Career in Mass Communication

We all know or have the basic concept of what Mass Communication is. After all, it is one of the significant forms of communication in today’s era. Since we all are connected through a web of different means of communication a career in Mass Communication and Journalism is always in demand. Whether it’s the latest news around the world or news on cricket scores, we get to know about them. This is all because of mass media and technology. Mass communication is nothing but dispersing information to a huge number of people, i.e., the whole country or the world.

Whether by sifting through the morning newspaper or watching the evening television news or on the smartphone, on Twitter or other apps— With technology revolutionising the way we consume media—the field of journalism has opened up a plethora of new careers in mass communication. While it is true that newspapers and some other print media have seen a precipitous decline, there will always be a need for people who can write and analyze the news.

What is Mass Communication

Mass communication (or communications) in its simplest way can be defined as the process of creating, sending, receiving, and analyzing messages to large audiences via verbal and written media. It is a means of disseminating information to a wide range of people and is often used for advertising, news reporting, and entertainment.

Types of Mass Communication

We communicate with each other, that’s called interpersonal communication. We communicate with ourselves, that’s called intrapersonal communication.

When we communicate with more than 2-3 people, it is Group Communication. When political leaders speak before a crowd, that’s an example of public communication.

Then comes mass communication, which is obviously communication with the public, the mass. But the use of media like television or Radio makes it mass communication. For example, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing the public can be called public communication, but when that is streamed over TV or radio, that’s mass communication.

Courses in Mass Communication

Now, what is a mass communication course? In general, mass communication is not limited to journalism, it spread its branches to various media fields like Media Science, Event Management, Advertising, Public relation and a lot more. The table below has a list of some major courses under the umbrella of Mass communication.  

Course Module in Mass Communication

1st Semester

• Development of Mass Communication
• Laws and Ethics in Mass Communication
• Print Journalism and Comparative Media
• Basic Computer Application

2nd Semester

• Electronic Media – Planning and Production
• Electronic Media – Writing, Editing and Execution
• Press Photography
• Environment and Ecology

3rd Semester

• Marketing in Mass Media
• Stage Production and Direction
• Advertising
• Film and Television: Theory and Practice
• Information and Computer Technology

4th Semester

• Writing and Opinion Pieces
• Public Relations
• Film and Television: Theory and Practice
• Study of Media Scene in India: Print and Cinema

5th Semester

• Media Management
• Entrepreneurship in Media
• Design and Page Make Up
• Film and Television: Theory and Practice
• Study of Media Scene in India: Radio, Television, New Media

6th Semester

• Specialization – Print, Video Production, Advertising and Public Relations, Photography or Photo Journalism, Animation and New Media
• Media Research
• Personality Development and Interview

Scopes and Career option in Mass Communication

Mass communication is a broad field that encompasses several areas of study, including journalism, advertising, public relations, and broadcasting. Some of the specific scopes and career options within mass communication include:

Journalism: Reporters, editors, photographers, and videographers for print, television, and online news outlets.

Advertising: Copywriters, art directors, account executives, and media planners for advertising agencies and in-house corporate marketing departments.

Public Relations: Public relations specialists, account executives, and managers for public relations firms and in-house corporate communications departments.

Broadcasting: Anchors, reporters, producers, and directors for television and radio stations.

Digital media: Content creators, social media managers, and digital strategists for websites, blogs, and other online platforms.

Film and television production: Producers, directors, writers, and editors in the film and television industry.

Event management: Event planners, coordinators, and managers in the events and entertainment industry.

Corporate communications: Internal communications, branding and marketing communications, crisis management, media relations and investor relations in companies and organizations.

Media research and analysis: Media researchers, analysts, and evaluators in media organizations, marketing firms, and government agencies.

Media education and training: Professors, trainers and educators in mass communication and media studies in colleges and universities, media training institutes and media organizations.

Also Read: 5 reasons why media industry has diverse career scope

Job prospects and salary in Mass Communication

Journalism: Job prospects for journalists are highly competitive, particularly in traditional print media. However, the growth of digital media has created new opportunities for journalists to specialize in areas such as online journalism, data journalism, and multimedia journalism. 

The average salary for a journalist in India is around INR 3,00,000 per year, although top journalists can earn significantly more.

Advertising: The advertising industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies and platforms emerging all the time. Job prospects in advertising are generally good, especially for those with strong creative skills and a deep understanding of digital marketing. 

The average salary for an advertising professional in India is around INR 3,50,000 per year, but top executives can earn well over per year.

Public Relations: Public Relations (PR) professionals help organizations build and maintain positive relationships with their stakeholders, including customers, employees, and the media. Job prospects in PR are generally good, with many opportunities for growth and advancement.

The average salary for a PR professional in India is around INR 3,50,000 per year, but top PR executives can earn over INE 8,00,000 per year.

