Mass Communications, M.A.
Program Overview
The BYU School of Communications offers a research-focused master’s program that prepares students to explore the relationship between media and society. With a strong foundation in theory and methodology, students collaborate with faculty mentors to conduct impactful research, preparing for doctoral studies or careers in media analysis, strategic communication, and academia.
How to apply
Scholarship with Purpose
The BYU School of Communications master’s program provides a rigorous, research-driven education that equips students with the analytical and methodological expertise to examine media’s influence on society. Students work closely with faculty mentors to explore topics such as media effects, health communication, journalism, persuasion, digital media, and public relations.
Through coursework and faculty-guided research, students develop critical thinking, scholarly writing, and data analysis skills. Graduates are well-prepared for doctoral programs or careers in media research, policy, and strategic communication. Rooted in BYU’s mission, the program encourages students to integrate faith, scholarship, and professional excellence.
Through coursework and faculty-guided research, students develop critical thinking, scholarly writing, and data analysis skills. Graduates are well-prepared for doctoral programs or careers in media research, policy, and strategic communication. Rooted in BYU’s mission, the program encourages students to integrate faith, scholarship, and professional excellence.
TOP 7%
"Best Colleges for Communications in America" -Niche
85%
School of Communications graduates employed full-time within 1 year of graduation
#20
"2024 Best Colleges in America" -WSJ
Collaborate with Expert Faculty
Students engage in hands-on research alongside faculty members with diverse expertise in public relations, advertising, journalism, persuasion, digital media, health communication, media effects, and more. Through this mentorship, students gain valuable experience designing studies, analyzing data, and contributing to scholarship that addresses critical issues in media and society.
Reach out to any of our graduate faculty to discuss your research interests and to see what exciting projects you can join!
Reach out to any of our graduate faculty to discuss your research interests and to see what exciting projects you can join!
Student Outcomes
Graduates of BYU’s School of Communications master’s program leave prepared for success in academia, research, and professional practice. Many pursue doctoral studies at top universities, while others secure positions in media analysis, strategic communication, public relations, journalism, and digital media. Equipped with advanced research skills and critical thinking expertise, alumni contribute to industry advancements, policy discussions, and organizational strategy. Rooted in ethical inquiry and BYU’s mission, graduates are prepared to engage with complex media challenges, shape public discourse, and apply their knowledge to meaningful, real-world impact.
Career Services
Alumni & Student Stories
Interested in seeing what our students and graduates have been up to? Take a scroll…
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Public Relations Alum Colin Wylie on Sharing the Giving Machine With Columbus, Ohio
With the Help of a Miniature LEGO Replica, Colin Wylie Helps Spread the Word About a New Giving Machine
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Photo Essay: A Look Into Alum Emma Benson's Life as a Journalist
With Features About First Responders, Organ Donors and More, Emma Benson is Using Her Storytelling Skills for Good
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Deseret News VP Emily Hellewell on Problem Solving and Variety in the Field of Communications
BYU Public Relations Alum Emily Hellewell Shares Her Experience in the Communications Industry
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Make Something Wonderful: Homecoming Alumni Speaker Brent Anderson on the Craft of Creativity
In His 2024 Homecoming Alumni Lecture, School of Communications Alum Brent Anderson Shared Insights About Creativity from his Career Experience Working with Apple
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Advertising Alum Brent Anderson on “Harnessing the Unpredictability and Magic of Creativity”
Brent Anderson, an Honored Alumni Speaker for Homecoming Week, Shared More About His Creative Roots
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First Latin American Forum on Journalism and Religion Held at BYU
Journalists From Latin America Join BYU’s School of Communications in a Conversation About Religious Reporting
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Like Father, Like Son: Art Rascon Steps Down as Son Jacob Rascon Steps Up to Fill His Position As News Anchor
Jacob Rascon takes the place of his father Art Rascon after 36 years in the journalism business, looking forward to filling the shoes his father wore so well
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Alumni Profile: Jenny Anderson
Jenny Anderson Advertising, 2018 Senior Account Manager, VMLY&R, New York City
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Alumni Profile: Jerry Miller
Jerry Miller Broadcast Journalism, 1978 Voice of Idaho State Bengals for 39 years
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Notes from the Editor: Journalism & the Church
Meet the editor in chief of the Church News and learn about her vigor for the field of journalism
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Extra! Extra! Read All About the New DU Magazine
65 years after its editorial debut, the Daily Universe is entering a new phase
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TWO COLLEGE ANCHORS FIND THEIR WAY TO THE SAME ANCHOR DESK 12 YEARS LATER
From college to KUTV 2News, these two journalists have come up together through their careers of broadcast journalism
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STUDENT RESOURCES
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Academic Advising
Receive help with class registration, academic planning, and more.
