The world today is digitalized, especially when it comes to mass communication and media. The function of a media specialist is necessary for the entertainment industry, intellectual property, and in many other fields. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in media and communications is expected to increase by an estimated 14% quicker than the average for all other vocations over the following 10 years.

What Is Mass Communication?

The creation, transmission, reception, and analysis of communications for large audiences through oral and written media are the topics covered by the area of mass communication. These media span various platforms, including print, social media, digital and Internet media, radio, and television. It is multi-disciplinary, including components from related disciplines like journalism, integrated marketing, strategy, health, politics, and more.

Difference between mass communication and mass media

Mass communication refers to the medium or method used for disseminating this information. Mass media refers to the act of disseminating information to the public. Here is the difference in skills required.

Mass communication skillset	Mass media skillset
Creativity	Research skills
Communication Skills	Communication skills
Networking Skills	Writing Skills
Interviewing Skills	Acquaintance skills
Problem-solving skills	Seasoned Digital Skills
Research ability	Interpersonal skills
Observation and Interpretation Skills	Ability to work under pressure
Ability to work under pressure	To meet daily targets efficiently
Ability to express ideas clearly	Social Media Knowledge

Types Of Degrees Available In Mass Communication

Degree	Credit(may vary)	Typical program length
Associate degree	60 credits	2 years
Bachelors degree	120 credits	4 years
Masters degree	36 credits including at least 30 hours of structured coursework and successful completion of a final thesis or applied research project.	two years of full-time study or three years of part-time study
Doctorate	46 graduate credits, 24 thesis credits, and a dissertation.	three- to four years of full-time study

10 Most Affordable Associate Degrees In Mass Communication

#1. Colorado Christian University

Program: AA in Communication studies

Tuition: $100 per credit hour

Accreditation:  accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

The online associate’s in communication studies program at Colorado Christian University consists of 60 credits, with 18 of those credits being major in interpersonal communication, introduction to mass communication, advanced public speaking, cross-cultural communication, communication law, and communication and technology. Regardless of prior academic credentials or professional experience, most communications students finish the associate degree in less than two years, thanks to the fast 5-week course delivery schedule. Additionally, CCU’s Blackboard learning platform supports a diverse array of ed-tech features, including 24/7 access to course materials, live chat rooms, and discussion boards for small groups. For those interested, CCC also provides an expedited B.A. in communication studies and a 12-credit online communication studies certificate.

#2. Northeast Mississippi Community College

Program: AA Integrated Marketing Communications

Tuition: $145 per credit hour

Accreditation:  accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

For students interested in pursuing jobs in advertising, marketing, promotions, media, and business, NMCC provides an associate’s in Integrated Marketing Communications. In addition to receiving in-depth technical instruction, students gain a variety of crucial skills for the workplace, such as the ability to communicate clearly and persuasively across various platforms, to analyze and condense complex information into understandable content, to manage and utilize mass media platforms, and to create, implement, and track marketing strategies, brand identities, and public relations initiatives. Students can select electives to enhance their core courses, and completing an internship is strongly advised to give the associate’s degree more practical application.

#3. Raritan Valley Community College

Program: Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts degree

Tuition: $147 per credit (resident); $254 per credit (non-resident)

Accreditation: accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education,

To educate students for professions in several communication-related fields, such as media communication, journalism, and video production, Raritan Valley offers an online associate’s in communication studies. Students take core subjects in intercultural communication, mass communication, speech, and communication theory as part of the 60–61 curriculum. From there, specialist electives in journalism, public relations, film studies, and video production are offered, as well as electives in interpersonal and cross-cultural communication. To get practical experience, students are encouraged to complete a co-op, internship, or service learning project in communications.

