Media Communication, B.A.

Media Communication, B.A.

Program Overview

Do you have a passion for film, radio, television, and other media? Do you dream of playing a part in the production process? If so, you should consider a degree in media communication.

As a media communication major at PLNU, you will be immersed in a program designed to prepare you for a wide range of careers in television, film, radio, and/or new media production, as well as media management. You’ll work alongside creative classmates and expert faculty to gain the skills needed to be a writer, performer, producer, director, cinematographer, videographers, sound engineer, lighting designer, or editor. We also prepare you to work in the specific areas you're interested in, including narrative and documentary film, news, sports broadcasting and production, music, advertising, corporate media and even Christian-religious media. You pick what you want to do and where, and we will help you get there. 

Our student work has garnered 26 films and television shows in 52 festivals and 27 awards since 2005.
 

More achievements, news, and events 

At PLNU, our media communication program focuses on growing three skills:

  • The theoretical and historical critique of media
  • Scriptwriting
  • Production and performance skills for radio, TV, film, and the web  

Concentrations:

  • Multimedia: Integrate design principles including typography, computer graphics, video, and sound to produce powerful and persuasive messages for creative industries. 
  • Content Creation: Engage in the creative process to produce media content for audiences across platforms including online video, social media, and podcasting.
  • Film: Express your vision through the cinematic arts using the tools of filmmaking, cinematography, sound design and narrative storytelling.
Virtual Tour

Course List

For information about the courses required for the Media Communication, B.A. program, view the PLNU Catalog. 

Course Information

Major Map

Start Application

Are you ready to take the next step to begin your PLNU journey? Whether you’re a high school senior, college transfer student, or international student, find out what we’re looking for in our applicants and how you can apply.

Apply Now

Student Support

For most students, the transition into college life is one full of adjustments. There is the excitement of newfound freedoms, but also some uncertainty as you begin to make choices and take responsibility for your own future. 

At PLNU, we’re committed to supporting you — academically, professionally, spiritually, personally — so that you may be successful both in your time as a student and beyond. That’s why we offer a holistic support system that focuses on your unique experiences, particular needs, and personal and professional goals — resulting from our deep concern for you, our student.

With a focus on authentic relationships and personalized attention, our goal is to help transform you so you can follow your calling in your own career and life.

Student Support

Scenes from the Studio

Voices in Media Communication

Going Viral in Hendricks Hall: Meet Weston Van Soest, “The Weatherman”
Should I Major in Multimedia Journalism or Media Communication?
Nathan Gibbs: Nurturing Minds, Weaving Stories, and Cultivating Faith in Media Education
Disney, Dreamworks, and beyond: Jason Carter achieves digital animation dream job

In Their Words

"Studio Mentorship"
"Find Your Place"

On Set at Loma

Videos (2)
Articles (9)
Quotes (2)
Pictures (6)
Going Viral in Hendricks Hall: Meet Weston Van Soest, “The Weatherman” PLNU student Weston Van Soest has become an uprising social media star with his outside-of-the-box content. Discover
Should I Major in Multimedia Journalism or Media Communication? Picking the right career path can be difficult, especially given the crossover and commonalities among certain degrees. To help you make your choice, read about the similarities and differences between journalism and media communication. Discover
Nathan Gibbs: Nurturing Minds, Weaving Stories, and Cultivating Faith in Media Education PLNU media education professor Nathan Gibbs shares how his story has shaped his career path. Discover
Disney, Dreamworks, and beyond: Jason Carter achieves digital animation dream job From animation, storytelling or technology Jason Carter has found the perfect career fit for himself at every step along the way. Discover
Lessons Learned From Marvel’s Shang-Chi and its PLNU Alum Director Destin Daniel Cretton PLNU alum Destin Daniel Cretton’s recent movie project explores the celebration of identity and heritage within the Marvel Universe. Discover
Education and Faith-building Define the Work of Cocal Gracias Cocal Gracias is an organization committed to sharing the Gospel in Honduras while providing education and meeting community needs. Discover
Jessica Walton Seeks to Bring Hope Through Her Story How a former PLNU athlete and 1st-gen college student uses her story to bring hope to families in need. Discover
Alondra Kazzouh inspires smiles through dentistry and the Middle Eastern Association PLNU graduate Alondra Kazzouh shares her experience with dentistry, military service, and the Middle Eastern Association. Discover
Professor Nathan Gibbs Talks Audiovisual Storytelling on the Lomacast Podcast Professor Nathan Gibbs specializes in audiovisual storytelling and media strategy for on-demand, live streaming and broadcast media. Discover
Studio Mentorship
"What was great was that you had the academic and theoretical side as well as the practical, hands-on experience side. My professors were so patient and willing to open up the studio space to give us a chance to get to know ourselves as creators, as filmmakers, and as technicians."
Harris Smith Media Communication B.A.
Find Your Place
"PLNU opened my mind to possibilities, not just professionally, but with relationships and with life in general and finding my place in the world. "
Destin Daniel Cretton Communication Studies B.A.

