Media & Society, B.A.
Program Overview
The Media & Society emphasis is a three-semester, accelerated program designed to give students a strong foundation in media theory while equipping them with hands-on experiences in emerging technologies.
Through engaging coursework and immersive projects, students explore how media influences culture, religion, families, and society. They gain experience applying media theory to real-world contexts, including artificial intelligence, communication technologies, and strategic messaging. With a focus on media literacy, cultural and religious literacy, and content creation, graduates are prepared to make meaningful contributions in media careers, public advocacy, and advanced academic pursuits.
Through engaging coursework and immersive projects, students explore how media influences culture, religion, families, and society. They gain experience applying media theory to real-world contexts, including artificial intelligence, communication technologies, and strategic messaging. With a focus on media literacy, cultural and religious literacy, and content creation, graduates are prepared to make meaningful contributions in media careers, public advocacy, and advanced academic pursuits.
How to apply
Accelerated Learning, Lasting Impact
As a Media & Society student, you’ll gain a strong foundation in media theory, research methods, and literacy while exploring the role of media in shaping family, religion, and society.
This three-semester accelerated emphasis combines rigorous academic training with hands-on application. Through immersive experiences in faculty-led research labs, you’ll collaborate on projects that analyze media effects, audience behavior, AI applications, and emerging communication technologies. This blend of theory and practice prepares you for careers in media analysis, strategic communication, content creation, and public advocacy, or for advanced graduate study.
The emphasis empowers you to think critically about media’s role in shaping values and societal change, and to apply that understanding in strategic, innovative ways that reflect BYU’s mission and values.
This three-semester accelerated emphasis combines rigorous academic training with hands-on application. Through immersive experiences in faculty-led research labs, you’ll collaborate on projects that analyze media effects, audience behavior, AI applications, and emerging communication technologies. This blend of theory and practice prepares you for careers in media analysis, strategic communication, content creation, and public advocacy, or for advanced graduate study.
The emphasis empowers you to think critically about media’s role in shaping values and societal change, and to apply that understanding in strategic, innovative ways that reflect BYU’s mission and values.
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
JOIN A RESEARCH LAB
Each faculty member in the Media & Society emphasis operates their own research lab, allowing students unique opportunities to participate in research and experiential learning opportunities covering topics such as popular culture, health communication, international relations, persuasive messaging, the family, and artificial intelligence. Reach out to individual faculty members to find out what opportunities are available. Students will also have access to state-of-the-art biometrics technologies in the BioComms Lab.
Student Outcomes
Graduates of BYU’s Media & Society emphasis are prepared to excel in diverse fields, including media research, content strategy, public advocacy, and communication analysis. With hands-on experience in faculty-mentored research and a deep understanding of media’s impact on family, religion, and society, alumni are equipped to critically engage with complex issues, pursue advanced academic study, and lead efforts that promote ethical media practices and meaningful societal change.
Career Services
Alumni & Student Stories
Interested in seeing what our students and graduates have been up to? Take a scroll…
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Pretzels and Prose: BYU Alum Jon Fischer Starts a New Chapter
BYU Communications Alum Jon Fischer Discusses the Nonlinear Path of the Professional World and the Importance of Staying True to Who You Are and What You Love To Do
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Learning and Brand Marketing With Communications Alum Patrick Jones
Advertising Alum Patrick Jones Reflects on His Unexpected Path From Military Life to the World of Marketing Luxury Brands
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McKinnley Matson on Navigating a Career in Communications
BYU Communications Alum McKinnley Matson Shares How She Found Her Passion For a Career in Airline Communications
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BYU Student to Olympic Broadcaster: Todd Harris on Journalism
From Producing News as a Student to Calling the Olympic Games, Brigham Young University Alum Todd Harris Explores His Journalism Career.
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Derek Westra’s Thoughts on Faith, Facts and Fiction
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Reputation Manager Derek Westra Speaks Candidly With Communications Students About Faith and Media
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Paige Holland on Developing Voices of Light and Truth
Paige Holland Shares the Importance of Using the Gift of Voice at the Fall 2025 Beckham Lecture
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‘Hold Strong, Hold Fast:’ How BYU Alum Uses Politics And Firefighting to Serve Uganda and Nigeria
BYU Communications Alum Edward Wright’s Career in Geopolitics, Service and Public Safety in Africa
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Rising Voices, Winning Stories: BYU Comms Students Honored in Prestigious Summer 2025 Competitions
BYU Communication Students Earned Top Honors in Journalism, PR, Advertising, and Media Arts on National and International Stages.
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Communications Alumni Spotlight: Tiffany Austin
Join Us in Getting to Know Tiffany Austin, a CFAC Alum Who Graduated in 2005 with a Degree in Broadcast Journalism and Communications Studies!
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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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STUDENT RESOURCES
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Academic Advising
Receive help with class registration, academic planning, and more.
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Professionalism Policy
Discover how the School of Communications prepares you for the workplace.
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Courses
Applying to the Emphasis
First Semester
Second Semester
Third Semester
Comms 483 - Advanced Communications Studies (3.0 credits)
COMMS 496R, COMMS 497R, COMMS 498R, or COMMS 491R (1.0 credit)
Total Hours 4.0 credits
COMMS 496R, COMMS 497R, COMMS 498R, or COMMS 491R (1.0 credit)
Total Hours 4.0 credits
MEDIA & SOCIETY FACULTY
Kevin John
Professor: Associate Director - Graduate Studies
Media & Society
360A BRMB
801-422-7159
kevin_john@byu.edu
Media & Society
360A BRMB
801-422-7159
kevin_john@byu.edu
