The term “emerging media” reflects the accelerating pace of technological innovation in communication and communication platforms. There is always something new and this program, to a large extent, focuses on what is new. Of course, people adopt new communication technologies at different rates and sometimes stop using older technologies altogether. So the program explores new communication platforms, how and why people are using them and why people stop using older technology.

Students will learn how to assess the viability of new media as they emerge, identify meaningful trends, and develop and execute communication strategies to capitalize on new opportunities in a wide range of settings. Specifically students learn: Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Google AdWords, campaign management software, analytics and campaign metrics, content development and aggregation, among other skills.

The program is open to all college graduates. You do not have to have majored in communication or a related discipline as an undergraduate, nor do you need professional or technical experience in a communication discipline.

Most organizations need to incorporate emerging media into their communication efforts sooner rather than later. This program is geared to people who want to manage or support communication programs in both corporate and nonprofit settings as well as people who work in traditional communication industries such as public relations, advertising, and journalism.

The program consists of 33 credits: nine three-credit classes and a six-credit master's capstone project.

A full-time student can complete the degree requirements in 1.5 years. The maximum time allotted to complete the program is 5 years from entering the program.

All classes will be taught by university faculty, who have extensive expertise and research interests in emerging media. You will have an opportunity to interact directly with each professor in each class.

Typically, class size is limited to 20 students.

No, the program is 100% online. 

You will need an up-to-date computer running Windows or a Mac. You will also need access to a high-speed broadband Internet connection. Your computer must be audio-enabled (with a microphone) and we recommend, though it is not required, that you purchase a WebCam if one is not integrated into your computer already. The classroom technology will be provided through Loyola's learning management software called Moodle; all new students are placed into a 0-credit online orientation course before their first semester in the program to help them learn the tools and prepare for their first semester. 

No. We use a course management program called Moodle, and your courses will be run in Moodle over the web. You will need no additional software other than standard word processing, and perhaps presentation software. Current Loyola University Maryland students have access to the full Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office 365 and Qualtrics survey software.

Online students receive the same tech support as residential students. Live tech support will be available weekdays from 7 a.m. Eastern time to 10 p.m. Eastern time (7 p.m. Pacific time).

We evaluate applications as they arrive and notify people of admission on an ongoing basis, based on published application deadlines. We accept students to start the program in all three semesters—fall, spring, and summer. When a class fills, admission for a qualified applicant is deferred to the next semester. A limited number of scholarships and grants are available; early application is required for consideration.

The program costs $995 per credit. Most courses are three credits, however we do offer a one-credit internship course, a six-credit capstone course. The fee for the zero-credit capstone continuation course is $300.

Merit-based scholarships and Ignatius grants are available, along with graduate assistantships. Please refer to the financial aid website for more information. You may also contact Assistant Director of Graduate Admission and Financial Aid Danielle Ballantyne (dballantyne@loyola.edu) with specific questions.

You may contact the Academic Director, Dr. Neil Alperstein (nalperstein@loyola.edu); The Communication Department Chair, Dr. Sara Magee (scmagee@loyola.edu); or Ms. Erin Richardson, the Director of Program Operations and M.A. in Emerging Media alumna (410-617-2462 or erichardson@loyola.edu).

Learn more about the online learning complaint process.

A student who has reason to question the accuracy of a grade should refer to the Graduate Catalogue for information about the process for appealing a grade.

Loyola University Maryland has established a grievance policy for all members of the Loyola University Maryland community to resolve any issues involving alleged discriminatory treatment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, marital status, handicap, or sex (including sexual harassment).