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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.

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.
TOP 7%
"Best Colleges for Communications in America" -Niche
100%
Graduate students complete the program within 2 years
#20
"2024 Best Colleges in America" -WSJ

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.

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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GRADUATE FACULTY

Ed Adams

Professor
Public Relations
A-501 HFAC
801-422-1221
ed_adams@byu.edu

Kristoffer Boyle

Professor: Director
Journalism
360B BRMB
801-422-3272
kris_boyle@byu.edu

Pamela Brubaker

Professor: Associate Director - Graduate Studies
Public Relations
360C BRMB
(801) 422-5591
pamela_brubaker@byu.edu

Clark Callahan

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

Mark Callister

Professor: Associate Dean in the College of Fine Arts and Communications
Advertising
188 WCO
801-422-6143
mark_callister@byu.edu

Ed Carter

Professor
Journalism
329 BRMB
801-422-4340
ed_carter@byu.edu

Scott Church

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

Alex Curry

Associate Professor
Public Relations
328 BRMB
801-422-6869

alex_curry@byu.edu

Chris Cutri

Associate Professor
Advertising
312 BRMB
801-422-1358
chris_cutri@byu.edu

Rebecca Densley

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

Jason Freeman

Assistant Professor
Advertising
328 BRMB
801-422-4947 
jason_freeman@byu.edu

Kevin John

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

Devin Knighton

Assistant Professor
Public Relations
316 BRMB
801-422-0753
devin.knighton@byu.edu

Kenneth Plowman

Associate Professor
Public Relations
326 BRMB
801-422-6493
ken_plowman@byu.edu

Quint Randle

Associate Professor
Advertising
332 BRMB
801-422-1694
quint_randle@byu.edu

Tom Robinson

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

Miles Romney

Associate Professor
Journalism
304 BRMB
801-422-0868
miles_romney@byu.edu

Christopher Wilson

Associate Professor
Public Relations
322 BRMB
(801) 422-0988
chriswilson@byu.edu

Jessica Zurcher

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