepares you for both doctoral studies and research careers in industry, government and nonprofit sectors. You emerge equipped to generate actionable insights that inform media strategy, technology development and public understanding in complex communication ecosystems.
GI Bill® benefits
This new program is not yet approved for use with GI Bill® benefits.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.
33 credit hours including the required capstone course (MCO 570)
Required Core (6 credit hours) Other Requirements (18 credit hours) Electives (3 credit hours) Culminating Experience (6 credit hours)
MCO 515 Media Effects (3)
MCO 520 Media, Technology and Society (3)
MCO 502 Media Skills (8)
MCO 503 Media Law (3)
MCO 504 Cronkite Master's Seminar (1)
MCO 525 Media Ethics Leadership (3)
MCO 554 Media Models, Organizations and Leadership (3)
MCO 570 Capstone (6)
Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = ''A'') in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = ''A'') in an applicable master's degree program. Applicants are required to submit: Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency. Applicants should have a TOEFL iBT® score of at least 5, or a score of 100 if taken before January 21, 2026 in a testing center. Students with an IELTS band score of 7.50 or a Duolingo score of 135 are also considered.
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 06/01 | Final* |
*A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Admission Services by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Study abroad is possible for graduate students. There are more than 50 program opportunities, with programs on every continent delivered by ASU's Global Education Office, including programs just for Cronkite students that offer market and audience discovery opportunities. Students may also pursue international internships for program credit.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Graduates are prepared for media research careers in communications organizations, technology firms, media companies, universities and brands thanks to the hands-on training they received in both content creation and analysis. Possible career paths include:
- audience analyst
- data analyst
- market insights specialist
- media researcher
- media strategist
- product manager
Graduates are also prepared for doctoral-level studies, which drive academic careers and promote scholarly research across media and technology fields.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Comm
|
CRONK 302
cronkitegrad@asu.edu
602-496-5055
Admission deadlines
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
