In simple terms, mass communication means communicating with many people or heterogeneous audiences through different means of channels. Mass communication is originally associated with media studies. It is different from other forms of communication like organizational and interpersonal communication because it relies on particular resources like TV’s, radio, newspaper, etc that transfers information to various receivers.

The content presented through mass media affects the behavior, opinion, and attitude of the people receiving the information. The study of mass communication is related to practical applications of television, radio broadcasting, journalism, public relations, corporate, and advertising. With the transformation in the media field, mass communication has extended to social media and new media that include computer-mediated communication with stronger feedback models than traditional media sources. 

What is Mass Communication Degree?

A mass communication degree from a reputable university allows students to gain knowledge about different types of media, and more importantly gain work experience in this continuously evolving field. This degree is a versatile course that opens up doors to a range of careers from advertising to broadcasting, publishing, journalism, and public relations.

Mass communication students learn to examine how the media works and affects society. They learn about the media history, laws, and how it impacts shaping our culture. This particular field helps scholars to get a terminal degree to work in communication-related industries that are beyond professional message production.

What skills Mass Communication Degree Teaches?

Students who want to pursue a degree in mass communications should have some prerequisite skills. There are some skills that students learn in this course that help them to build their personality.

The skills that Mass Communication teaches Are:

Problem-solving skills-

Mass communication degree teaches students how to be creative in solving problems. In a field like journalism handling the constant pressure to deliver news as quickly as possible, this skill comes naturally.

Decision-Making Skills

Creative problem-solving skills ultimately lead to elevate the decision making skill in you, it shows your proficiency in choosing between the two or more alternatives

Reporting Skills

Reporting is a skill that can be learned only through this field as you may have to cover major events which are pre-planned or can be immediate. So, since you are the source of information for your audience, you have to represent the right facts with your flow of speech.

Writing Skills

Writing is about putting your thoughts into words and how well your audience is able to grasp your point of view. This degree will surely teach you to communicate with words.

Build Confidence

Mass communication teaches you to be good in oral communication that gives you enough confidence and a platform to speak on several topics in an articulate manner. This improves your public speaking skills too.

Mass Communication Degree Specialisation

The field of mass communication is vast and the options are endless. This degree can be pursued after any degree. Whatever the ambition is, choosing the correct mass communication course after any degree is very important. Some of the students wish to become journalists, radio jockeys, film producers, while others think to opt for public relations, advertising, or photography, etc. A mass communication degree prepares you for a range of jobs.

Most Popular Specializations that Students Opt-in their Graduation or Post-Graduation level are:

• Journalism
• Public Relations
• Advertising
• Graphics
• Marketing
• Corporate Communications
• Photography
• Television and Radio production
• Vlogging and Blogging

Before choosing your specialization, make sure you invest enough time and thought before making your life-changing decisions.

Courses and Topics Covered in Mass Communication Degree

Students can choose from the abundance of mass communication courses and select the program which suits their higher goals the best. The type of course on mass communication and media that students pursue are (UG/PG/Degree/Diploma/Certificate). The curriculum of any course that a candidate pursues covers both theory and practical in the form of internships, seminars, study tours, etc.

The Syllabus of BJMC and MJMC includes Various Topics are:

• Writing for Media.
• Theory of Communication.
• Media Management.
• Introduction to Advertising.
• Advertising Practices.
• Media Organisation and Management.
• Global Media Scenario.
• Print Journalism.
• Media Laws and Ethics.
• Radio Journalism & Production.
• Value Education.
• Public Relations.
• National and International Affairs.
• Intercultural Communication.
• Media and Human Rights.
• Radio and TV Production Techniques.
• Film Studies.
• Environment Communication.
• Photography.
• New Media Applications.

Top Universities offering Mass Communication Degree

Leaving the old school conventional subjects behind students are attracting more towards radical subjects like mass communication, media, and journalism, etc, due to the changing global trends in the world of education. The sudden development of communication technology and media across the globe has inspired many students to take this course. Universities assign multiple mass communication assignments that help students to have a clear knowledge of the various concepts of mass communication. 

According to QS World University Rankings, the Top Colleges for Mass Communication are:

• University of Amsterdam
• Stanford University
• University of California, Los Angeles
• Goldsmiths, University of London
• Columbia University
• University of Pennsylvania
• Yale University
• University of Texas

Conclusion

Mass Communication is an extremely important subject and students pursuing this degree focus more on the performance and the practices of mass media communication rather than theory. This degree leads to great opportunities and offers multiple career options for students. Journalism and Mass Communication is one of the courses that provide the platform to express your voice.