Program Overview

Mass Communication

Program Type

B.A.

Est. Time to Complete

4 Years

School

School of the Arts, Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences

Delivery Mode

On Campus

About the Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication

Key Courses

Mass Communication Degree Requirements

The bachelor’s degree program in Mass Communication includes coursework in technical audio and video production techniques, on-camera broadcast performance, and media relations. Innovative hands-on projects, internships, and independent study opportunities provide room to explore areas like public relations and news writing, media team management, sports broadcasting, and podcast production.

The 120-credit program offers comprehensive general education and electives that introduce Mass Communication majors to interdisciplinary topics like law and ethics, language and literature, and the global perspectives that create influential projects and campaigns in mass communication careers.

Mass Communication Courses

In the Mass Communication program, our expert faculty blend theory with practice, covering everything from broadcast media fundamentals to the latest in digital platforms like live streaming and online reporting.

Courses you may take as a Mass Communication major include:

• CM 120: Broadcast Performance I
• CM 225: Introduction to New Media
• CM 307: Podcasting
• CM 340: News Writing and Production
• CM 423: Crisis Communications Management

Available Mass Communication credits may also be used in an internship or an independent study course under the supervision of a faculty mentor.

Career Opportunities & Benefits

Prepare for Broadcast Media and Journalism Careers

Mass Communication majors study the cornerstones of audio, radio, and digital video production and live news, leading to successful and impactful careers in broadcasting settings, independent production houses, or video production in corporate environments.

Exposure to real-world news gathering and reporting, copywriting, announcing, and the use of field and control room equipment prepares graduates to pursue career pathways including:

• Communication Specialist
• Digital Marketing Specialist
• Multimedia Journalist
• Podcast Host or Producer
• Radio Technician
• TV News Producer
• TV News Reporter
• Video/Audio Editor
• Videographer

Imagine yourself as the face of national news or sports broadcasting, becoming a trusted voice that guides communities through crises or mastering the art of live sound and video production during a concert or event. Discover how to craft impactful content, whether you’re featured on camera or orchestrating the magic behind the scenes.

Pursuing further graduate education after the Mass Communication program opens doors to advanced career opportunities in media research, communication strategy, media policy, and leadership roles within the industry.

Mass Communication Salary Outcomes

Earning a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication opens doors to diverse careers with strong salary prospects. From engaging in live or recorded media production, to navigating the strategies behind public relations and marketing, the expertise developed in our program sets the stage for your financial achievement across the media and communication sectors.

Key salary figures for roles pursued by Mass Communication majors include:

• Broadcast technicians —$71,600/year
• Media and communication equipment workers —$75,860/year
• Public relations specialists —$77,720/year
• Film and video editors —$83,470/year
• Broadcast announcers and radio disc jockeys —$86,950/year
• Media and communication workers —$87,140/year

These salaries indicate just the beginning, with ample room for advancement as you gain industry experience or pursue further education in graduate programs, enhancing your expertise and earning potential. Producers and directors, for example, earn over $107,000 on average each year.

Internships & Work Experience

Mass Communication Internships

Like other programs at York College, the Mass Communication major prioritizes blending academic studies with professional experience. The CM 450: Communication Internship course exemplifies this approach, providing a customized opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting and gain significant experience in a field of interest, all under expert industry supervision.

Past Mass Communication students have secured internships at TV stations, radio stations, independent film companies, and more, including prestigious organizations such as:

• Baltimore Ravens
• Gettysburg Foundation
• National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show
• U.S. Naval Academy
• WBAL Radio
• WBAL-TV
• York College of Pennsylvania Office of Communications
• York Revolution

Mentorship & Community

WVYC Radio Station

WVYC, our student-run radio station, is a beacon for Mass Communication majors seeking real-world experience on campus. Under the expert guidance of a dedicated manager, students dive into the world of broadcasting, turning theoretical knowledge into practical skills. WVYC serves as a training hub for refining broadcasting abilities, learning the intricacies of radio production, and developing a professional work ethic — all essential tools for a successful career in mass communication.

