Mass Communication and Media Studies, BA
Explore media from all angles and become a smarter consumer of information, news and entertainment. Prepare for a variety of exciting media careers and for graduate studies.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
Or any math course that meets the MATH designation
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
Mass Communication and Media Studies, BA degree description
The Bachelor of Arts program in mass communication and media studies gives you a deep and nuanced understanding of the growing importance, power and influence of media around the world.
The program explores global mass communication issues from all dimensions: societal, cultural, historical, political, economic, technological and legal. You learn how to critically analyze media, from news to sports to popular culture, and apply that understanding to the world around you.
Why study mass communication and media studies at ASU?
You can get involved through a deep media community at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, including student outlets like Blaze Radio, State Press, Downtown Devil, The Cut Network and the Walter Cronkite Sports Network and chapters of national organizations such as the Public Relations Student Society of America, the National Association of Black Journalists, the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists, Investigative Reporters and Editors at ASU, and the Association for Women in Sports Media.
You also tap into the #CronkiteNation alumni network, among the most connected in media and the media-focused Cronkite Career Services team, which sharpens your resume and portfolio, connects you to media internships and jobs, hosts recruiter visits and more.
Study abroad options add another dimension to your experience, helping you build a global understanding of how media systems, cultures and audience behavior differ around the world.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| MCO 101 Grammar for Mass Communication |
| MCO 120 Media and Society |
| MCO 125 Developing Media Content |
| JMC 201 Media Writing |
| MCO 205 Information Gathering |
| MCO 225 Digital Media Foundations |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.
If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.
See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Apply the values, principles, ethics and legal standards of media in research.
- Disseminate knowledge that advances media audiences and industries using innovative media research tools, technology, and techniques.
- Critically evaluate information, content, and research in professional contexts.
- Produce clear, accurate, and engaging written content that meets professional standards.
Apply the values, principles, ethics and legal standards of media in research.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
As the world grows more connected, an understanding of other cultures and places is imperative. Studying abroad helps students grasp how different cultures and media actors interact and influence audiences. Practical experience in programs that observe and analyze international media, news culture and journalism prepares students for careers that require the ability to articulate well and use knowledge of multicultural communication styles.
Paying for college
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.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Communications Specialist | -0.3% | $76,910 | Learn more |
| Freelance Writer | -0.3% | $76,910 | Learn more |
| Market Research Analyst | 7.0% | $78,760 | Learn more |
| Product Marketing and Promotions Manager | 0.2% | $39,320 | Learn more |
| Production Assistant | 3.9% | $73,620 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
Careers this mass communication and media studies degree prepares you for
A sophisticated understanding of media and mass communication is a critical asset for careers in business and government, and in the community and nonprofit sectors. Graduates have varied career opportunities, such as with:
- communications firms
- education institutions
- government entities
- political parties
- professional organizations
- publishing companies
Graduates also are prepared to pursue graduate studies in fields such as law, medicine, the arts, education and journalism.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Comm
|
CRONK 222
cronkiteadvising@asu.edu
602-496-5055
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