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Bridge Semester
Make sure you're on track to enter the Journalism & Sports Media program.
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Professionalism Policy
Discover how the School of Communications prepares you for the workplace.
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Courses
1st Semester
2nd Semester
3rd Semester
4th Semester
All Electives
Application deadline is March 31 of each year.
Required Tests: GRE
Additional Requirements
- Exposure to research and statistics
- Professional competence in written and spoken English
- Submission of a resume
Courses
COMMS 600 (1.0 credits)
COMMS 602 (3.0 credits)
COMMS 610 (3.0 credits)
COMMS elective (3.0 credits)
Total Hours 10.0 credits
Courses
Comms elective (3.0 credits)
Comms elective (3.0 credits)
Comms elective (3.0 credits)
Total Hours 9.0 credits
Courses
COMMS 698R - Master's Project (6.0 credits minimum)
-or-
Comms 699R - Master's Thesis (6.0 credits minimum)
Total Hours 6.0 credits
Final defense of Master's Thesis or Project
Elective and/or interdisciplinary courses should be determined with consultation and prior approval of your advisor and committee.
Courses
COMMS 604 - History and Historical Research Methods (3.0 credits)
COMMS 607 - International Media & Communications (3.0 credits)
COMMS 612R - Research Practicum (3.0 credits)
COMMS 619 - Media Literacy and Culture (3.0 credits)
COMMS 621 - Media & Religion (3.0 credits)
COMMS 622R - Current Issues (3.0 credits)
COMMS 623 - Literature of Journalism (3.0 credits)
COMMS 624 - Media Law & Ethics (3.0 credits)
COMMS 625 - Integrative Persuasive Communications (3.0 credits)
COMMS 626 - Advertising Issues and Strategy (3.0 credits)
COMMS 627 - Public Relations Issues and Strategy (3.0 credits)
COMMS 628 - Computer-Mediated Communication (3.0 credits)
COMMS 640 - Strategic Communications (3.0 credits)
COMMS 691R - Special Studies in Communications (3.0 credits)
COMMS 692R - Professional Practicum (3.0 credits)
COMMS 695R - Topical Seminar (3.0 credits)
GRADUATE FACULTY
Kristoffer Boyle
Professor : Associate Director - Undergraduate Studies
Journalism
360B BRMB
801-422-3272
kris_boyle@byu.edu
Journalism
360B BRMB
801-422-3272
kris_boyle@byu.edu
Pamela Brubaker
Professor: Associate Director - Graduate Studies
Public Relations research; digital storytelling; strategic communications
360A BRMB
(801) 422-5591
pamela_brubaker@byu.edu
Public Relations research; digital storytelling; strategic communications
360A BRMB
(801) 422-5591
pamela_brubaker@byu.edu
Clark Callahan
Professor: Communications Studies
Comms Studies; Theories of intercultural adaptation; Historical diffusion of innovation; Media ecology; Digital Comms
308 BRMB
801-422-1493
clark_callahan@byu.edu
Comms Studies; Theories of intercultural adaptation; Historical diffusion of innovation; Media ecology; Digital Comms
308 BRMB
801-422-1493
clark_callahan@byu.edu
Mark Callister
Professor: Associate Dean in the College of Fine Arts and Communications
Advertising: consumer behavior; persuasion; research methods
188 WCO
801-422-6143
mark_callister@byu.edu
Advertising: consumer behavior; persuasion; research methods
188 WCO
801-422-6143
mark_callister@byu.edu
Scott Church
Associate Professor : Comms Studies; Popular culture, media ecology, online culture and rhetoric
305 BRMB
801-422-0578
scott_church@byu.edu
305 BRMB
801-422-0578
scott_church@byu.edu
Kevin John
Associate Professor : Media and Society: Health communications and media
234A BRMB
801-422-7159
kevin_john@byu.edu
234A BRMB
801-422-7159
kevin_john@byu.edu
Christopher Wilson
Associate Professor: Public Relations management and strategy
322 BRMB
(801) 422-0988
chriswilson@byu.edu
322 BRMB
(801) 422-0988
chriswilson@byu.edu
