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One degree, infinite global possibilities

Why choose MPS Digital Media at Northeastern, USA?

MPS Digital Media

Northeastern’s MPS in Digital Media blends creativity and tech with hands-on projects from day one, culminating in a Capstone portfolio. Taught by global industry experts, it covers storytelling, UX, and design, preparing you for roles like UX Designer, Content Strategist, or Art Director with real-world experience employers value.

Online Duration

8 Months

On-Campus Duration

12 Months

Research

R1 Designated

STEM Designated

Yes

Start online, complete on-campus in New York

Earn an MPS Digital Media degree from Northeastern - Top 2% Worldwide.

Established
1898
Accreditations
AACSB & NECHE
USNWR 2025 Ranking
#1 for Co-op
USNWR 2026 Ranking
#46 Nationally
QS' 25 Rankings
#396
Employability Rate
98%
Alumni Network
300,000+
GMAT Waiver
Yes

Curriculum designed for your success

Turn credits into milestones with an industry-shaped curriculum built for real-world skills.

1. Fundamentals of Marketing

2. Customer Centricity

3. Digital Marketing Channels and Metrics

4. Designing & Building Web Presence

5. Blog Creation

6. SEO

7. SEM

8. Display Advertising

9. Social Media Marketing

10. Email Marketing

11. Content Marketing

12. Web Analytics

13. Defining a Robust Marketing Strategy

14. Capstone

15. Soft Skills

1. Foundations of Digital Storytelling

2. Information Technology and Creative Practice

3. Web Creation for Content Management Systems

4. Choose any one of the below-mentioned:

  • Sound Design

  • Usability and Human Interaction

5. Thesis / Capstone

6. Co-op

Your path to a global degree — simplified

Accelerate your study abroad journey to outperform peers in the nearest campus intake* with advanced academic standing.

Your global degree with upGrad advantage

Significantly reduce tuition costs while gaining a world-class degree, global exposure, and strong career outcomes.

Student Logo
student
₹53.9 L
Saved ₹23.6 L
Regular student
₹77.5 L
arrow vector
30%
Total cost reduction
₹23.6 Lakhs*
Saved with upGrad

Expense Category

Tuition Fee
Living cost
Avg. Scholarships
Total

Regular Learner

₹42.6 Lakhs ($48,780)

₹34.9 Lakhs ($40,000)

Merit-based

~₹77.5 Lakhs

Student Logo

Learner

Online Fee:

₹5.25 Lakhs ($6,010)

On Campus Fee:

₹31.2 Lakhs ($35,722)

Savings of ~₹6.1 Lakhs

On-Shore:

₹17.4 Lakhs ($20,000)

Savings of ~₹17.4 Lakhs

Merit-based

University discretion

~₹53.9 Lakhs

Savings of ~₹23.6 Lakhs

Eligibility Criteria

Check academic, language & work-ex requirements to determine your eligibility for this study abroad program.

Admission requirements for Online Phase:

  • Bachelors degree in BAF / BMM / BMS / B. Com / BBA / BE / B.Tech / B. Sc with minimum 65% marks or above.
  • In case of a 3 Year degree, the awarding institution should be accredited by NAAC with A / A+ / A++ in the last four years.
  • The maximum backlogs (ATKTs) accepted will be 10.

Earning Potential

Maximize your earning potential and get same global career outcome at an affordable cost.

Total Expense

Over 2 years

₹54.1 Lakhs

Total Earnings

In 3 years

₹3.8 Cr

USD
INR
Program Fee
Expenses
-$41,763
-₹36.6 Lakhs
Cost of Living
-$20,000
-₹17.5 Lakhs
Annual Salary
Returns
+$100,000
+₹87.4 Lakhs
Internship stipend
+$14,400
+₹12.6 Lakhs
Average Return after Year 1 of PSW Visa
$52,619
₹46 Lakhs

Disclaimers

Important notes

1}Returns are calculated considering students work throughout the length of the PSW Visa.

