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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.

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.

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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‘Hold Strong, Hold Fast:’ How BYU Alum Uses Politics And Firefighting to Serve Uganda and Nigeria

August 23, 2025 05:29 PM
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

August 22, 2025 01:10 PM
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

July 29, 2025 11:37 AM
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

February 25, 2025 06:07 PM
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

January 14, 2025 02:00 PM
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

December 02, 2024 11:43 AM
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

October 31, 2024 01:20 PM
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”

September 06, 2024 01:09 PM
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

April 17, 2023 12:19 PM
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

February 22, 0022 12:00 AM
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

February 22, 0022 12:00 AM
Jenny Anderson Advertising, 2018 Senior Account Manager, VMLY&R, New York City
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Alumni Profile: Jerry Miller

February 22, 0022 12:00 AM
Jerry Miller Broadcast Journalism, 1978 Voice of Idaho State Bengals for 39 years
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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
WRTG 150 (3.0 credits)
COMMS 101 (3.0 credits)

Once you have completed these two courses with a grade of "B" or better, you can apply and will be accepted into the Media & Society emphasis.
COMMS 301 - Media History and Culture (3.0 credits)
COMMS 302 - Popular Culture and Media (3.0 credits)
COMMS 319 - Communication Research Paradigms (3.0 credits)
COMMS 351 - Media Technology and Audiences (3.0 credits)
COMMS 300 (3.0 credits) or COMMS 304 (3.0 credits)
Total Hours 15.0 credits
COMMS 411 - Media Effects and Health (3.0 credits)
COMMS 416 - Civic Communication and Public Advocacy (3.0 credits)
COMMS 481 - Family, Gender, and Media (3.0 credits)
COMMS 482 - Religion, Media, and Society (3.0 credits)
COMMS 300 (3.0 credits) or COMMS 304 (3.0 credits)
Total Hours 15.0 credits
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

MEDIA & SOCIETY FACULTY

Clark Callahan

Professor
Media & Society
308 BRMB
801-422-1493
clark_callahan@byu.edu

Scott Church

Associate Professor
Media & Society
305 BRMB
801-422-0578
scott_church@byu.edu

Rebecca Densley

Assistant Professor
Media & Society
329 BRMB
801-422-7504
rebecca.densley@byu.edu

Kevin John

Associate Professor
Media & Society
234A BRMB
801-422-7159
kevin_john@byu.edu

Tom Robinson

Professor
Advertising
210A BRMB
801-422-3977
tom_robinson@byu.edu

Robert Walz

Associate Teaching Professor
310 BRMB
801-422-1613
robert_walz@byu.edu

Jessica Zurcher

Associate Professor
Media & Society
318 BRMB
801-422-0303
jessica_zurcher@byu.edu