Broadcasting: The broadcasting industry includes television and radio stations, as well as cable and satellite networks. Job prospects in broadcasting can be competitive, particularly for on-air positions. However, there are also many opportunities for behind-the-scenes work in areas such as production, technical operations, and news gathering.

The average salary for a broadcaster in India is around INR 6,00,000 per year, but top on-air talent can earn significantly more.

Top colleges for mass communication in India

Listed below are the top Mass Communication Colleges. Before you go through the list, it’s important to note that this is not an exhaustive list and there are many other good mass communication colleges in India that deserve your attention. It’s also worth considering your own priorities, such as location, facilities, and curriculum, when choosing a college.

1) Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi

The Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) is a premier institution of the Government of India for training, teaching, and research in mass communication. It was established in 1965 and has campuses in Delhi, Dhenkanal (Odisha), Aizawl (Mizoram), and Amravati (Maharashtra).

IIMC offers postgraduate diploma courses in various fields of mass communication such as journalism, advertising, public relations, radio and television, and development communication. The courses are designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of mass communication and to prepare them for careers in the media and related fields.

2) Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, Pune

The Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication (SIMC) is a part of Symbiosis International University and is located in Pune, Maharashtra, India. It was established in 1990 and offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral-level programs in mass communication and media studies.

SIMC is considered one of the top institutes for media and communication studies in India and offers a range of courses such as Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies, Master of Arts in Communication Management, Master of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication, and Doctor of Philosophy in Media Studies. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong theoretical foundation in the field of media and communication, as well as hands-on experience through practical assignments and internships.

3) Xavier Institute of Communication (XIC), Mumbai

The Xavier Institute of Communication (XIC) is located in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. It was established in 1985 by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral-level programs in mass communication and media studies.

The curriculum in XIC The Institute also has a strong focus on research and encourages students to engage in independent research projects and scholarly activities. Offers PG Diploma in Journalism & Mass Communication, Public Relations, Corporate Communication, Advanced Integrated Communication, Communication for Development, Mass Communication Marathi, Advertising & Marketing Communication and Film, Television & Digital Video Production.

4) Manipal Institute of Communication, Manipal

The Manipal Institute of Communication (MIC) is a leading institution of higher education in India, located in Manipal, Karnataka. The institute is part of Manipal University, a deemed university which offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various disciplines.

MIC offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in communication and journalism, including a Bachelor of Communication (BCom) and a Master of Communication (MCom). The BCom program is a three-year full-time course that covers the various aspects of communication and journalism, including print, online and broadcast journalism, advertising, public relations, and more.

5) AJK Mass Communication Research Centre, Delhi

The AJK Mass Communication Research Centre (AJK MCRC) is a premier institute for mass communication research and education in India, located in New Delhi. It is a part of Jamia Millia Islamia University, a Central University. The Centre was established in 1982.

AJK MCRC offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in mass communication, including a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Mass Communication, a Master of Arts (MA) in Mass Communication, and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Mass Communication. To provide international exposure and expertise to the students, the Centre has also forged collaborative ties with the University of York, Toronto (Canada), University of Westminster, London(UK) and Sciences Po, Paris(France).

6) Inpiria Knowledge Campus, Siliguri

Inspiria Knowledge Campus is a next-generation management college in Siliguri, West Bengal, affiliated to MAKAUT offering industry-oriented courses that promise to make you employable. Inspiria Knowledge Campus combines world-class infrastructure with the latest state-of-the-art training inputs.

The degree offers a variety of Bachelor’s Degree courses from the Department of Management, Hospitality, Media and Computer Science. The Bachelor in Media Science is a  three-year full-time course that covers the various aspects of communication and journalism, including print, online and broadcast journalism, advertising, public relations, and more. The course aims to bridge the gap between the students and their dreams to be a part of the media & entertainment industry & new age media.

Also Read: Top Media Science Colleges in India

Benefits of Mass Communication

Mass Communication provides several benefits to individuals, society, and the world at large, including:

Information dissemination: Mass Communication plays a crucial role in disseminating information to a large audience. It provides access to news, current events, and diverse perspectives.

Education: Mass Communication also serves as a source of education and helps increase awareness about various issues and subjects.

Entertainment: Mass Communication provides a source of entertainment and leisure, through TV shows, movies, and music.

Cultural exchange: Mass Communication helps in promoting cultural exchange by sharing stories and perspectives from different cultures and countries.

Public opinion formation: Mass Communication helps shape public opinion and influence decisions by presenting information and viewpoints.

Marketing and advertising: Mass Communication plays a key role in marketing and advertising by helping businesses reach a wider audience and promote their products and services.

Connecting people: Mass Communication helps connect people, regardless of location, through platforms such as social media, news websites, and other digital media.

Crisis management: Mass Communication also plays an important role in crisis management and disaster response by providing timely information and updates to the public.

Frequently Asked Question

Also Read: List of Media Science colleges in Siliguri