This article is especially for those students out think that taking ‘Arts’ is useless. We, at SMS, have a different opinion. We think that opting for Humanities is a great idea because it is the only stream that opens up gates of everywhere. There is no such stream, course or etc. that you can’t pursue after doing Arts at the 10+2 level.

After intermediate, Arts students face the major problem of what career to choose. Any direction they opt for becomes the one that would stick with them for life. We all know about common undergraduate degree programs Arts students opt for, such as BA (Bachelor of Arts), BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration), BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts), BHM (Bachelor of Hotel Management), BEM (Bachelor of Event Management), etc. In this article, we will dig into mass communication as a career choice.

What is Mass Communication?

In the word, ‘mass communication’, ‘mass’ refers to ‘people’ while ‘communication’ refers to the process of the transmission of information, ideas, or messages through various channels, such as verbal or written language, or technology-mediated means like phone calls, emails, text messages, social media, and more.

For a layman, mass communication is all about spreading news and facts, and sharing knowledge with people. However, when students opt for the Mass Comm course, they only think of it as a journalism course and think it only leads to the career of being a news reporter.

The truth is that a mass communication degree program leads to many more career paths such as public relations, corporate communications, advertising, marketing, media planning and buying, social media management and so much more.

Eligibility Criteria of a Mass Comm Degree Program

At the undergraduate level, the students can take admission in the BA (Hons) Mass Comm degree program at SMS Varanasi after completing 10+2 from any recognized educational institute. Like any other undergraduate degree program, it is a three-year full-time program.

At the Master’s level, Mass Comm students pursue a 2-year full-time postgraduate degree program where they can choose a specialization according to their interest. Candidates who wish to pursue the PG program must have completed a Bachelor’s degree with minimum 45% marks in their respective fields.

Mass Comm Subjects Covered in the Undergraduate Degree Program

In the first year of mass communication, the following subjects are being taught at most colleges and universities:

• Basic computer skills: It is very important to know basic computer skills because as the present era is evolving, technology is becoming more advanced day by day, due to which, even for a layman, basic computer knowledge is a must.
• Introduction to mass communication: This is the subject from where the basics of mass communication begin.
• Media history: History is a World in itself. It is a very important subject to study, as history discovers “birth, meaning, life”. So in this subject, we would be studying the history related to media, the various developments, progresses we have made up till now.
• Design and graphics: In this subject, one gets to learn about how we organize things in such a way that we could sell them with the maximum mass presence.
• Photojournalism: As the name says, I think the subject is quiet clear. Journalism always requires proof because without proof it becomes a fact, not a statement.
• Project: Each student pursuing the mass communication degree program is given a project with a deadline. This is what this subject is about. How you maintain, organize, and complete the work as per the deadline with full satisfaction – is what this project teaches you.
• Public relations: Communication is the major key to implementing and establishing things and that is what is taught in public relations.
• Media law and ethics: Every subject and every sector has laws. Just like business law, there is a section for media law as well. Here students learn the tactics, examples of various cases, and studies related to media law. This subject teaches us the basic guidelines and the rules and regulations under which actions must be taken.
• Reporting and editing: It teaches us the various aspects of photography, journalism, editing, writing, etc.
• International relations: This subject revolves around political, environmental, physiological, sociological, educational, economic, and other areas which have an effect on the global level.
• Environmental studies: This subject teaches us about the greater good and the betterment of humanity. It tells us how we can protect our nature, maintain balance in the environment, and create a sustainable world for everyone.