2}Salary and stipend figures are approximate and represent a median value.

3}This is not a financial offering. Any references to returns are illustrative and indicate how you may potentially benefit from the Program.

4}The amounts shown are approximate values and may differ based on various factors. Living costs are approximately calculated for the length of on-shore component in/outside the campus.

5}Internship duration may vary from 3-6 months, wage/hour is taken as ~$15/hour for internship stipend.

University Campus

A global hub for innovation, research, and real-world learning surrounded by opportunity, energy, and global ambition.

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Boston

Boston is a hub for various industries, including healthcare, education, business, biotechnology, and the life sciences.

Living Cost

$20,000 per annum

upGrad Students

150+

upGrad USP

Alumni Support

Job Prospects

logo

Web Developer

$130,000

Avg salary
per annum

7,900+

Job
openings

Web Developers are responsible to design, build, and maintain websites, ensure functionality, and deliver optimal user experiences.

logo

Creative Tech.

$125,000

Avg salary
per annum

4,000+

Job
openings

Creative Technologists are responsible for blending technology and design, building prototypes, and crafting innovative digital experiences.

logo

Media Strategist

$105,000

Avg salary
per annum

3,000+

Job
openings

Digital Media Strategists are responsible for planning campaigns, analyzing performance, and driving brand growth across digital platforms.

logo

Project Manager

$115,000

Avg salary
per annum

20,000+

Job
openings

Digital Project Managers are responsible to oversee digital initiatives, align teams, and deliver innovative solutions on time.

360° support system for upGrad learners

Applications, visas, counselling, and planning—everything in one place.

1:1 profile evaluation & counseling

Get personalized expert guidance to simplify your journey — from university selection to application success.

Scholarship support

upGrad learners receive exclusive scholarships of up to 40% to make their global education more accessible.

IELTS preparation

We offer IELTS prep by experienced individuals to help you reach the desired proficiency and achieve the required score.

Educational loan assistance

Maximize your chances of funding with our expert guidance on third-party credit facility. Access loans at competitive interest rates.

Visa support

Gain access to visa mocks and guidance to breeze through your visa process.

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Your admission roadmap

Your admission journey, simplified and supported at every stage.

1

Eligibility

upGrad counselor assesses your academic background and documents to determine eligibility for the selected program and university.

2

Exam Waiver

Receive GMAT/GRE waiver through upGrad.

3

IELTS Support

Begin a 6-week IELTS support program and submit your English proficiency test (EPT) scores for university requirements.

4

App Submission

Your complete application is submitted to the university, supported by the upGrad admissions team.

5

Loan and Visa

Arrange financial documentation, receive your I-20, and apply for your student visa with end-to-end assistance.

Life on-campus of an upGrad learner

State-of-the-art labs, student clubs & career centers—fostering learning, leadership & community.

From learners to achievers

Hear from our learners who turned their study-abroad dreams into reality.

Switching domains felt tough—upGrad made it seamless and structured.

Nischay Malik

BS in Information Technology

NU, USAUSA

Have questions? Get your answers here

Everything you need to know about pathway program at Northeastern University, USA

Course Curriculum

1. What is the scope of the MPS in Digital Media program?

The MPS in Digital Media is an engaging yet rigorous 8 months online (with MICA) and 12-months on-campus (Northeastern University, U.S.A.) program designed for students to develop practical knowledge and skills, establish a professional network, and accelerate entry into the field of Project management, Digital Media and Information technology. The student as part of this program will receive dual certification - a Graduate Certificate in DIgital Marketing from MICA and a Master’s degree in MPS in Digital Media from Northeastern University U.S.A.

2. What should I expect from MPS in Digital Media?

Northeastern University's MPS in Digital Media program equips students with the skills needed to meet the high demand in the field of Digital Media. The curriculum focuses on essential areas such as SEO, Web creation, and social media, and provides hands-on experience through real-world projects. With diverse programming options, students can tailor their studies to align with their interests and career goals. Additionally, the program facilitates the development of a strong professional network, allowing students to connect with industry leaders. Graduates of the program can pursue rewarding careers as Digital Media Strategist, Web Developer, Digital Project Manager & Content Marketing Manager.

