Overview

Students of Media Studies at Pennsylvania State University study the role and impact of the media on society in this theory-based, research-driven major. Students explore the relationships between media and the public, analyze media messages and technologies, and examine their effects on individuals and cultures.
Course work covers a wide range of topics, including message analysis, media psychology, public opinion, global media, film studies, game studies and human-computer communication.
Students can customize their studies by specializing in film and television studies, media effects, international communications, or society and culture.

All options within the major are closely intertwined with the liberal arts and sciences. Therefore, students who successfully complete this major must have a strong foundation in the liberal arts and well-developed language and analytical skills.

The following four options are offered:

Film and Television Studies
International Communications
Media Effects
Society and Culture

Careers

The major provides a broad education in mediated communications. Graduates often go on to work in the media industry, with government, non-governmental or international agencies, or continue their education in graduate or law schools.
In addition, because students can customize their studies by specializing in specific areas, they obtain experience or skills that are valuable in a variety of communications-related positions.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Mass Communication Research
Basic Video/Filmmaking
Film History and Theory
Topics in American Film
Topics in International Cinema
Narrative Theory: Film and Literature
Documentary in Film and Television
Film Theory and Criticism
Political Economy of Communications
The Mass Media and the Public

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-15 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-01-11 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

University Park, United States

Disciplines

Media Studies & Mass Media View 906 other Bachelors in Media Studies & Mass Media in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Application
Official secondary school records
Official test scores: SAT or ACT
English language proficiency, if your native language is not English

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

43290 USD / year

≈ 43290 USD / year
Out-of-State

41790 USD / year

≈ 41790 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

20644 USD / year

≈ 20644 USD / year

Living costs

University Park

United States

1000 - 1500 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

About

Overview

Careers

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

University Park

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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