Program Overview
The University of North Alabama’s Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication program prepares students to create, share, and manage compelling messages across today’s evolving media landscape. Through a combination of hands-on learning, creative storytelling, and professional skill development, students gain the knowledge and experience needed to succeed in a variety of communication and media careers.
Why Choose This Program?
- Gain hands-on experience in journalism, media production, and public relations through real-world projects and opportunities
- Learn from experienced faculty in an accredited program committed to excellence in communication education
- Develop the creative, technical, and strategic communication skills valued across today’s media industries
Options + Tracks
Journalism and Digital Media
The Journalism and Digital Media concentration prepares students to gather, create, and share stories across digital and traditional media platforms. Students develop skills in reporting, writing, multimedia storytelling, and audience engagement while exploring the evolving role of journalism in today’s information landscape.
Production
The Production concentration equips students with the technical and creative skills needed to produce content for television, video, audio, and digital media platforms. Through hands-on experiences, students learn the principles of media production, storytelling, editing, and content creation.
Public Relations
The Public Relations concentration prepares students to build relationships, manage communication strategies, and create impactful messaging for organizations and brands. Students gain experience in strategic communication, media relations, campaign planning, and audience engagement.
Curriculum & Coursework
Mass Communication students benefit from a dynamic curriculum that combines communication theory, creative storytelling, media production, and professional practice. Through coursework and experiential learning opportunities, students develop the skills needed to communicate effectively across a variety of media platforms and audiences.
Sample Courses:
- COM 241 Writing for Mass Media
- COM 301 Media Law and Ethics
- COM 350 Public Relations Principles
- COM 371 Digital Media Production
Career Paths & Outcomes
A degree in Mass Communication opens the door to a wide range of careers in media, communication, and content creation. Graduates will gain skills in storytelling, strategic communication, media production, and audience engagement that prepare them for success across industries.
Common Career Paths:
- Journalist
- Public Relations Specialist
- Social Media Manager
- Content Creator
- Media Producer
- Communications Coordinator
- Digital Marketing Specialist
- Broadcast Professional
Student Experience
At UNA, Mass Communication students gain valuable real-world experience through student media organizations, professional development opportunities, and hands-on learning experiences. Students collaborate with peers, build professional portfolios, and develop industry-ready skills while working alongside faculty mentors dedicated to their success.
Opportunities include:
- Participation in student media and communication organizations
- Leadership and networking opportunities through registered student organizations
- Scholarships supporting academic and professional achievement
- Experiential learning projects and portfolio development
- Professional development opportunities through an ACEJMC-accredited program
- Conferences, workshops, and industry engagement experiences
Meet the Faculty
Dr. Butler Cain
Professor
bcain1@una.edu
Ms. Betsy Heckert
Senior Lecturer
eheckert@una.edu
Mr. Jay Hillis
Visiting Lecturer
jhillis1@una.edu
Mr. Eric Knox
Lecturer
eknox@una.edu
Dr. Stephanie Montgomery
Assistant Professor
slmontgomery@una.edu
Dr. Patricia Sanders
Professor
pfsanders@una.edu
Dr. Zachary Sapienza
Assistant Professor
zsapienza@una.edu
Ms. Tosha-Paige Whitten
Lecturer
tpbrewer@una.edu
Dr. Tim Worley
Department Chair, Associate Professor
tworley1@una.edu
