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.
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.
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 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
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.
journalism school
Pulitzer Prize-winning faculty
prestigious student media awards
online students
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.”