3. Which topics are going to be covered as part of the online coursework?

The program is designed for professionals with limited marketing experience to help them build their understanding from the basics to an advanced level. The program covers topics such as fundamentals of marketing, social media marketing and digital marketing channels and metrics as well as important marketing concepts such as SEO, SEM, content marketing, web analytics, display advertising and many more.

4. What type of learning experience should I expect from the online coursework?

The online learning experience will be a mix of interactive lectures from industry leaders as well as world-renowned faculty. Additionally, the program comprises live lectures dedicated to solving your academic queries and reinforcing learning. The on-campus learning experience will offer students the opportunity to engage directly with faculty.

5. Is any certification granted at the end of the program?3

Post successful completion of the online program, an Graduate Certificate in DIgital Marketing certificate would be awarded from MICA and on completion of the on-campus degree program, a master's degree in MPS in Digital Media shall be conferred upon by Northeastern University.

6. Can I sign up only for a few specific modules if I am interested in it?

No, the program is designed to be completed in its entirety and cannot be taken as standalone modules.

About Northeastern University, USA

1. Why should you pursue MPS in Digital Media from Northeastern University, U.S.A.?

  • At Northeastern, learning goes beyond the classroom. You’ll be taught by the global industry experts who bring real-world experience and insights into every lecture. The curriculum is designed to prepare you for the demands of creative industries, with practical tools and modern workflows at its core.
  • From your first semester, you'll work on real projects that help you build a creative portfolio. Build something that truly represents your creativity and technical strengths. The program culminates in a Capstone Project, where you can create a showcase-worthy piece that can indeed help you launch your career.
  • This is a program that blends creativity with technology, covering areas like storytelling, visual design, user experience, and even programming logic. It prepares you for exciting roles like UX Designer, Content Strategist, Digital Producer, and beyond.
  • What makes it even more valuable for Indian students is the STEM designation, making you eligible for up to 3 years of work authorization (OPT) in the U.S. after graduation. Plus, you’ll study alongside a diverse, global cohort, gaining insights and connections that will stay with you for life.

2. Can international students work to pay for their educational expenses?

All students in the USA with a valid F-1 Visa are not eligible to work off-campus. Rather, such students are eligible to work on-campus as graduate assistants or research assistants or other on-campus ad-hoc jobs and receive compensation, beginning in their first semester. The list of available positions will be provided in advance of the Fall semester (please note the number of these positions are limited and not guaranteed).

3. Will I be supported for TOEFL/IELTS/PTE or other English language exams during this program?

Yes, upGrad will help you prepare for the English proficiency test to establish your current English proficiency to be eligible for the Master's program in the USA.

4. When will I go to Northeastern University, USA?

Northeastern University offers 2 intakes for students coming through the accelerator route. The first intake of the year will be in January (spring) and intake and the second intake of the year will be in September (Fall). Though the application process for Northeastern University will start during the MICA online program, you will be able to go to Northeastern University in the nearest intake which is at least 3 months away from completion of your MICA program.

5. When will I get an Offer Letter from Northeastern University?

upGrad will apply for you to Northeastern University once all the documents are provided by you (as given in the offer letter issued to you by upGrad). Apart from the documents mentioned in the offer letter of Northeastern University you will have to give proof of English proficiency for application of admission in Northeastern University. upGrad will support you to get your English proficiency scores within 3 months of the start of the batch to accelerate this process.

Selection Criteria

1. How do I know if the program is right for me?

  • Strong academic background, particularly in the Science stream, is desirable.
  • Ideal for individuals seeking career opportunities as Digital Project Manager, Creative Technologist, Web Developer.
  • Learners who are seeking to build their career as in Digital Media
  • Individuals seeking to meet the growing demand for skilled analysts, as it provides a STEM-designated graduate degree that teaches core competencies crucial for success in the field, along with practical experience in real-world projects.