Career Opportunities

With PLNU’s media communication degree, you’ll gain hands-on experience in production and performance settings, preparing you to take on the ever-evolving media world. Let your passion for film and the performance world guide you in your journey through this program and beyond. 

What can you do with a media communications degree?

Our students have gained employment in places like DreamWorks Animation and Television, Disney, ABC’s 20/20, local San Diego television stations, and web companies such as Microsoft. 

Social Media Strategist

A Social Media Strategist develops and implements strategies to enhance an organization’s presence on social media platforms, creating content, managing campaigns, and analyzing engagement metrics to drive brand awareness and customer loyalty. They work closely with marketing teams to align social media efforts with overall business goals and target audience preferences. Social Media Strategists can work in marketing agencies, corporations, or as freelancers, with opportunities in industries like fashion, entertainment, tech, and non-profits.

  • Median Pay: $69,780/year
  • Number of Jobs: 308,000
  • Job Outlook (2023–2033): +6%
  • Employment Change: +19,200 jobs
View Full BLS Profile

Graphic Designer

A Graphic Designer creates visually compelling designs for various media, including digital platforms, print, and advertising, using design software and creative principles to communicate messages effectively. They work on everything from logos and brochures to social media graphics and website layouts. Graphic Designers can work in design studios, marketing agencies, corporate marketing departments, or as freelancers, with opportunities in industries like advertising, entertainment, publishing, and tech.

  • Median Pay: $61,300/year
  • Number of Jobs: 267,200
  • Job Outlook (2023–2033): +2%
  • Employment Change: +6,600 jobs
View Full BLS Profile

Producers and Directors

Producers and Directors oversee the creation and production of media content, from film and television to digital projects, managing everything from pre-production planning to post-production editing. Producers handle the logistical and financial aspects, while Directors focus on the creative direction, guiding the cast, crew, and overall vision of the project. Producers and Directors can work in film studios, television networks, production companies, or as independent creators, with opportunities in film, TV, advertising, and digital media.

  • Median Pay: $83,480/year
  • Number of Jobs: 167,900
  • Job Outlook (2023–2033): +8%
  • Employment Change: +13,500 jobs
View Full BLS Profile

Lights, Camera, Action! Your turn to take the spotlight with a degree in media communication

A Bachelor of Arts in Media Communication can lead to a variety of careers in front of the camera and in technical production. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared for your future pursuits whether it be performance, design, or leadership. Not only will you be a more articulate, creative, and critically thinking individual, but you’ll also gain a robust understanding of how these skills can be utilized for your aspirations and goals as a more informed and connected person to the performance arts.

Apply to PLNU today or get connected with one of our counselors for additional support and answers to any questions you may have.

Department Faculty

Get Involved

Andie Adams Broadcasting on Point Radio

PLNU Mass-Media Communications Outlets

Gain hands-on communication experience in front of the camera, on the microphone, and at the helm of PLNU's fully equipped television studio and media outlets.

The city of San Diego skyline as seen from the Point Loma peninsula

Communication Studies Internships

Students in the Department of Communication Studies develop real-world experience and networks in the business and professional community through internships.

A PLNU student takes a photo in front of the Eiffel Tower in France.

Study Abroad

Studying abroad has a deeper purpose than exploring a new country. It allows us to understand and appreciate the cultural diversity we encounter overseas.