Key takeaways
- A media communications degree is from the second most widely pursued major category in the United States, communications.
- The program features a blend of courses in media history, public relations, media production, interpersonal and organizational communication, and more.
- You can pursue a media communications degree at the associate, bachelor’s, or master’s level.
- The admission and graduation requirements for a bachelor’s degree in media communications vary by college and program.
- Available specializations in the program include journalism, organizational communication, media production, design production, and so on.
- Colleges offering an undergraduate media communications degree include West Liberty University, New York University, Lehman College, and more.
- Renowned colleges for an online media communication degree include Full Sail University, Los Angeles Film School, and Lynn University. Access the full list in the guide below.
Media communications play a pivotal role in shaping public narrative, opinion, and worldview. It is through the media that we build a perception of the world around us. Whether you want to venture into journalism, public relations, publishing, or broadcasting, a media communications degree is the ideal choice.
In this guide, you will find everything you need to know about a media communications degree, from program details, and skills you will build, to career opportunities, hiring trends, and so much more.
What does a media communications degree entail?
The information being disseminated on any media platform is there for a reason and has a purpose to serve. News stories must inform viewers of current events and news presentations and debates should aim to present all facets of a story or topic to shape public opinion. Similarly, each advertisement we see serves a purpose whether it is to convince us to buy a product, or to create awareness or hype about a new product or service, there is always a motive behind the content being shown through digital channels.
If you want to understand how media organizations work, what is the thought process behind the content being created, and how communication shapes narrative and perspectives, a media communications degree is ideal for you. According to the Princeton Review, communications is the second most widely pursued college major in the United States.
Here, you will develop a blend of creative, analytical, and practical skills needed for successful careers in media and communications. From learning how to write news stories, analyze media narratives, producing media content, to staying on top of digital trends and technologies, you will learn it all and more in a media communications degree.
You can either pursue an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in media communications.
Associate degree in media communication
An associate degree lasts two years and provides students with foundational knowledge, and skills preparing them for some entry-level roles or for a bachelor’s degree which provides a more comprehensive curriculum.
Bachelor
A bachelor’s degree lasts four years and features a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for various job roles such as PR representative, web content producer, copywriter, and more. After pursuing a bachelor’s degree, you can either enter the job market and seek formal employment or pursue an advanced degree.
Master
A master’s degree in media communication can last anywhere between 1 to 3 years depending on the college and program type. You can pursue it either full-time or part-time and opt for either a project or a research-based program.
MPhil/PhD in media communications
If you want to go into research or academia, an advanced degree such as an MPhil or a PhD is the way to go. The program lasts between 3 to 5 years but can be extended up to 8 years.
All you need to know about a bachelor’s degree in media communications
If you are near the end of your high school, you are likely searching for the ideal college program. A bachelor’s degree in media communications is ideal for students seeking a program that blends creativity with highly transferable skills. Whether you want to go into news, broadcast, digital media, public relations management, or even corporate communications, a media communications degree is the right choice for you.
At the bachelor level, colleges offer a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), or a Bachelor of Media Communications. The primary difference between the different types of bachelor’s media communications degrees is in the general education courses offered, and the learning approach.
Where a BA focuses on developing skills such as communication, collaboration, and critical thinking, and offers liberal arts and humanities general education courses, a BS takes a more analytical approach focusing on developing quantitative and analytical skills by offering mathematics and science courses.
Typical program curriculum
There is no set program curriculum for all media and communications studies programs. The curriculum varies by college, the subjects offered cover a broad range of topics such as media production, theories, mass communication best practices, media history, and more.
However, where the general education courses offered may differ, the core-specific courses generally belong to the same subject groups. At the bachelor’s level, students can expect to take a variety of courses in media law, history, communication models, techniques, media production, research, and more.