#4. Harrisburg Area Community College – Harrisburg

Program: Human Relations, Journalism, and Public Relations

Tuition: $191.25 per credit hour (in-state); $283.25 per credit hour (out-of-state)

Accreditation:  accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education

HACC offers three specialties in Human Relations, Journalism, and Public Relations for students interested in earning an associate’s degree in communications. Introduction to Communication, Mass Media and Society, Theories of Communication, and the Communication Capstone are all required core courses. Every course is designed for maximum flexibility, and students can tailor their degrees to suit their interests and professional goals by choosing electives. Graduates of the associate’s in communication program will be qualified for positions in various industries, including journalism, the media, business, and marketing. Students learn to communicate effectively in different personal, professional, civic, and social settings. They also learn to comprehend, evaluate, and interpret humanities’ history, theory, and critique.

#5. Mesa Community College

Program: Associate in Business (ABUS)

Tuition: $241 per credit hour

Accreditation: accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

With courses like Human Relations in Business, Intercultural Communication, Project Management in Quality Organizations, Introduction to Public Relations, Society and Business, and Technical and Professional Writing, Mesa Community offers an AAS in Business with a Business Communication Track. Several entrance dates are available throughout the year, and all courses are customized to meet individual students’ schedules. Students enrolling in the MCC program are specifically prepared for employment in bookkeeping, management, marketing, information systems, international business, web technology, project management, and business communication. Although MCC suggests a course sequence for the associates, students can follow their preferred study plan.

#6. Rasmussen College

Program: Marketing Associates Degree

Tuition: $279 per credit hour

Accreditation: Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission

Rasmussen provides a marketing associate’s degree that incorporates business, marketing, and communication coursework. Internet Business Models and E-Commerce, Public Relations and Advertising Strategies Communicating in Your Profession, Introduction to Business Analysis and Intelligence, and Principles of Marketing are just a few of the 50 core and significant credits. Additionally, you’ll pick up crucial technical skills for the workplace, such as product management, market research, and search engine optimization. Students can speed up the degree path with self-paced courses, project-based examinations, and real-world scenarios thanks to the school’s competency-based education strategy, finishing the degree in as little as 18 months. Current program graduates are employed in various fields, including banking and finance, healthcare, and insurance.

#7. American Public University

Program: A.A. in Communication

Tuition:$285 per credit hour

Accreditation: accredited by the U.S. ED-recognized Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Students who complete the online A.A. in Communication program at APU are prepared for various careers in writing, business management, public policy, marketing, journalism, and public relations. All courses strongly emphasize practical, transferable skills, and many professors hold executive positions at Fortune 500 businesses and government organizations. The A.A. in Communication can be leveraged into several relevant bachelor’s tracks in Business Administration and Management and serve as a terminal associate’s degree. An A.A. in Business Administration is also offered. The typical period to complete a degree is less than two years.

#8. Waldorf University

Program: A.A. in leadership communication

Tuition: $315 per credit hour

Accreditation: accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Waldorf provides an A.A. in Leadership Communication with 60 credits for people interested in managerial communications positions (15 majors). A wide range of electives, including Public Relations, Crisis Management, Creative Thinking and Problem Solving, and Speech Communications, give students a chance to customize their degrees. The degree’s core requirements are Communication Skills for Leaders, General Psychology, and Attitudes & Persuasion. If students choose to pursue a bachelor’s track, Waldorf’s curriculum can be used to segue into a B.S. in Organizational Leadership in addition to having built-in flexibility.

#9. Franklin University

Program: A.S. communication

Tuition:$398 per credit hour

Accreditation: accredited by the Higher Learning Commission

A total of 60 credits are required for Franklin’s AS in Communications, including 24 core and professional courses like marketing, business and professional writing, communication ethics, organizational communication, and communication in groups and teams. The curriculum has a unique real-world application because seasoned professionals in the communications industry teach all courses. Career opportunities include a variety of positions like community relations specialist, copywriter, corporate communications manager, and technical communicator. Students can start the associate’s program whenever it is most convenient because delivery is offered in blocks of 6, 12, and 15 weeks, with several entrance dates. Franklin now offers a bachelor’s degree in communication online for interested individuals.

