10 Reasons Why you Should Study Mass Communication and its Courses

10 Reasons Why you Should Study Mass Communication and its Courses

Mass communication involves many disciplines and incorporates vital elements of related fields like strategic communications, health communications, political communications, marketing, and journalism. This diversity of mass communication allows for creativity and flexibility in selecting one’s career.

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With a mass communication background, one can pursue employment in related fields like marketing, journalism, entertainment, healthcare, communications consulting, broadcasting, advertising, foreign entities, government, and non-profit organizations. Before we delve into the importance of mass communication, let us first define what mass communication is.

What is Mass communication?

Mass communication is the process of creating, sending, receiving, and analyzing messages to a large audience, using verbal and written media. Its main focus is not just the why and how a message is passed, but the medium through which it passes. These media are various and include the internet, social media, digital media, print, radio, and television.

Also read: 10+ International Scholarships to Study Mass Communication

Importance/Benefits of Mass Communication?

Are you still contemplating studying for a mass communication degree? Here are some benefits of mass communication:

1. Mass communication offers many career options upon graduation: 

Armed with your certificate in mass communication, you can choose to work in a number of fields as mentioned above. With the world relying so much on the media, you have tremendous opportunities to make a good career in this field. A degree in mass communication acquired from a solid institution can open so many doors because it can be applied in almost every mass media opportunity.

2. You will gain competencies that can be applied anywhere: 

The skills you acquired in mass communications can be applied in any work setting. Skills like problem-solving, communication, writing, and speaking can help you to scale through any related field in mass communication.

3. You don’t need any prior experience or qualifications to study mass communications: 

Students from any academic background like science or art have great opportunities to excel in this course. If you are scared of not doing well as a result of your high school background, fear no more, you have what it takes to do well in mass communication.

4. Your understanding of the world will be expanded: 

Media and mass communication prepare you to understand the most complex issues of the world in areas like political, cultural, and business fields. You will also have the ability to affect millions, either by standing in front of a large crowd speaking or sitting behind a machine writing. Mass communication will help you achieve that.

5. You can pursue a career in traditional communication fields: 

Such fields as journalism, advertising, public relations, or even broader fields like finance, healthcare, information technology, and government parastatals are fields where you can pitch your tent as a mass communication graduate.

6. You will learn to use effective communication tools and strategies: 

Using effective communication tools like video conferencing, cell phones, emails, and so on will help you promote messages, products, and programs. With good strategies like content creation, social networking, and advertisement, among others, targeted at the right audience, you will be able to reach a larger audience quickly and position yourself for a more competitive advantage.

7. Mass communication is a medium for landing more paying jobs: 

There are abounding opportunities in ad agencies, print media, broadcasting media, visual media, and of late, the internet. You can work as an independent filmmaker, copywriter, broadcaster, comedian, and in other fields. As long as you are hardworking, there are numerous options open to you.  The industry is a bright one.

8. You will learn the techniques of how messages are delivered: 

There are different techniques for delivering messages to the masses. For example, in print media, newspapers, magazines, journals, and others are different ways to pass messages across. You will learn the nitty-gritty of these techniques and can work as an editor, reporter, or even a proofreader. You can also choose to pitch your career online and work as a social media manager, content creator, copywriter, and so on.

9. If you are someone who cannot stand math, then you can choose mass communication: 

It does not mean that learning the basics of algebra is bad, but then, if you have a thing with math, going for mass communication won’t be a wrong choice. Similarly, if you are someone who loves talking and wants to be heard, mass communication can avail you of the opportunity to reach out to anyone in the world…and doing it professionally too.

10. A mass communication degree helps you to connect to the masses: 

Your emotions would be put into action. You are already living with people and should have a good knowledge and understanding of what is happening around so as to employ your emotions effectively to affect your audience. You should be able to communicate well whether in an organized setting or with people on the street. If you employ positive emotions, you are likely to lead people without bias and bring them to one platform, irrespective of class, race, sex, and so on.

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Why study mass communication?

Media and Entertainment are growing at a faster rate all over the World. In the United States which has the world’s largest media and entertainment industry at over $717 billion, it represents a third of the global media and communication industry. According to statistics in India, the compound annual growth rate(CAGR) of the Indian Media and entertainment industry is from 10.90 percent to 13.10 percent and It’s expected to double by 2023.

In Africa, after more than a decade of digital upset, African entertainment and media have enjoyed a major rise. According to a report from PwC, South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya have seen a major rise in their Media and entertainment industry. The compound annual growth rate(CAGR) of these countries has improved and has contributed immensely to their economic growth.

All over the World, the media and communication industry constitutes of various segments such as film, television, advertising, print media, music, and digital is the fastest-growing sector in recent decades. The media industry is seeing phenomenal growth and this should give you reasons why you should study Mass Communication.

Also read: 7 In-Demand Jobs Most Companies will Be Hiring Beyond 2020

Mass Communication Course

Here are lists of Mass Communication course outlines curated from top Universities in the World, which you will study before you can become a Mass Communication graduate.