2. Is there any minimum educational qualification required to take this program?

To be eligible for the program, the following criteria need to be fulfilled:
For MICA:

  • Bachelor’s degree in BAF / BMM / BMS / B. Com / BBA / BE / B.Tech / B. Sc with minimum 65% marks or above.
  • In case of a 3 Year degree, the awarding institution should be accredited by NAAC with A / A+ / A++ in the last four years.
  • The maximum backlogs (ATKTs) accepted will be 10.

For Northeastern University:

  • Learners need to complete the MICA’s Graduate Certificate in Digital Marketing Program with an aggregate score of 70% and a minimum of 65% in each course.
  • English Proficiency Requirements are TOEFL of >=90 overall with sectional score on speaking no less than 20 and other sections no less than 18 or IELTS Academic >= 7 overall with no sectional score less than 7.0 or Duolingo >=115 overall with no sectional score less than 100 or PTE >= 61 overall with no sectional score below 55.

3. Is work experience required for this course?

A relevant professional work experience is recommended but not mandatory.

4. What is the selection process for this program?

There are 4 simple steps in the Admission Process which is detailed as.
Step 1- Complete Application -Complete your application and submit the required details. The Admissions Committee will then review your application - which include your work experience & educational background.
Step 2- Apply for the Scholarship- Submit your Statement of Purpose to join a program.
Step 3- Get Shortlisted & Receive the Offer Letter- Upon qualifying, an Offer Letter will be sent to you confirming your admission to the course.
Step 4- Block your Seat - Block your seat with an initial payment of INR 25,000 to enroll into the Program. Begin your leadership journey.

5. What IS the list of documents required for the APPLICATION?

  • Scanned Copy of the Class 12th Marksheet & Certificates
  • Scanned Copy of the Undergraduate Degree, Transcripts and Semester Marksheets
  • Scanned Copy of passport (Name & Address Page)
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Two letters of recommendation (Academic / Professional)
  • Latest Resume
  • Proof of English Proficiency (TOEFL iBT, IELTS, PTE, etc.)
  • Digital Photo

Time Commitment

1. What is the time commitment expected for the program?

At least 12-15 hours per week of time commitment is expected to be able to complete this program.

2. How will my doubts/questions be addressed in an online program?

Peer-to-peer discussion forum where you can post your queries and your peers/faculty/teaching assistants answer your queries within a day. Regular Q&A sessions with faculty to get clarification on conceptual doubts.

Visa

1. Will upGrad help me in writing Academic and Visa SOP?

UpGrad will help with your Academic and Visa SOP and organize training on how to write a good SOP.

2. How much are living expenses for a year in the US?

Living expenses in the US for international students are USD 20,000.

3. Can I do a part-time job while studying in the US?

By virtue of your F-1 Visa, you are eligible to work part-time on-campus from Day 1 of your on-shore course commencement. You may be eligible to work off-campus subject to an additional annotation on your F-1 visa. You must meet other requirements, as advised by your institution or the US federal regulations.

Payment

No cost CC EMI FAQ's

0% EMI with Finance partners /Credit card option availability will vary program wise.

1. Which banks allow using 0% Credit card EMI or Credit card EMI?
No cost EMI is available on credit cards from all major banks (American Express, Bank of Baroda, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, IndusInd Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, RBL Bank, Standard Chartered, Axis Bank, Yes Bank, State Bank of India, CITIBANK and HSBC)
2. Is there any minimum transaction limit?
Yes. 50000 is the minimum.

3. Standard Chartered Bank offers 18 or 24 months No Cost EMI?
No. ONLY 12 months is available irrespective of the Program enrolled.

4. Will I have to pay any extra amount for the EMI transaction?
If you are availing 0% credit card EMI, upGrad will not charge any processing fees or down payment for these transactions. Your bank may levy GST or other taxes on the interest component of the EMI.

