Mass Communication Studies

Overview

Programs in mass communication studies teach people how to evaluate the media.

Mass communication studies programs include topics such as:

Media analysis and criticism
Media impact on culture
Visual and media literacy
Communications regulation
Law and policy
Media history

Schools

Community colleges and other two-year schools offer associate degree programs in mass communication studies. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete. After earning an associate degree students can transfer to a college or university for further study.

Many colleges and universities offer a bachelor's degree in mass communication studies. A bachelor's degree usually takes four years of full-time study to complete.

Many universities offer graduate degrees in mass communication studies. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

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Program Admission

You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

Commercial Photography
Computer Graphics
Creative Writing
Forensics and Debate
Humanities
Integrated Science
Introduction to Communication
Introduction to Graphic Communication
Journalism
Mass Media, Communication
Photojournalism
Political Science
Public Speaking
Technical Writing
World History

Graduate Admissions

Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores.

Additional requirements at some schools include:

Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
Undergraduate degree or significant course work in communications
Personal statement
Academic writing sample
Letters of recommendation

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:

Communication and Social Change
Communication and the Environment
Communication Ethics
Communication Law and History
Comparative Media
International Media
Media of European and Asian Nations
New Media - Community and Criticism
Perspectives on Language
Political Discourse
Public Opinion and Mass Media
Speech and Argument
Studies in the Media Industry
Telecommunication Policy
The Internet and Politics

Graduate Program Courses

Graduate study in mass communication studies typically includes:

Required courses
Thesis (master's degree)
Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)

Things to Know

A bachelor's degree in mass communication is a good starting point for further study in law, business, sociology, and political science.

Internships and community service projects are usually offered and sometimes required. You can work on a public relations campaign, write and edit a newsletter, or assist an editor or journalist at the local paper.