In the second year of the mass communication degree program, the following subjects are being taught at most colleges and universities:

• Development communication: This subject is all about how you market the content you want to deliver, how to make it more effective, and how to keep the audience engaged.
• TV Production Lab: It focuses on the technical aspects of television production. Students learn about the various techniques used in TV production and how to use them for better results. It also involves working in the field with a team.
• Digital media: It is increasingly gaining prominence in mass comm fields. Students learn how to use digital media to create, execute and distribute content.
• Making of the news bulletin: This subject deals with the production of news bulletins, newspapers and other media content. It involves the process and techniques of writing, designing and editing news pieces.
• Soft skills: Soft skills can be defined as interpersonal skills. These skills affect the working environment and include attitude, perspective, behaviour, expressions, etc.
• Workshop on social media: As we all are aware that social media is engaging in our lives rapidly, delivering your knowledge to a platform like social media can help you gain a lot of viewers. Students learn how to use the various social media platforms and how to effectively convey their message.
• Documentary project: In the second year of college, students whatever they have learned theoretically till now to come up with a documentary. They are also told to include footages and other videos which can be used for documentary purposes.
• Advertising principles and practices: Mass Communication is all about advertising because, in this, you have to deliver your knowledge to a large no. of masses. As students study advertising principles and practices, they learn how to select the right media channels and techniques for delivering their messages.
• Radio Production Lab: This subject is all about working with audio and recording equipment, learning the basics of radio production, the role of a radio producer, and how to create an engaging radio programme.

In the third year of the mass communication undergraduate degree program, these are the following subjects that are to be studied:

• Media project: This project is all about creating a media presentation which helps you to showcase your skills in the field of mass communication. It involves putting together research, interviews, etc.
• Seminar: In your third year, you’ll have the opportunity to showcase all that hard work and dedication! Through a seminar presentation of research findings related to mass communication – it’s time for you shine.
• Summer internship: After the completion of the second year, the students have to go for a summer internship where they get to learn for how to implement all the things they have studied up till now. The internship is a great way to gain experience and get a better understanding of the field.
• Event management: Planning a successful event is no easy feat, but with the right guidance it can be made possible! In this program, students will learn to create comprehensive budgets, secure sponsorships for their projects and set realistic timeline goals. It’s time to rise up and make your events shine!
• Intercultural communication: Interacting with people from different cultures can be an enriching experience, but it requires knowledge of the appropriate language, communication techniques and body language. Students gain these important skills during cultural education courses to ensure they have successful interactions with all types of individuals.
• Workshop on innovative journalism: Journalism has seen drastic changes in recent years – from social media platforms to digital tools, there is a whole new world of possibilities for story-telling. Students are encouraged to discover creative ways and innovative ideas that can help bring journalism into the 21st century!
• On-the-job training: Through this subject, students have an incredible chance to gain practical knowledge and training in the media industry. In various organizations, they will explore their capabilities while working alongside experienced professionals. An exciting opportunity that cannot be missed!
• Short film project: Students have the incredible opportunity to utilize their creative abilities and produce a short film of their own! From conceptualizing its story, writing out its script, and constructing other visual elements – this project is sure to challenge young filmmakers.
• Film communication: Filmmaking is a fascinating art form, and the technical aspects can be just as thrilling. Students enrolled in this program explore how to use cameras and equipment like pros, mastering the skills needed for lighting scenes and editing footage with precision.
• Media management: This subject is your guide to crafting successful media campaigns! Through it, students will learn how to pinpoint their target audiences and create strategies that have a positive impact. They’ll also discover the essential skills needed for planning, managing and evaluating projects in an efficient way.

With a degree in Mass Communication, you can take your talents to the next level. Take the opportunity to learn about digital media production, journalism and reporting techniques, public relations strategies & tactics — those are just some of the exciting topics that will be covered! By mastering these skillsets during your studies you’ll gain invaluable experience for any number of rewarding careers within this field.

Mass Communication Specializations You Can Choose From

Mass Comm students can specialize in different fields to make a career in:

Content Writing

Content writers create content for websites, books, magazines, journals and other publications. They need to be creative, have excellent writing and research skills, and be able to communicate effectively.

Public Relations

Public Relations Officers (PROs) are responsible for creating positive images of their organization by managing media relations, preparing press releases and organizing events. They need to have good communication and organizational skills.

Advertising

Advertising executives are a key part of expanding any business’ visibility. Their ability to think strategically and creatively helps promote products, services or ideas through campaigns that best reach the target audience. With an understanding of marketing trends and customer insight, they create innovative strategies built for success!

