The School of Communications offers a research-based master’s program designed to promote critical thinking with a particular focus on the interface between media and society. The program prepares students with the theoretical background, methodological expertise, and critical thinking skills needed both for continued studies at the doctoral level and informed professional practice by emphasizing communications theory and research.

This program is a unique experience. Students specialize in an area of their choice by completing research in that area under the guidance of a faculty member who shares their interests. Some areas include social media; media, religion, and family; international media and communications; persuasion and public opinion; health communications; advertising; public relations; journalism and sports media; and media and current societal issues. This is not a comprehensive list; students’ areas of specialization are essentially unlimited, as long as their topic of interest relates to mass communications in some way.

If you are accepted into the graduate  program, you will also be admitted to the School of Communications. The mission of the School of Communications is to become “a consecrated community of disciples, scholars, and mentors who strive to walk in the meekness of Christ’s spirit, as we inspire learning through love, faith, and service that prepares each Child of God to share light and hope with the world.”

Being part of a consecrated community means there are expectations that apply to everyone: faculty, staff, and students (see Elder Paul Pieper’s recent devotional titled BYU: Building a Community of Trust and Respect). Please note, that if you accept an invitation to join the School of Communications you are indicating your willingness to abide by the expectations and standards of our School of Communications community. Your standing in the program will be contingent on your willingness to comply with these policies. You will be expected to be in compliance with all three policies throughout your time in the program.

• The School of Communications Professionalism Policy: https://comms.byu.edu/professionalism/
• The BYU Honor Code: https://policy.byu.edu/view/church-educational-system-honor-code
• BYU Dress and Grooming Standards: https://policy.byu.edu/view/dress-and-grooming-standards

The School of Communications offers one graduate degree, an MA in Mass Communications. Between ten and fifteen students are admitted to the master’s program each fall semester. The average time spent in completing requirements for the master’s degree is two to two and a half years.

The deadline for applying to the master’s program is March 31 of each year.

For any additional questions, please contact:

Dr. Pamela Brubaker
Graduate Coordinator
School of Communications
360 BRMB
Provo, UT 84602
801-422-5591
pamela_brubaker@byu.edu

Debby Jackson
Graduate Program Manager
School of Communications
360 BRMB
Provo, UT 84602
801-422-2632
debby_jackson@byu.edu