Online Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication & Media Studies

Discover how the media impacts society in this online mass communication degree. You’ll explore global mass communication issues from all dimensions: societal, cultural, historical, political, economic, ethical, technological and legal.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 06/29/2023


Total classes:

Total classes: 41

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 120

Degree questions, answered.

Have questions about the Mass Communication and Media Studies (BA)? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

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Why earn a mass communication degree?

The online Bachelor of Arts in mass communication and media studies program provides you with a sophisticated understanding of mass communication. This program is designed to give you a deep and nuanced understanding of the growing importance, power, influence and changing nature of media in the world. You’ll examine a variety of media and communication subjects including the history of mass communication, social media and political communication and more.

What is mass communication?

 

Mass communication is the sharing of information with large groups of people through channels such as print, television, digital or broadcast media. By studying mass communication and media, you’ll learn how information influences the behavior, attitudes and opinions of individuals within society. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of how people understand and experience mass media as well as the role the media can play in shaping different cultures.

The online mass communication and media studies degree is ideal for learners interested in the theories and systems critical to fields such as advertising, marketing, politics and public relations. If you plan to pursue a career within broadcast journalism, you’ll need additional coursework in reporting, writing and journalism.

Will my mass communication degree 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.” That’s because ASU Online students learn from the same faculty and receive the same course content as in-person students receive.

Mass communication and media classes

You’ll complete courses in media and society and work to develop your literacy and critical inquiry skills. You’ll have the opportunity to explore a variety of topics based on your interests, including media issues in American pop culture; social media; digital media literacy; race, gender and media; and much more.


MCO 120: Media and Society (SB)


What can you do with a mass communication and media studies degree?

Graduates with an online Bachelor of Arts in mass communication and media studies can expect to find exciting and fast-paced careers across a variety of fields, including advertising, marketing, writing, editing, public relations and media production.

Communications Specialist


Growth: -2.3 %
Salary: $67,120

Freelance Writer


Growth: -2.3 %
Salary: $67,120

Market Research Analyst


Growth: 17.7 %
Salary: $65,810

Product Marketing and Promotions Manager


Growth: 3.1 %
Salary: $32,500

Production Assistant


Growth: 8.1 %
Salary: $49,730

Media studies and communication skills from professionals in the field

The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication attracts award-winning professional journalists and world-class media scholars from across the country.

  • Digital media leader Dan Gillmor.
  • Former BET vice president Retha Hill.
  • Former Knight Foundation journalism innovator Eric Newton.
  • Former Sacramento Bee executive editor Rick Rodriguez.
  • Former Washington Post executive editor Leonard Downie, Jr.
  • Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter and editor Jacquee Petchel.
  • Pulitzer-Prize winning reporter Steve Doig.

Media studies and communication skills from professionals in the field

The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication attracts award-winning professional journalists and world-class media scholars from across the country.

  • Digital media leader Dan Gillmor.
  • Former BET vice president Retha Hill.
  • Former Knight Foundation journalism innovator Eric Newton.
  • Former Sacramento Bee executive editor Rick Rodriguez.
  • Former Washington Post executive editor Leonard Downie, Jr.
  • Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter and editor Jacquee Petchel.
  • Pulitzer-Prize winning reporter Steve Doig.

Apply to earn your communication and media studies degree

I am a future

You are considered a first-year student for application purposes if you have not attended college at all, or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours (with a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA).

1. Review competency requirements

2. Review other admission requirements

3. Complete online application

4. File your FAFSA

5. Request ACT or SAT scores

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain admission to 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 the Earned Admission Pathway is right for you.

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain admission to 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 the Earned Admission Pathway is right for you.

Join a renowned communications school, from anywhere

The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication is a leading journalism school in the U.S. For over 15 years, we have earned the best record in the Society of Professional Journalists' national "Mark of Excellence" competition. We reign first in the nation for record-breaking Hearst Journalism Awards and have the best record of any journalism school for the international Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award for reporting on social justice issues.

223


student journalism awards.

1,000


online students.

46


media partnerships (beyond internships).

16


student organizations.

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.

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