5. Are there any fees or down payment?
Certain banks charge nominal processing fees between INR 99 - 500 on 0% Credit Card EMI transaction. If charged, will be billed in the first repayment installment.

6. Can I use my International credit card for 0% credit EMI or Credit Card EMI?
Only the Indian bank credit cards can be used. But you can pay the amount using the Credit card option in one shot / part payments, and later you can convert into EMI from your respective bank. The tenures and interest charged will depend on your bank. upGrad will not charge any processing fees or down payment for these transactions, this will be purely between you and your bank.

7. Are there any charges in case I opt for cancellation/refund from the course after paying balance with no cost EMI ?
Yes, there will be additional charges to the extent of interest paid by the upGrad to the bank, you will be refunded only Principal amount, i.e. the amount actually deducted/blocked from your card. This deduction will be in addition to the amount mentioned in the refund policy shared with your offer letter.

8. Can I Pay Using Multiple Credit Cards?
Multiple cards can be used to complete the payments using Part payment option make sure to inform the learner, minimum transaction is INR 50000 to opt for 0% CC EMI E.g. Amount to be paid: 150000. I can pay using 2 Credit cards. Yes, Example:
HDFC Card – Part payment – INR 100000
ICICI Card – Part payment – INR 50000

9. How can I opt for Credit card EMI if my bank is not listed in the 0% Credit card EMI or Credit card EMI?
You can pay the amount using the Credit card option in one shot / part payments, and later you can convert into EMI from your respective bank. The tenures and interest charged will depend on your bank. upGrad will not charge any processing fees or down payment for these transactions.

10. Why is the entire amount blocked on my credit card?
Initially your bank will block the entire amount from your available purchase limit and from your next billing cycle, you will be charged the EMI amount. As you start paying your EMI, your credit limit will be released accordingly. For example, if you have made a payment of ₹100000 on 6-months EMI and your credit limit is ₹200,000 then initially your bank will block your credit limit by ₹100000. After payment of your first month EMI of Rs.15000, the blocked amount will come down to ₹85000.

11. Why is interest getting charged on No Cost EMI?
Your bank will charge you interest. However, this interest charge has been provided to you as an upfront discount at the time of your payment, effectively giving you the benefit of a No cost EMI. The total amount paid during the entire EMI tenure to the bank will be equal to the amount to be paid to upGrad.

Eg. Amount payable to upGrad: INR 405000
Let's say Amount deducted at the time of transaction: INR 379850 (Principal amount) Bank charges interest of 12-15% per annum on INR 379850
[Note: Interest factor is reducing rate and not Flat rate]
EMI AMOUNT = INR 33750 x 12 = INR 405000
Effectively, you have taken loan on 379,850 instead of 405,000

Refund Policy

1. Is there any deferral or refund policy for this program?

Refund Policy:
1. Students must pay an applicable Caution Amount for the enrollment to the Program. This Caution Amount will be adjustable against the total Program fee payable by the student.
2. Once the student has made a partial or full payment of Program fee, such student can claim a refund for this amount at any time before the cohort commencement date by raising a refund request through ‘My applications’ page on our website (www.upgrad.com), stating the specific reason for the refund. The refund shall be subject to a deduction of INR. 20,000/- towards processing fee. If less than INR. 20,000/- have been paid in total, students shall not be eligible for any refund in such a case.
3. Students shall not be eligible for a refund (under any circumstances) if the refund request is raised post-program/Batch Start Date. In such a case, the student will continue to pay the EMI of his loan (if applicable) as the loan cannot be canceled. This is also applicable to students who could not complete their payment and could not get enrolled in their opted cohort. However, the student can request a pre-program deferral as per the policy defined below for the same.
4. Student shall not be eligible for refund of any amount paid towards the Program in case any discrepancy is identified between your application and self-attested documents including but not limited to wrong details about your grades or any other incorrect information provided in your application.
5. In case of a valid refund request post obtaining the loan from a third party loan facility provider, we would like to clarify that the responsibility of canceling the loan will lie with the student as upGrad is not privy to such arrangements between the student and the third party loan facility provider.
6. If students do not provide documents as per the timeline mentioned in the offer letter, they will be deferred to the next batch and they will not be eligible for any refund.

