UNC Asheville’s Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication program prepares students for careers in the communication industry, including journalism, advertising, public relations, broadcasting, and digital media.
Why Study Mass Communication at UNC Asheville?
Student and Alumni Spotlights
Lauren Boyle worked with her senior seminar class and Anne Slatton, a mass communication assistant professor, to publish a podcast about diversity in the classroom. The podcast was titled “UNCA Identity, More than a Four Year Institution” and can be found here.
McCullough Fellow Addison Wright partnered with Food Justice Policy Initiative to conduct research and analysis on food inequity and communication around food work in Western North Carolina.
“Every class you take relates to something going on in the world. That’s why classes are always changing because professors will tweak the subject matter to relate to our everyday lives.”
Danny Secor, Class of ’22
See how alumni Allie Haake went straight from The Blue Banner to a dream job in New York City.
Mass Communication students were given a tour of WLOS, Asheville’s local ABC news affiliate, as part of a Career Trek offered by the career center.
Filmed by Mass Communication students working on location in Guatemala, the documentary The Weaving Collective Project focuses on Trama Textiles, an indigenous Guatemalan weaving collective that formed out of necessity as a response to the Guatemalan civil war, known as La Violencia.
Outside the Classroom
In addition to research opportunities, UNC Asheville mass communication students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities that can boost their skills and knowledge. Numerous students pursue original film projects, contribute to the Blue Banner – the University’s student-run newspaper – and join mass communication-related campus organizations. Additionally, they can attend conferences and workshops to expand their understanding of the industry and connect with professionals.
Internships for Mass Communication Majors
The BA in mass communication also provides students with a comprehensive internship program that offers practical experience and helps them apply theory and research in a variety of industries. These internships allow students to explore possible career paths, build portfolios, and develop professional contacts that can help them in their job search after graduation. Our Mass communication faculty also offer additional support with internships, ensuring that students graduate with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the competitive world of media and communication.
Meet the Faculty
UNC Asheville’s Mass Communication Department has a team of passionate faculty members who teach both theory and practice, providing students with a well-rounded, comprehensive education. Besides teaching, they also participate in research and community involvement, making valuable contributions to the field of mass communication.
Sonya DiPalma, Ph.D., A.P.R.
Chair & Associate Professor of Mass Communication
| Office: 307 Karpen Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-2316 |
| Email: sdipalma@unca.edu |
Don Diefenbach, Ph.D.
Professor
| Office: 302 Karpen Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6731 |
| Email: ddiefenb@unca.edu |
Michael Gouge, M.A.
Senior Lecturer
| Office: 305 Karpen Hall |
| Phone: (828) 232-2423 |
| Email: mgouge@unca.edu |
Elijah LaPlante
Video & Computer Lab Manager
| Office: 020 Karpen Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6586 |
| Email: elaplant@unca.edu |
Laura Meadows, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
| Office: 303 Karpen Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6615 |
| Email: meadows@unca.edu |
Stephanie O’Brien, Ph.D.
Lecturer
| Office: 304 Karpen Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6613 |
| Email: sobrien@unca.edu |
Anne Slatton, M.F.A.
Assistant Professor
| Office: 306A Karpen Hall |
| Phone: (828) 232-2422 |
| Email: aslatton@unca.edu |
Communication Major Careers & Outcomes
The BA in mass communication program equips graduates with the skills needed for a successful long-term career in various fields such as journalism and television. Students can also pursue a range of careers in production, film, public relations, marketing, social media management, and more. The program also prepares students for further education in graduate school, law, corporate management, teaching, and other industries that require the ability to analyze complex information and communicate it effectively.
With the guidance of our experienced faculty and connection with UNC Asheville resources, our graduates are well-positioned to pursue their career goals and make an impact in the always-transforming world of communication. Our graduates hold professional positions such as guest relations associate, marketing communications coordinator, community engagement manager, marketing consultant, undergraduate communications specialist, director of digital branding and e-commerce, and more. Alums also complete graduate degrees in mass communication, media studies, journalism and film.
Related Programs
Shape the Future of Media With a Major in Mass Communication From UNC Asheville
In the Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication program, you’ll learn how to create compelling content that informs, entertains, and inspires. With innovative facilities and a faculty of industry experts, you’ll develop the skills to launch a successful career in a variety of industries, from journalism and film to advertising and public relations.
Join our community of passionate and engaged students and discover the endless possibilities of a mass communication degree!
Contact Us
| Mass Communication Department |
| Phone: 828.350.4567 |
| Email: masscommunication@unca.edu |