Here are some you may come across in your media communications bachelor:
- Media Theory
- Strategic Media Research
- Media Law and Ethics
- Interpersonal Communications
- Advanced Public Speaking
- Persuasion
- Television Field Production
- Remote Broadcast Production
- Radio Production
- Advertising Communications
- News Reporting and Writing
- Media and Society
- Sports Reporting
- Media Sales
The range of courses available in a media communications degree is diverse and largely dependent on the concentration area and electives a student chooses. Students must give careful consideration to the media communication jobs they want to pursue before choosing a concentration and selecting electives. Our degree advice would be to seek career counseling early on in your bachelor’s program to enhance your learning experience and build a skill set relevant to your career aspirations.
Available specializations
By choosing a relevant specialization in a media communications degree you will develop a detailed understanding of the current media landscape. Through the program, you will learn to navigate internet platforms, social media, influencer culture, digital advertising, and more.
Some colleges such as the West Liberty University provide students the choice to pursue multiple concentrations within the media communications bachelor. In this program, you can choose up to two to diversify available career opportunities. However, if you choose one, you can select relevant electives to enhance learning takeaways.
Here are some concentrations available in a media communications degree.
Journalism and Mass Media
Through journalism and mass media specialization, students learn the many aspects of news and media including production for different platforms. The program focuses on developing an in-depth understanding of media and different media platforms. Some courses you can expect to take in the specialization include:
- Investigative Journalism
- Sports Reporting
- Broadcast News Writing
- Editorial Writing
- Editing for Media
Interpersonal Communications
Interpersonal Communication is the exchange of information between two individuals. By pursuing a specialization in interpersonal communication, students learn how verbal and non-verbal communication affects relationships. Courses in the specialization can include:
- Perception
- Speech Practicum
- Persuasion
- Augmentation-debate
- Interpersonal Communication
Organizational Communications
Organizational communication concentration covers a broad range of topics including organizational culture, internal organizational communication, communication technologies, and more. Through the program you will learn the ins and outs of communicating with coworkers in an organization, and how it affects organizational effectiveness. Here are some courses you can expect to take in this specialization:
- Group Communication
- Strategic Communication
- Conflict Management
- Research in Communication
- Intercultural Communication
Public Relations
The public relations specialization is a vast field of study encompassing areas including media relations, crisis management, organization communication, and more. You can also pursue public relations as a standalone degree if you are interested in pursuing PR management as a career. Some courses you can expect to cover in the specialization include:
- Public Relations Writing
- Public Relations and Crisis Management
- PR Strategy
- Crisis Communication
- Advertising Communication
Design Production
The design production specialization covers a broad range of topics including media context, media production, and design. You will learn to create audio and visual content for a variety of platforms through a multitude of theoretical and practical courses. You will also learn to analyze produced content pointing out areas for improvement. Here are some courses you can expect to take in this specialization:
- Visual Critical Literacy
- Advertising Creatives
- Desktop Publishing
- Interactive Media
- Illustrative Designs
Media Production
The media production specialization helps students build the skills needed to produce content for different platforms. From television and radio to social media, websites, and other digital devices, students learn the ins and outs of media production for all relevant platforms. Some courses you can expect to take include:
- Editing for Media
- Writing for Radio and TV
- Film and Video Production
- Sound and Lighting
- Video Editing
Skills you will learn
You can develop as many skills as you like and need for your chosen career track in a media communications degree. The program features a broad range of specializations and electives allowing students to tailor their learning experiences. Generally, students develop a range of soft and hard skills enabling them to take on a variety of roles in the media field.
Soft Skills
Soft skills are essential professional competencies that enable an individual to successfully interact with others and succeed in their professional careers. These include communication, teamwork, time management, adaptability, problem-solving, critical thinking, networking, professionalism, and more.
Soft skills are transferable skills that can be applied to a variety of professions and enhance a job applicant’s eligibility. In fact, soft skills are what set apart candidates from one another.
Hard Skills
Hard skills are technical skills and expertise directly related to certain occupations. For example, an aspiring film and video producer must possess technical skills such as camera handling, lighting, video editing, and so on. Students can choose the technical skills they want to develop according to their career aspirations.
Marketing, web analytics, content creation and management, marketing, public relations, illustration, web design, and more are all technical skills you can potentially develop in a media communications degree.