#10. Central Penn College

Program: AA in Communication

Tuition: $509 per credit hour

Accreditation: accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

The online associate in the communications program at Central Penn trains students to communicate across various media effectively. The 40-credit major track’s core requirements include, among other things, Public Relations, Media Writing, Journalism, Writing for Public Relations, Communications Law, and Communications Ethics. Additionally, students can tailor the curriculum through electives, and all students select a capstone project or an internship to round out their education. The fundamental abilities covered are writing press releases and other written communications, problem-solving in public relations, multimedia, desktop publishing, journalism, and advertising, understanding and applying industry copy standards, and developing a professional portfolio. About 85% of CPC alumni are employed or pursuing advanced degrees within a year of graduating.

10 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s Degrees In Mass Communication

1. Fort Hays State University

Program: BS Business Education with a concentration in Corporate Communication

Tuition: $250.59 per credit hour (resident); $529.68 per credit (non-resident)

Accreditation:  accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

The Department of Applied Business Studies at FHSU offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Education with a concentration in Corporate Communication that stresses the integration of theory and practice in business education. Graduates of this program are prepared for a wide range of occupations, including media relations, public relations, and directors of human resources and communications, among many others. A total of 124 credits are needed to complete this degree, including 36 credits for the Corporate Communication Concentration Core.

2. Arkansas State University

Program: BA in Communication studies

Tuition:  $269 per credit hour

Accreditation:  Arkansas State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

The Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from A-State is a flexible degree that equips its holders for achievement in nearly any line of work. With a solid understanding of communication theory and exposure to experiential learning, students graduate as skilled communicators in interpersonal, professional, and organizational settings. Mass Communication in Modern Society, Argumentation Principles, and Communications Research Methods are all required courses. Principles of Persuasion, Narratives in Health and Healing, and Crisis Communication are all available as electives. To earn this degree, you must complete 120 credits.

3. Lamar University

Program: B.S. in Communication 

Tuition:   $296 per credit hour

Accreditation:  accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

The Bachelor of Science in Communication degree program at L.U. provides several start dates throughout the year, allowing students to enroll in expedited 8-week or more conventional 15-week sessions to suit their schedules. This degree prepares graduates for a wide range of employment in sales, advertising, film, radio, corporate communications, A/V production, law, public relations, and corporate training, among many other fields, by fusing communication theory with practical practice. There are corporate training and development classes, political communication, advertising principles and practices, and media writing.

#4. Drury university

Program: B.S. in Communication

Tuition: $320 per credit hour

Accreditation:  The Higher Learning Commission accredited Drury University of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

The College of Continuing Professional Studies of Drury University, a private liberal arts college in Springfield, Missouri, provides undergraduate degrees online. Its Bachelor of Science in Organizational Communication and Development offers students a comprehensive background in psychology, advertising, conflict resolution, and ethics and a solid foundation in communication, leadership, and organizational principles. Theories and Models of Leadership, Conflict Resolution, and Negotiation, Leading Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability, and Grant Writing are among the courses offered. For a degree to be completed, 120 credits are needed.

#5. Southern New Hampshire University

Program: B.A. in communication

Tuition: $320 per credit hour

Accreditation: Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

Three specializations are available for the Bachelor of Arts in Communication at SNHU: New Media, Professional Writing, and Public Relations. The emphasis on communication theory and business-specific concepts in the B.A. in Communication degree will equip graduates for various careers, including journalism, media management, copywriting, and account executive roles. Business communication, public speaking, print media graphics and layout, and organizational communications are covered in the courses.

#6. Waldorf University

Program: B.A. in Communications

Tuition: $322 per credit

Accreditation: Waldorf University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission

The 120 credits needed to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Communications degree must be divided between 60 credits for general education and 60 credits for major requirements. The Graphic Core, Mass Communications and Society, News Gathering and Reporting, Mass Media Law, Radio Production, and Web Design are among the courses offered under the major. This degree program uses cutting-edge technologies and strongly emphasizes practical experience. There are no additional fees for books, but each student must have a Mac computer with the very minimum requirements for Adobe Creative Cloud.