Print Journalism

Print journalists play an important role in informing us of current events and enriching our understanding with their creative writing abilities. They must be able to craft stories under tight deadlines, staying on top of the latest news developments along the way.

Broadcast Journalism

Broadcast journalists are the voices of television and radio, delivering information to audiences around the world. From researching intriguing stories, conducting interviews with notable individuals or producing reports on important issues – these communicators live a life dedicated to informing society through media platforms.

Radio Jockey (RJ)

RJs are responsible for creating engaging radio programs by selecting the right music, conducting interviews, etc. They need to be creative, have great communication skills, and be able to respond quickly.

Television Anchoring

TV anchors are the go-to people for delivering breaking news and captivating stories. They must possess fluency in speech, plus a wide range of knowledge to accurately convey even the most complex topics.

Social Media Management

As a social media manager, being well-versed in the latest trends and understanding how to create captivating content for your target audience is essential. By utilizing various platforms, you can effectively promote an organization’s products or services and make sure its message resonates with the public.

Marketing

Marketing professionals are the masterminds behind successful product and service launches. They must have an analytic eye to examine market trends, a creative spark to devise promotional strategies and an understanding of their target demographic in order to ensure their launch is well-received by consumers.

Corporate Communications

Corporate communications professionals are tasked with cultivating a cohesive relationship between their organization and the public. To do this, they need to be able to demonstrate mastery in both written communication as well as speaking – two essential skills for the successful presentation of organizational messaging.

Film and Television Production

Crafting compelling stories from behind the camera, film and television production professionals thrive on finding creative solutions to technical challenges. Working as a team is key – these multidisciplinary visionaries must be able to collaborate with directors, writers and editors in order to bring their projects alive for audiences worldwide.

Graphic Design

Graphic designers are visionaries with an eye for beauty and creativity. Through the application of their creative minds, they craft logos, websites, and advertisements – all bursting to life with stunning visuals and intricate details. Their expertise in color composition helps bring finesse to every work of art; allowing them to harness modern software tools while crafting exquisite pieces that capture viewers’ attention effortlessly!

Event Management

Event managers play a key role in crafting experiences that are both memorable and successful. They must have an eye for detail, the ability to think on their feet, collaborate with many different types of people and be adept at problem-solving any issues which may arise.

Media Management

Media managers pave the way for successful campaigns and effective media outreach. They act as a liaison between organizations and press outlets, leveraging their communication skills to ensure positive interactions with various stakeholders. On top of that, they need to stay in tune with current trends to craft innovative strategies targeting modern audiences.

Speaker

Speakers give speeches and presentations at conferences, seminars, workshops and other events. They need to be knowledgeable about the topic and have excellent public speaking skills.

These are just some of the specializations available to mass communication graduates. With the right education and training, you can become an expert in any of these fields.

Is Mass Communication really worth it?

Well yes, mass communication is a field that is evolving so rapidly that a career in the same can take you to a boom.

As the present era depends upon technology, it is an advantage for those who are pursuing mass communication. Getting up-to-date knowledge is basic to every human being, and that is what mass communication is all about – delivering a message to a huge number of masses.

Think about a life where there is zero presence of news channels, radios, newspapers, blogs, websites, etc., think about it, from where will people get to know what is happening around them, what is trending these days, and what are the things that are lacking behind for a better society and etc.

So the question of is mass communication really worth it? The answer is definitely Yes! A degree in mass communication opens up a world of opportunities for you. It equips you with skills that are needed to thrive in today’s digital age. You will have the opportunity to work in various fields such as media, advertising, film production, marketing, public relations and more. With the right qualifications, you can land yourself a great job at an organization or become a freelancer.

The salary range in this field is also good and you can easily start earning a decent wage right after graduation. Usually, the average salary package for a Mass Comm graduate is between Rs. 3-6 lakhs per annum.

Overall, a career in mass communication is a great option and worth pursuing if you are passionate about the field. With hard work and dedication, you can land yourself the job of your dreams!