Master of Science in Digital Social Media

Image of person typing on laptop on a desk with notebooks and paper

We prepare you with the critical foundation in the science and practice of digital social media that you need to drive the future of communication, new media technologies and business.

You will learn the theory, skills and strategic mindset that are essential for undertaking, developing and managing social media platforms, digital media, apps and online communication. As you engage with our expert faculty, you will build a personalized course of study that culminates with the design, incubation and execution of a portfolio-building capstone project.

Our STEM-designated degree program and unmatched location in Los Angeles, a worldwide epicenter for the digital, social, technology and media industries, will empower you as a professional or entrepreneur across business, marketing, advertising, entertainment, education, and beyond.

By the numbers

students per capstone courseOur students develop intellectual, professional and ethical depth as they engage with our expert faculty in small-class settings.

Our students develop intellectual, professional and ethical depth as they engage with our expert faculty in small-class settings.

100% %

of our Class of 2022 employed within 12 months of graduationOur recent graduates have gone on to distinguished careers with employers such as YouTube and Spotify.

Our recent graduates have gone on to distinguished careers with employers such as YouTube and Spotify.

100% %

of students learn data analytics skillsOur students build a critical understanding of data analysis, including visualization and stewardship.

Our students build a critical understanding of data analysis, including visualization and stewardship.

4,800

tech-based companiesOne of the world’s creative capitals, Los Angeles is home to Silicon Beach, which has seeded hundreds of start-ups such as Snapchat.

One of the world’s creative capitals, Los Angeles is home to Silicon Beach, which has seeded hundreds of start-ups such as Snapchat.

Student, alumni and faculty work

Connecting storytelling with brand management and corporate comms

Taking advantage of USC Annenberg’s progressive degree program, Nisha Venkat used their experience as a journalism undergraduate as a springboard for corporate communications.

Preparing to collaborate with, manage and lead diverse teams

Through the Managing Complexity in Diverse Organizations program, USC Annenberg master’s students learn to advance equity and representation across the communication and media landscape.

Taking the next step

Jake Wachtel ’16 returns to school mid-career and blends his prior experience with new knowledge.

Collage of screenshot of Instagram posts

The power of doing good

Juliana Carbonara ’20 uses her social media skills to fundraise for the Midnight Mission during the coronavirus pandemic.

The art of SEO

Digital Social Media (MS) Associate Director Freddy Tran Nager offers creative strategies to boost your website’s visibility.

Bridging tech and creative skills

Meghan Wainwright knew that the combination of creativity and strategy in USC Annenberg’s DSM program would open up a lot of different pathways for her — and it did.

STEM-designated degree program

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) designated programs provide the interdisciplinary skills needed to drive the future of communication and business. Our MS in Digital Social Media program qualifies as a STEM-designated degree program by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and provides potential extension of employment opportunities in the U.S. for international graduates via application for a 24-month extension of a 12-month Optional Practical Training (OPT) authorization.

Learn more