#7. University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin

Tuition: $362.34 per credit hour

Accreditation: The University of Texas of the Permian Basin is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Interpersonal communication, Western Rhetoric in Thought, Modern Media and Society, Crisis Communication, and Organizational Communication are covered in the courses. The same professors who teach on campus also teach online, and the curriculum emphasizes the academic mentorship of students. Students who complete the program with a broad range of abilities can pursue careers in media, advertising, politics, management, law, social services, medicine, and many other fields.

#8. Lynn University

Program:  B.A. in Communication and Media

Tuition: $375 per credit hour

Accreditation:  accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

With its Bachelor of Arts in Communication degree, students can concentrate on their unique interests within their major while still fulfilling the requirements of the core curriculum from the very first semester. Media Literacy, Persuasion and Propaganda, Communication Law and Ethics, Advertising, Public Relations, and Society are among the courses offered. Graduates of this degree will be qualified for work in various fields, including public relations, marketing, journalism, and special issues advocacy.

#9. Clarion University

Program: BS in liberal studies – communication

Tuition: $462.20 per credit hour

Accreditation: Clarion University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Public university Clarion University is a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education and is situated in Clarion, Pennsylvania. Introduction to Human Communication, Media Writing, and Introduction to Mass Media are available courses. For Pennsylvania citizens, tuition costs are significantly lower than those shown below, as shown on the school’s website. Along with major- or need-based scholarships, Clarion University provides grants exclusively for online students.

#10. Valley City State University

Program: B.S. and B.A. in Communication- Corporate Concentration

Tuition: $6,619 per semester (resident); $11,583 (non-resident/international)

Accreditation: Valley City State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Students pursuing a B.A. or B.S. in Communications with a Corporate Concentration are prepared for executive recruiting, marketing, corporate education development, and public relations positions. This specialization examines organizational, interpersonal, and intercultural marketing, training, and development abilities. The B.A. or B.S. in Communication with a concentration in Digital Media Management equips students for professions in various industries, including public relations, media sales, campaign directing, advertising and marketing, professional blogging, and media relations. This focus emphasizes digital media formats and administration while fostering expertise in website design, social media management, public relations, and communication theory. Graduates of the B.A. or B.S. in Communication with a Journalism and Media Communication Concentration are prepared for professions in journalism, advertising, marketing, newspaper reporting, research, and column writing.

5 Cheapest Online Master’s Degrees In Mass Communication.

#1. Southern Utah University

Program: MA Professional Communication

Tuition: $375 per credit hour

Accreditation: The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) since 1933.

A master’s in communications is available online from Southern Utah University, and it may be finished in only one year without having to travel to the school. This degree, created for working professionals, gives the most flexibility in terms of coursework while also delivering in-depth research. The degree is appropriate for any working or aspiring communication professional and covers a variety of fields, including radio and television, public relations, marketing, college teaching, and more. Quantitative communication research, communication, professional growth, and applied communication theory are all required courses. In reference to U.S. News and World Report, Southern Utah is ranked #33 among the best public schools and #72 among Western regional institutions.

#2. Tarleton State University

Program: M.A Communication studies

Tuition: $509.27 per credit hour (in-state); $775.37 per credit hour (out-of-state)

Accreditation: accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) 

The course emphasizes organizational communication abilities at the institutional and interpersonal levels and computer-mediated communication abilities and knowledge. With a 30-credit program that can be completed in as little as 18 months, graduates can benefit from their degree immediately. Additionally, certificates in organizational communication and social media strategy are available to students. U.S. News and World Report place Tarleton State at 70 among Western regional universities.

#3. Spring Arbor University

Program: M.A Strategic communication and leadership

Tuition: $752 per credit hour

Accreditation: accredited by the Higher Learning Commission

Students are matched with mentors who are communication influencers who help with their personal and professional growth and their academics. It is the sole program of its kind in the United States. Students also graduate with an electronic portfolio of their work that they can use in their future professions. The degree can be earned in as little as 18 months, and admission does not need the GMAT or GRE, saving the prospective student time and money. U.S. News and World Report place Spring Arbor at 43 among regional universities in the Midwest.