Deferral Policy: (Pre- Program Commencement)
1. If a learner, due to unavoidable circumstances is unable to commence with the cohort and requests for a deferral before the Cohort Commencement Date, learner will have an option to defer to another batch.
2. However, the learner is required to pay 50% of the Total Program Fee amount (inclusive of taxes) before the deferral can be approved. Till this condition is complied with, the learner will be assumed to be continuing in the same cohort.
3. A learner can request for deferral only once and to either of the scheduled cohorts to start in the next 1 year from the batch start date of the initial batch the Learner enrolled for.
4. The learner has time till the current Cohort Commencement Date to make the payment of the 50% of the Total Program Fee, post which the deferral request will expire. Once the deferral window expires and the learner asks for a refund after the Cohort Commencement Date, the above-mentioned applicable refund policy will apply.
5. The fee applicable to the deferred learner will be as per prevailing Total Program Fee for the batch learner as opted to defer to (No additional deferral fee is required to be paid).

Deferral Policy: (Post Program Commencement)
1. If a learner is facing severe issues in dedicating time to the course, learner will have an option to defer to another batch.A learner can request for deferral only once and to either of the scheduled cohorts to start in the next 1 year from the Cohort Commencement Date of the initial batch the Learner enrolled for.
2. The learner will be required to pay a deferral fee of 5% of the Total Program Fee (inclusive of taxes) if any along with the differential program fees between the two cohorts.
3. The deferral request will be approved once the deferral fee is paid.
4. Till this condition is complied, the learner will be assumed to be continuing in the same cohort.
5. The learner has 7 days (including holidays and weekends) from the date of deferral request to make the payment of the deferral fee, post which the deferral request will expire, and the learner will continue as part of the current cohort.
6. If the learner completes the deferral payment, the learner’s login will be disabled. The learner will leave the deferred cohort and the learner will start learning on the new cohort from the point of the last assignment that was graded in the deferred cohort. All grades and progress till that point will be carried forward as it is to the new cohort.
7. The deferral can only be requested during the batch for which the Learner has enrolled is ongoing. Once the batch has been completed, deferral requests shall not be entertained. For clarification, the batch completion here shall mean the “last grace deadline” as communicated by upGrad.

CaseDeferral fee

Before Program Commencement

50% program fee (including taxes) to be paid upfront- no additional deferral fee to be paid

Post Program Commencement (0-7 days after program start date)

5% of the program fee (including taxes) to be paid within 7 days as deferral fee

Post Program Commencement (8 days after program start date)

Will have to continue as a part of the current cohort


Disclaimer

Disclaimer

  • Finance, No Cost EMI and Credit Card EMI options, are provided by third-party financial institutions. Terms and conditions are subject to change at their discretion without prior notice. Please verify details with the respective service provider before proceeding.
  • Cost-of-living estimates are indicative only and subject to variation based on personal lifestyle choices, location, exchange rates, and other factors. Actual expenses may differ from the stated figures.
  • Tuition fees are subject to change by the university at any time during the course. upGrad has no control over such revisions. Learners are responsible for monitoring communications from the university regarding any fee modifications.
  • Past record is no guarantee of future job prospects.
  • The Universities providing the programs have relevant accreditation/recognition in the country where the University is based and are not recognised by the UGC.
  • Document requirements may vary and are subject to change as per the policy of the University. upGrad has no control over these requirements and are purely dictated by the university.
  • Learners are solely responsible for all expenses related to visa applications, travel, and Post Study Work Permits. upGrad and its partners do not guarantee visa approval or permit issuance. Any visa denial, revocation, or cancellation resulting from personal conduct—whether online or offline, including participation in protests or social media activity—will be the sole responsibility of the learner. upGrad and its partners accept no liability for such outcomes.
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