Admission requirements
The admission criteria for a bachelor’s in media communications varies by college. Each college has specific entry requirements that students must fulfill to gain admission. These generally include:
- Completion of high school education (official high school transcript)
- Standardized test scores (SAT or ACT)
- Letters of recommendation
- College essay
- College application form + fees
However, colleges often list specific admission criteria within each category such as a minimum high school GPA, required specific courses, number of recommendation letters, word limits and guidelines for college essays, and so on. Before you send in your college application, make sure you double-check the requirements as some colleges also list specific course requirements. For example, if you want to seek admission to a data analytics degree, you might need to demonstrate a strong foundation in mathematics and statistics.
Graduation requirements
Graduation requirements are what you need to fulfill to receive a particular educational qualification. These generally vary by college, degree level, and major. Typically, students need to satisfy general education, core-specific, and elective course requirements.
For example, for a bachelor’s degree in media communications, such as the Bachelor of Science in Media Communications from West Liberty University, students must complete 120 credit hours. In the program, the credit hour distribution is as follows:
- General education – 37 credits
- Core-specific – 26 credits
- Media arts foundation – 21 credits
- Concentrations (1 or 2) + electives – 36 credits
Generally, in a bachelor’s degree students need to complete 120 to 135 credit hours and the credit hour distribution is similar to that of the program mentioned above. However, some majors also have specific course requirements depending on the field of study. Additionally, the credit hour distribution for students pursuing minors can be quite different.
Besides credit hour distribution, the graduation requirements also include minimum GPA requirements. Students enrolled in West Liberty University must maintain a minimum CGPA of 2.0 to graduate. The threshold varies by college and by program but generally ranges from 2.0 to 2.5. Make sure you go through the graduation requirements of the program of your choice before you enroll in one.
Colleges offering a bachelor’s degree in media communications
College planning and selection is an extensive and time-consuming process. You must carefully vet each option to find the one that fits your requirements. To make college hunting and selection easier for you we bring to you a list of colleges offering a bachelor’s degree in media communications.
In the table below, you will also find the acceptance rate, the graduation rate, and tuition. Keep in mind, that the tuition rates are subject to change and the figures mentioned below are for the year 2024-2025.
| College | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| West Liberty University | 74.1% | 56.3% | $8,732 in-state
$17,116 out-of-state |
| North Central College | 58% | 68.8% | $44,394 |
| Calumet College of Saint Joseph | 57% | 25% | $22,650 |
| Gannon University | 80.8% | 66.8% | $37,951 |
| Salem College | 87% | 67% | $33,848 |
| Lehman College | 55.3% | 64% | $7,410 in-state
$15,360 out-of-state |
| New York University (NYU) | 9% | 87% | $60,438 |
NYU Media, Culture, and Communication – highlighted suggestions
If you are looking for a research program that will enable you to develop a better understanding of the global media landscape, the NYU media, culture, and communications program is the ideal choice for you.
Through a variety of courses, you will build an in-depth understanding of the historical, political, and socio-cultural dimensions of the media landscape. You will also learn to use tools needed to analyze the media culture and landscape.
Lehman College media communication studies – highlighted suggestion
Lehman College offers a Bachelor of Arts in Media Communication Studies. The program features a blend of theoretical classes and applied practices in the media communications industry. Through the program, students develop analytical and research skills through a variety of courses.
Additionally, students gain the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and expertise via a capstone project in Media Studies. Such an opportunity not only enhances their learning experience but also presents an opportunity to build their resume.
Can I pursue a media communications degree online?
Many renowned colleges and universities such as Full Sail University offer students the chance to pursue a degree in communication and media studies online. Online programs are fast becoming popular for the ease and the major benefits they bring. Students from across the globe can access high-quality education from the comfort of their homes. They no longer must worry about visa planning and obtainment, making accommodation arrangements in another country, or accounting for travel and accommodation in the overall cost of attendance of a program.
Moreover, students can pursue full-time or part-time employment while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in media communications online. The distance education program also allows for better work-life balance by eliminating commute time and costs. However, while there are benefits to pursuing an online program, there are also cons.
