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General
The M.A. in Social and Emerging Media (MASEM) blends technology, creativity and strategy. Students learn how to create professional content, develop social media strategies, understand audiences and explore emerging technologies such as virtual reality, AI and immersive media.
No. MASEM is in-person at the University of Tampa so students can receive hands-on experience with professional media equipment, production facilities and emerging technologies.
One year, though some students take longer. As a cohort-based program, you would take one course at a time on weekday evenings over seven, six or two-week terms.
Not exactly. MASEM is an interdisciplinary media degree, but many of the skills you will learn could also serve you well in digital marketing, social media marketing and brand strategy.
Classes
Interactive and hands-on. Students may create social media content, shoot and edit video, design digital media, analyze social media data, conduct audience or UX research, experiment with emerging technology or develop a media project from concept to execution.
Labs and studios. Our UX Media Lab is equipped with a VR/Game Design station, A/B testing with eye-tracking, a video game hub with multiple consoles, a mobile podcasting studio, and a UX Equipment Cage with 360 cameras, Meta and Apple Vision Pro VR headsets, and content creation equipment available for check-out to support coursework. Students can also access a 30-by-14-foot Vū LED video wall through our virtual production elective and the Fab Lab’s laser/ vinyl cutters, large format/3D printers, and CNC routers for their capstone exhibition.
Many. Students develop skills in social media strategy, content creation, digital storytelling, visual design, video production, analytics, audience and UX research, project management and emerging media technologies.
Applying
No. The program is designed for students from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds. It can be a good fit for recent graduates, working professionals, creatives and anyone looking to build skills in social media, digital content and emerging technology.
No, no, and no. MASEM does not require the GRE or a portfolio for admission and the program focuses on using technology creatively and strategically rather than training students to become programmers.
Yes, MASEM has one graduate assistant (GA) position for fall admits. There may also be paid student worker opportunities in our UX Media Lab.
Yes. The M.A. in Social and Emerging Media is a STEM-designated program and welcomes international students. Eligible F-1 students who complete a qualifying STEM degree may be able to apply for a 24-month STEM extension of post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT), in addition to the standard period of OPT. STEM OPT eligibility is determined by U.S. government requirements and is not guaranteed by the University. International students should work with UTampa’s International Programs office and review current U.S. government requirements when considering OPT or the STEM OPT extension.
Career
A wide range. MASEM can prepare students for careers in social media management, digital marketing, content strategy and production, audience research, user experienceUX, media production, and brand/experiential marketing. and other roles involving digital and emerging media. And the skills you will learn are transferable across industries including business, health care, government, nonprofits, real estate and entertainment.
Yes. Many of our alums have reported getting hired and promoted after graduating from MASEM. For instance, Jazmin Vidal ‘25, was recently appointed as the Experiential Marketing and Influencer Manager at Toastique, a gourmet health food chain with over 65 locations nationwide. And, according to Research.com, a master’s degree in media and communication can yield an average salary range of $70,000 to $140,000 per year in roles ranging from digital media strategist to content producer to paid/social media manager.
All over. While some of our graduates start their own ventures, others now work for well-known national brands like Google, Vista, and Coca-Cola or Tampa Bay-based companies like Busch Gardens, Vinik Sports Group, McCay Advertising and Activation, and the Tampa Bay Sun.