Community Engagement Experiences

York College's collaborations with local organizations and industry leaders offer hands-on opportunities to meet and work with music, media, entertainment, and journalism professionals. Students may produce video and social media content or contribute to projects like the Keystones Oral Histories. The Center for Community Engagement positions students with unrivaled opportunities to translate their classroom knowledge into practical experience.

Campus Clubs and Athletics

Student clubs, organizations, and York College’s athletics teams offer opportunities to further your leadership and professional experiences in mass communication projects, not to mention establish relationships that last your entire life. Explore communities on campus such as:

• Audio Engineering Society
• Soundgirls
• The Spartan
• YCP Productions
• York Music Group
• York Review

High-Demand Skills

Practical Preparation for Mass Communication Jobs

York College of Pennsylvania’s B.A. in Mass Communication program equips students with the technical and professional skills necessary for careers in media, broadcast radio and television, and related communication fields.

Mass Communication majors build a versatile foundation, including:

• Producing content for radio, television, and digital platforms, including both audio and video
• Development of narratives across different media, from news writing and podcasting to writing for public relations and media relations
• Understanding of communication theories and mass communication principles
• Hands-on practice in nonlinear editing, multi-camera production, and the use of professional audio and video editing
• Media law and ethics, ensuring responsible content creation and distribution
• Public speaking and broadcast performance techniques for engaging on-air and online presentations
• Skills in managing media operations, navigating crisis communication, and crafting strategic communication plans
• How to conduct research for media and academic projects, determine credible sources, and effectively pitch and present research to an audience

Mass Communication Courses

Your class schedule will include core courses for your major, Gen Next general education classes, and electives.

Course Name| Course Code| Credits
---|---|---
Intro to New Media| CM 225| 3 Credits
Audio Production I| CM 226| 3 Credits
Video Production I| CM 242| 4 Credits
News Writing and Production| CM 340| 3 Credits
Podcasting| CM 307| 3 Credits
Communication Internship| CSM 450| 3 Credits

Careers in Mass Communication

A bachelor's degree in Mass Communication opens up a variety of career opportunities. Some of your options may include:

• News Reporter
• Video Journalist
• Audio/Video Producer

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a mass communication degree?

A mass communication degree is an academic program focused on studying various forms of media, including digital, print, and broadcast, and how they influence public perception and behavior. This degree prepares students for journalism, public relations, advertising, and more careers by teaching them how to communicate and disseminate information to large audiences effectively.

What do you learn in a mass communication major program?

In a mass communication major program, students learn a wide range of skills, including video production, using editing software, and mastering interview and broadcast journalism techniques. The curriculum is designed to equip students with the technical abilities and critical thinking needed to succeed in the fast-paced world of media and communication.

What can you do with a mass communication degree?

With a degree in mass communication, graduates can pursue various careers, such as broadcasting, journalism, public relations, marketing, advertising, and media management. The degree provides a versatile foundation that allows professionals to adapt and thrive in different roles in the media and communication industries.

Meet the Faculty

View All Faculty

Gabriel Cutrufello, Ph.D.

Chair of the Department of Communication and Writing

Professor of Rhetoric and Composition

School of the Arts, Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences

Jeffrey Schiffman, B.A.

Audio & Radio Production Instructor

WVYC Radio Station Manager

School of the Arts, Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences

Michael Rohrbaugh, M.F.A.

Assistant Professor, Film & Media Arts

School of the Arts, Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences

Jason S. Kirsch, M.A., A.P.R.

Adjunct Faculty, Mass Communication

School of the Arts, Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences

Mass Communication in Action

View All News

July 22, 2025

Alumna Tess Becket ‘23 Hits the Road and Takes Her Music on Tour

June 12, 2025

From York College to the big leagues of big-city sportscasting

May 14, 2025

May 2025 Commencement Spotlight: Mass Communication Graduate Broadcasts His Next Steps with the York Revolution

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