Students who lack self-discipline and time management may not be able to succeed in an online learning format. Additionally, the lack of access to on-campus resources and technical support may prove to be a problem. Before selecting a mode of learning, make sure to vet the pros and cons thoroughly.
Colleges offering an online degree in media communications
Here is a list of a few colleges from where you can pursue an online media communications degree.
| College | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| Full Sail University | 100% | 42.7% | $26,417 |
| Brenau University Online | 87% | 52% | $33,275 |
| Academy of Art University | 100% | 7.3% | $28,024 |
| Los Angeles Film School | 100% | 46.3% | $33,452 |
| Lynn University | 80.1% | 50.5% | $42,950 |
Full Sail University media communications – Highlighted suggestion
If you are looking for a media communication program that offers project-based learning, Full Sail University’s media communications bachelor is ideal for you. Through an immersive curriculum, you will learn important concepts and theories and develop practical skills in digital audio and video production, entrepreneurship, marketing, and more.
8 jobs for media and communication graduates
With a bachelor’s in media and communication studies, you can explore a variety of career opportunities in different industries. From event management, advertising, and public relations, to organizational and corporate communications, the job opportunities available to graduates are vast and varied. Here are 8 you can explore.
| Job title | Average salary |
| Editors | $75,020 |
| Broadcast Technician | $54,160 |
| News Reporter | $57,500 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $66,750 |
| Technical Writer | $80,050 |
| Digital Photographers | $40,760 |
| Marketing Managers | $157,620 |
| Advertising and Promotions Manager | $131,870 |
Career outlook for media communication jobs
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Alt text: Job opportunities in media communications
Meta Description: Explore the many available job opportunities in media communications field.
Jobs for media and communication graduates are vast and varied. Whether you want to go into media production, broadcast media, corporate communications, advertising, marketing, PR, or even copywriting, you can do so with a media communications degree, making it a very attractive program indeed especially for those who are creatively inclined.
According to the United Bureau of Labor Statistics, the media and communication job growth rate is around that of the national average for all occupations at 4%. However, media and communication occupations have a higher-than-average median annual wage of $66,320.
It is important to note that earning potential in media communications I heavily dependent on the skill set, experience, seniority level, organization, and educational qualification. While it is possible to become a writer or a photographer with a high school diploma, a bachelor’s degree can significantly enhance eligibility and salary range.
Most media and communication occupations require at least a bachelor’s degree in media communications or a relevant field. Popular industries for graduates include:
- Healthcare
- Securities and Finance
- Information Technology
- Government
- Human Resource
- News Media
- Public Relations
- Marketing
- Advertising
Frequently asked questions about media communications
When trying to determine whether a program is ideal for you or not, it is best to search for what others are asking about the program. Here are the answers to some of the frequently asked questions about a media communications degree.
What can you do with literature, media, and communication?
With a degree in literature, media, and communication you can explore a variety of career opportunities such as journalism, technical writing, editing, marketing, PR management, script writing, and more. You can also go into media production producing content for radio, podcasts, television, websites, and so on.
The career opportunities are endless, however, those pursuing a literature, media, and communications degree are deemed better suited for careers in creative arts.
Is a media communications degree worth it?
Whether a degree in media communications is worth it or not depends on your career aspirations. Objectively speaking, the degree presents exciting and vast career opportunities in fields with a positive employment outlook.
Moreover, students enrolled in the program develop a range of transferable soft and hard skills allowing them to pursue several opportunities not directly linked to the media industry. Such flexibility and career outlook make media communications a great field to pursue.
Enroll in a media communications degree today!
From presenting a well-rounded learning experience to several job opportunities in varied fields, a media communications degree has much to offer aspiring professionals. Become a part of the industry with a formal education in the field. Don’t be afraid to seek help with your college application. A fresh pair of eyes and professional guidance can significantly enhance your application’s credibility.
All Bachelor Degrees is an educative platform offering free AI tools including an Essay Generator that you can use to generate an outline for your college essay. You can also use the platform’s college hunt tool and access a comprehensive list of bachelor’s degrees and career guides on the platform. These resources can make college planning easier and enable you to make informed decisions.