Both! The program blends hands-on creative experience with a deep understanding of how media shape society. Students graduate with the ability to both make media and think critically about its impact.

Not at all. Many students start with little or no technical experience. The program is designed to teach you everything from the ground up — from shooting and editing to writing and research.

You apply through Temple University’s standard admissions process. There are no additional portfolio or audition requirements — just a strong academic record and an interest in media and communication. 

MSP combines the creative, commercial, and analytical sides of media in one program. You’ll gain both hands-on production skills and a strong foundation in business and entrepreneurship, media theory, and media literacy, making you adaptable in an ever-changing industry.

Additionally, Philadelphia is a major media and cultural hub with countless opportunities for internships, creative collaborations, and real-world experience. You’ll study in a city filled with production houses, news outlets, arts organizations, and tech startups.

While at Temple you'll develop a professional portfolio that showcases your writing samples, and production work; and on TUTV you’ll earn professional credits that will help after graduation with professional organization and union memberships. Faculty and advisors help students polish their reels and resumes for internships and jobs.

Graduates of the media studies and production program go on to careers in media production and post-production, content strategy, audience research, digital media management, public media, and communications roles across nonprofit, corporate, and creative sectors. Some also continue on to pursue doctoral study, and many have launched successful careers at companies like NBC, SiriusXM, and Meta — or started their own creative ventures.

Students can join Temple Update, WHIP Radio, The Temple News, Temple TV and any of its student-produced programs (including La Charla, Queer Temple, Temple Tonight, and more), or other student-run organizations to gain experience in writing, broadcasting, and production.

Yes. Students often work on media projects for community organizations (e.g., Philly Youth Media Collaborative, the Ryan Seacrest Studio at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia), local businesses (e.g., WHYY-TV and radio, WXPN / World Café), and campus partners. Many classes offer real-world production environments and client-based work.

The program is designed to be flexible and can be completed on either a full-time or part-time basis, depending on your schedule and goals. Students should work with an advisor to determine the best path forward.

You’ll take classes in media theory, production, writing, and digital culture. Core courses build a foundation in media literacy and analysis, while electives let you specialize in areas like podcasting, social media, video production, or media strategy. 

The following courses are required for MSP students: 

• Communication Research Methods

• Introduction to Communication Concepts

• Masters Colloquium

• Media Institutions or Media Technology and Culture

MSP students graduate with learned skills in Adobe Creative Cloud (Premiere, Photoshop, Audition, After Effects), social media analytics tools, Pro Tools, podcasting and web design platforms, and data visualization and storytelling software.

Yes. MSP hosts guest speakers, alumni panels, and networking events every semester. Our alumni network includes professionals at NBCUniversal, Spotify, ESPN, and top production studios across the country.

Due to university guidelines, assistantships are not currently available for this program. However, the Klein College Graduate Office may be able to provide information about grants, scholarships, or other financial aid options.

Contact the following faculty member with specific questions about advisors for the Media Studies and Production MA.

Quaiser Abdullah, assistant professor of instruction at Klein.
Email: [click-for-email]
Phone: 215-204-6808

Kaitlin Pierce, associate director of the graduate office.
Email: [click-for-email]
Phone: 215-204-8560

Contact the following faculty or staff members with questions about the Media Studies and Production MA.

Nicole McKenna is the director of the graduate office.
Phone: 215-204-1497
Email: [click-for-email]

Matthew Lombard is the chair of the department.
Phone: 215-204-7182
Email: [click-for-email]

Laura Kayla is the interim program director.
Phone: 215-204-3433
Email: [click-for-email]

As a student of the Master of Arts in Media Studies and Production program, you’ll have opportunities to develop your skills as a scholar and work collaboratively with faculty and other students on research projects. You may also practice your craft in on-campus media outlets and student organizations, including the following.

• Bell Tower Music is Temple University’s student-run record label.

• The Center for Media and Information Literacy promotes education, outreach and research on issues involving media literacy and information literacy.

• Emerge is an annual publication that features interactive and new media work created by students in the Media Studies and Production Department.

• TUTV is Temple’s digital cable station with programming that includes Temple Update, A Broader View and OwlSports Update.

• WHIP Radio is Temple’s student-run internet radio station.

Learn more about student clubs and organizations.

Students in the Media Studies and Production MA can register for the summer program at Temple London, where they can live and learn in one of the great artistic, urban and political centers of the world. Learn more about the Temple London summer program.

Temple University’s departments and programs are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.