School of Communication and Journalism

Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication

Effective communication brings us together and drives progress.

Explore Media and Culture

We’re living in an ever-changing, high-tech, communication-centered society. A nuanced understanding of Mass Communication is essential for navigating that world. Our program provides students with a deep appreciation of the importance and influence of media and how it shapes our connections in everyday life. Students will be introduced to media history and will gain critical skills in news and media literacy and analysis, media law and ethics, and writing and storytelling for mass audiences. They will take deep dives into media criticism and mass communication theory and research methods. Along the way, students will become effective communicators with the insights, skills and knowledge that complement many academic fields or professions and will be ready for a range of dynamic careers or graduate studies.

 

Communication for Real Life and Real Careers

The Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication will prepare you to:

  • Understand the impact of media messages on individuals, cultures, economics, and politics.
  • Examine the psychological factors underlying mass communication and media-effects theories.
  • Practice evidence-based communication strategies in writing and content creation across different platforms and formats.
  • Conduct theoretically grounded research and scholarship in the field of mass communication.
  • Justify a stance on a topic using well-supported claims, reasoned arguments, proper organization, and sensitivity to the rhetorical situation.
  • Interpret meaningful patterns in empirical data to tell accurate, compelling narratives.
  • Create a high-quality, professional mass communication project grounded in critical thinking skills and research competencies.

 

 

Program Requirements and Coursework 

Build the skills employers want now:

Clear writing. Smart content. Audience insight. Research fluency. Data interpretation. Strong argumentation. Professional production. 

This is a degree for students who want to create messages that are credible, strategic, and designed for the real world. 

Required Courses (30 credits)
  • JRN 101: News Literacy
  • COM 106: Introduction to Mass Media
  • COM 120: Fundamentals of Public Speaking
  • COM 207: Media Writing
  • COM 208: History of Mass Communication
  • COM 305: Mass Communication Law and Ethics
  • COM 415: Data Analysis and Storytelling
  • COM 491: Mass Communication Capstone 

Plus one of the following paired sequences: 
  • COM 306: Modes Media Criticism
  • COM 307: Critical Media Theory 

    OR
  • COM 316: Mass Communication Research Methods
  • COM 317: Mass Communication Theory 

Elective Courses

  • Choose three 300+ level JRN or COM* courses listed in the latest Undergraduate Catalog. Please note that not all electives are offered every semester.
  • * Some restrictions may apply. Consult with an SoCJ advisor for more information. 

Additional Requirement 

  • Majors are required to complete a 9-credit interdisciplinary concentration. 

Required Courses (9 credits)
  • COM 106: Introduction to Mass Media
  • COM 120: Fundamentals of Public Speaking
  • COM 305: Mass Communication Law and Ethics

Elective Courses (9 credits)

  • Choose three 300+ level JRN or COM* courses listed in the latest Undergraduate Catalog. Please note that not all electives are offered every semester.
  • * Some restrictions may apply. Consult with an SoCJ advisor for more information. 

Required Courses (15 credits)
  • BUS 115: Introduction to Business
  • COM 120: Fundamentals of Public Speaking (SPK)
  • BUS 301: Business Communications (SPK, WRTD)
  • COM 351: Team Collaboration (EXP+)
  • COM 365: Communicating Science (SPK)

Elective Courses (3 credits)

Choose one of the following courses:

  • BUS 353: Entrepreneurship
  • BUS 383: Social Entrepreneurship
  • BUS 399: Intellectual Property Strategy

The communication and innovation minor is jointly offered with the College of Business. Visit the Undergraduate Catalog for course descriptions.

 

Learn More About the Program

Explore Coursework

Engaging courses and a wide variety of electives to ignite your passions and suit your interests. Review our course offerings to understand why mass communication makes an ideal second major or minor, and find a plan of study that works for you.

Learn About Coursework

Meet the Faculty

Our faculty are leading experts in areas such as news literacy, broadcast and TV production, narrative journalism, national and international reporting, health and climate reporting, digital media, social inequalities, politics, and solutions journalism.

Meet the Mass Comm Faculty

Professional Internships

Internships are available in a wide variety of fields. Students get support in finding, preparing for, and succeeding in internships, both paid and for-credit, from faculty and staff as well as the team at the Stony Brook University Career Center.

Discover the Opportunities

Undergraduate Advising

Academic advisors help you select courses you need to graduate on time and launch your dream career. The SoCJ works closely with Stony Brook's Academic Transfer and Advising Services (ATAS) to ensure a seamless advising experience from admission to graduation.

Contact and Advisor