#4. Liberty University

Program: M.A Communication

Tuition: $615 per credit hour

Accreditation: accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission

The program focuses on interpersonal and mass communication factors influencing interaction at all levels. Students gain skills that help them lead and engage more effectively in their personal and professional lives, which frequently leads to better success in both areas. Conflict analysis and resolution, effective social media use, cross-cultural and international communication, and strategic storytelling are all covered in the courses. Being a Christian college, Liberty incorporates moral values throughout its curriculum.

#5. Texas Tech University

Program: MA. Strategic communication and innovation

Tuition: $7,381 per year

Accreditation: Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

The online master’s in the communications program at Texas Tech University prepares graduates for senior-level roles where effective communication and strategic planning are essential employment requirements. Students who complete the degree learn how to create persuasive messages for ever-evolving digital environments and organizational contexts. The curriculum is 100% online and asynchronous, so students can work on the material as their schedule permits. Because it is designed for working professionals, there are no defined times that the student must be online. Candidates must submit a personal statement, résumé, writing samples, and references for this position, which is intended for communication professionals. The prerequisite for the GRE score is a 3.0 GPA.

What Can I Do With A Mass Communication Degree?

The domain of mass communication specialists knowledgeable in rhetorical principles and strategic media tactics is developing, disseminating, and evaluating effective communications aimed at sizable audiences. Every day, mass communication strategies are used by public relations specialists, journalists, broadcast professionals, advertisers and marketers, content writers, graphic designers and illustrators, public health educators, corporate media managers, and other media professionals to create and implement strategic communication plans — from broadcast news to online marketing campaigns and public health announcements — across almost every industry.

Bachelor’s In Mass Communications Programs

A mass communication bachelor’s degree can offer crucial pre-employment training to enter a position in one or more of these fields. Mass communication bachelor’s degree programs typically include electives in specialized areas of the field, such as journalism writing and research, public relations writing, digital advertising, video production, television broadcasting, and documentary production, in addition to core courses on topics like mass communication theory and history, mass media writing, editing and publishing for mass audiences, and media law and ethics.

Master’s In Media And Mass Communications Programs

In-depth study of fundamental and cutting-edge theories and concepts relating to the dissemination of information and messages on a large scale can be found in master’s degree programs in media and mass communication. Students in master’s in mass communication programs can anticipate learning about and participating in communication research methodologies, best practices and ethical standards for the media, and historical and contemporary assessments of the influence of the media. In addition, they will get a practical understanding of how messages are created for various platforms (such as the web, print, video, and social media) and learn how to use those messages to reach particular audiences.

Is Mass Communication In High Demand?

The job prognosis for mass communication is expected to be good, and service demand will be high. There are many professional opportunities in various fields, including news channels, magazines, newspapers, radio, journals, broadcasting corporations, and advertising agencies, thanks to the high demand for mass communication.

The Following Jobs Pay The Highest Salaries In Mass Communication

Source: U.S. bureau of labor statistics

What Is The Job Outlook For A Mass Communication Degree?

The outlook for communication majors is stable and will experience growth on par with other national careers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts a 4% growth in media and communication jobs from 2019 to 2029.

Public relations, film and video, and broadcast sound are the communication fields with the quickest growth rates. The demand for translators and interpreters is expected to increase by 20% between 2019 and 2029. Less increase is anticipated for other occupations, such as writing, editing, and broadcasting news.

The Best Media And Communication Careers

Occupation	Median salary	Projected job growth (2019-2029)
Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers	$141,490	6%
Art Directors	$97,270	2%
Technical Writers	$74,650	7%
Writers and Authors	$67,120	2%
Editors	$63,400	-7%
Public Relations Specialists	$62,810	7%
Film and Video Editors and Camera Operators	$61,900	18%
Graphic Designers	$53,380	-4%
Interpreters and Translators	$52,330	20%
Reporters, Correspondents, and Broadcast News Analysts	$49,300	-11%

Source: BLS