Online Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication and Media Studies
Discover how media shapes culture, communication and public perception with Arizona State University’s online Bachelor of Arts in mass communication and media studies. From pop culture and politics to social media and storytelling, you’ll explore the power of media messaging and how it influences industries, institutions and everyday life worldwide. You'll graduate ready to thrive in creative and strategic roles where communication drives results.
Quick facts
Next start date: 07/02/2025
Total classes: 41
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 120
A flexible, wide-ranging curriculum that prepares for a variety of careers
Mass communication is the flow of information from a single media source to a large audience. By analyzing content across TV, print, audio and social media, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of media’s role in shaping values, identities and decisions. This foundation prepares you for careers that rely on media literacy and strategic insight, including advocacy, business, marketing, politics and public affairs.
This liberal arts program is composed mostly of electives — giving you the flexibility to tailor your coursework to your interests and transfer credits. Topics include:
- Digital and social media
- Media and pop culture
- Media ethics and law
- Political communication
- Race, gender and representation in media
The flexible structure and elective-rich curriculum make this degree especially transfer-friendly, allowing you to apply previous credits and customize your academic path.
Who’s a good fit for this mass communication degree?
This degree is a strong match for students interested in understanding the impact of media on society. While this program doesn’t focus on journalism, coursework emphasizes media systems, cultural influence and communication theory. You’ll examine the inner workings of media and graduate ready to analyze and interpret the messages that shape how people think, communicate and engage with the world.
Will my diploma say ‘online’?
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”
Mass communication and media classes
Courses will strengthen your ability to analyze, interpret and engage with media across formats and platforms. You’ll explore how messages are created, distributed and received, as well as how they influence public opinion, cultural trends and other aspects of society. Topics include pop culture, digital communication, media ethics and the impact of emerging technologies. This curriculum also adapts to your goals and interests by offering a few core requirements and a wide selection of electives.
The jobs you’ll be prepared for
With a foundation in media analysis and communication strategy, this degree opens doors to industries like advertising, marketing, content creation and public relations. The critical thinking and communication skills you’ll build prepare you for various creative and strategic roles. Potential careers include:
Communications Specialist
Freelance Writer
Market Research Analyst
Product Marketing and Promotions Manager
Production Assistant
Learn from experts in journalism and media studies
The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication attracts award-winning communication professionals and world-class media scholars from across the country.
- Award-winning podcast hosts Roddy Nikpour and Abby Zufelt
- Entrepreneur Eli Chmouni
- Media literacy expert Dr. Kristy Roschke
- Pulitzer Prize winner Julia Thompson
Learn from experts in journalism and media studies
The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication attracts award-winning communication professionals and world-class media scholars from across the country.
- Award-winning podcast hosts Roddy Nikpour and Abby Zufelt
- Entrepreneur Eli Chmouni
- Media literacy expert Dr. Kristy Roschke
- Pulitzer Prize winner Julia Thompson
How to apply
first-year student
You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.
*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.
*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.
Study at our award-winning journalism school
The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication is the leading mass communication school in the U.S. The school, its faculty and its students are regularly recognized for their work.
#1
journalism school
6
Pulitzer Prize-winning faculty
20+
prestigious student media awards
1,255
online students
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
