Mass Communication Department
Why Study Mass Communication at UNC Asheville?
Earn a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from the University of North Carolina Asheville and build the skills to thrive in media, journalism, public relations, advertising, digital content creation, and beyond. Students can also explore communication-related minors to complement other fields of study or enroll in individual courses as non-degree seeking students to enhance professional development or earn certificates. With flexible options and a strong liberal arts foundation, UNC Asheville’s Mass Communication program empowers students at every stage of their educational journey.
Mass Communication Department Programs
Mass Communication
B.A. Minor
UNC Asheville’s Mass Communication program blends classroom learning, hands‑on media production, and real‑world experience to prepare students for dynamic careers in journalism, advertising, public relations, broadcasting, and digital media. With a dynamic, interdisciplinary curriculum—from journalism, video production, media law, and ethics to communication theory—students develop adaptable expertise in their chosen media fields.
Career Outcomes
Career Outcomes
In addition to broadening their skills developed through UNC Asheville’s liberal arts foundation, Mass Communication majors learn to think critically about media, craft compelling stories, and analyze the ways communication shapes society. Students build practical skills in journalism, production, public relations, marketing, and digital media — preparing them for careers in media industries, nonprofit and corporate communication, and beyond. Our graduates have pursued roles in marketing, community engagement, digital branding, and film, as well as advanced study in mass communication, media studies, journalism, law, and related fields.
Outside the Classroom
Outside the Classroom
The Blue Banner
The Blue Banner is UNC Asheville’s student-run news outlet, publishing a website, YouTube channel and occasional print issues. Written, edited, and produced entirely by students from all majors, the Banner serves as a designated public forum for free speech on campus. Editors welcome contributions from students, faculty, staff, and alumni, making it a vibrant platform for campus dialogue and storytelling. The publication has also earned statewide recognition, with students winning multiple awards from the N.C. College Media Association for excellence in writing, photography, design, and multimedia journalism.
Outside the Classroom
Outside the Classroom
Mass Communication Media Lab
The Media Lab gives Mass Communication students access to professional-grade equipment and collaborative space to bring their ideas to life. From video production and audio recording to digital design and editing, the lab provides the tools and support needed to create high-quality projects and gain hands-on experience beyond the classroom.
Mass Communications Scholarships
Mass Communications Scholarships
UNC Asheville offers a range of scholarships to support Mass Communication majors in pursuing their academic and creative goals. These awards recognize student achievement, potential, and passion for media, helping make your education more affordable while encouraging your growth as a communicator.
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.
Mass Communication Department 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.
Professor
Office: 307 Karpen Hall
Phone: 250-2316
Email: sdipalma@unca.edu
Office Hours:
Monday 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Wednesday 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Tuesday 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Or by appointment
Anne Slatton, M.F.A.
Assistant Professor
Office Hours:
Monday 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Wednesday 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
And after class by appointment. In-person
Don Diefenbach, Ph.D.
Professor
Office: 302 Karpen Hall, CPO 2120
Phone: 6731
Email: ddiefenb@unca.edu
Michael Gouge, M.A.
Senior Lecturer of Mass Communication
Office: 305 Karpen Hall
Phone: 232-2423
Email: mgouge@unca.edu
Office Hours:
Monday 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Wednesday 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Friday 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Thursdays by appointment only.
Laura Meadows, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Office: 303 Karpen Hall
Phone: 251-6615
Email: meadows@unca.edu
Office Hours:
Monday 9:30 am – 10:45 am
Wednesday 9:30 am – 10:45 am
Friday 9:30 am – 10:45 am
Tuesday 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Or by appointment.
Stephanie O’Brien, Ph.D.
Lecturer of Mass Communication; CTL Faculty Fellow 2024-26
Office: 304 Karpen Hall
Phone:
Email: sobrien@unca.edu
Office Hours:
Tuesday 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Wednesday 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Thursday 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
And Mondays and Fridays via Zoom by appointment only; Wednesday in office; Tuesday and Thursday in office and by appointment only.
Ready for what’s next?
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!