The following are the list of Core Mass Communication Courses

1. Introduction to Mass Communication
2. History of Mass Media
3. African Communication System
4. Introduction to Statistics
5. Introduction to Psychology
6. Communication in French
7. Introduction to Entrepreneurship Studies
8. African Communication System
9. Writing for the Mass Media
10. Word processing
11. Computer Application
12. Introduction to Computer
13. Introduction to Psychology
14. Introduction to Statistics
15. Fundamental Philosophy
16. Logic, Philosophy of Human Existence
17. Communication in English
18. Communication in German
19. Introduction to Publishing Sequence
20. Introduction to Film Cinema & Literature
21. Introduction to Advertising
22. News Writing & Reporting
23. Editorial Writing
24. Feature Writing
25. Constitutional Development
26. Introduction to Sociology
27. Fundamental Theology
28. Introduction to Entrepreneurship Studies
29. History & Philosophy of Science
30. Editing & Graphics of Communication
31. Critical & Review Writing
32. Advanced and Specialized Reporting
33. Principals of Public Relations
34. Advertising Sequence
35. Theories of Mass Communication
36. Foundations of Communication Research
37. Word Processing
38. Mass Communication Foundations for Advertising
39. Fundamentals of Media Relations
40. Foundations of Broadcasting
41. Radio/Television Operation
42. International Communication
43. Communication and Society
44. Radio/TV News Writing
45. Newspaper Management and Production
46. Magazine Management and Production
47. Science and Technology Reporting
48. Photo Journalism & Management
49. International & Foreign Broadcasting
50. Film Theory and Aesthetics
51. Television Programme Writing & Production
52. Public Affairs Broadcasting
53. Broadcast Management and Programming
54. Foreign Correspondence
55. Rural Community Newspaper
56. Economics of Mass News Reporting
57. Screen Directing
58. Photo Editing
59. Issues in Nigeria Mass Communication & Media History
60. New Technique in Book Publishing
61. Advertising Creative Strategies and Tactics
62. Book Publishing & The Law
63. Advertising & PR Research
64. Mass Media and Law of Ethics
65. Book Publishing & The Law
66. Advertising & PR Research
67. Mass Media and Law of Ethics
68. Station Management and Operations
69. Issues in Broadcasting
70. Organization and Management of advertising and PR Agencies
71. Documentary Film Production
72. Data Analysis in Communication Research
73. Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR.
74. Media Attachment
75. Communication & National Development
76. Bindery & Finishing Operations
77. International Advertising
78. Educational Broadcasting
79. Rural Broadcasting
80. International Public Relations
81. Drama & Documentary Production
82. Original Essay/Project
83. Film Criticism
84. Issues in Broadcasting
85. Special Topics in Advert and Public Relations

There are awards organized by the United Nations Correspondents Association (UNCA) which invites media worldwide to submit entries for its annual UNCA Awards for the best print, broadcast (TV & Radio), online, web-based media coverage of the United Nations, U.N. agencies, and field operations

Tips for a Study Path in Mass Communication

In order to be a good mass communicator, you need the following:

• Be original and unique: To be the best version of yourself, you must be able to accept criticism and take feedback, no matter how painful it is. This will help you work on the areas you have yet to perfect.
• Be creative: Creativity is employed here in order to bring out the best in you. Think outside the box and make use of the resources available to you, no matter how limited they are.
• Keep learning: There is always something new to learn in the industry, even on the street. Talk to people around and learn from anyone, no matter how high or low the person is placed in society. The beauty of learning is that it increases your knowledge and experience.
• Adapt fast: The only constant thing is change. Everything in the world keeps evolving and you need to be adaptive in order to meet up. Know the latest trends in the industry and try your best to practice what you learned.

Also read: Top 10 Skills You Need to Thrive in the 4th Industrial Revolution

How Long Does a Degree in Mass Communication Take?

Mass communication is complex and involves a variety of branches. Basically, it takes 2 to 4 years to acquire a degree in mass communication. However, for a broader option, it is better to major in a particular field like advertising, journalism, film production, public relations, and so on. This might take a longer period of time. But then, you will become a professional in that niche.

Skills in Mass Communication

Creativity is compulsory for you in any field you choose. With creative skills, you can present your work in a more unique way, taking advantage of the competitive market to sell your skills. With time, you’d become one of the pillars of the industry.

Communication skills are also necessary, as they will help you pass your messages effortlessly. Areas of interest like entertainment, broadcasting, public speaking, and consulting, all need strong communication skills. You might also be involved in interviewing the audience via telephone, news interview, personality interview, prepared question, a man in the street, casual interview, and so on. The interview is one of the principal aspects of news and must be carried out in impeccable English.

Speaking skills are also very necessary as a mass media professional. Most media jobs involve speaking or interacting with an audience. Outspokenness and eloquence will help to hone your speaking skills. If you are an introvert, you can also work on your public image, so as to make proper use of your communication and speaking skills. You can take on some challenges that involve speaking to a crowd. This will help you become more courageous and prepared for your career. Don’t be shy while talking to people. One thing you need to understand is that making mistakes is part of the learning process. Make mistakes, learn from them, and fly.

You should develop writing and editing skills, as they would help you reach out to a wider audience. As a writer, you can research topics of interest and present information for print media, websites, social media, and other platforms. You should have good eyes for pointing out errors, so as to present error-free written work. This is what editing is all about.

You should be good at motivating people because most of your activities are going to be in front of an audience. Let people learn from your experience. Motivate them to take up challenging tasks and increase their horizon. Your behavior matters a lot if you want to gather huge followership.

Also read: 13 Free Online Courses to Improve Your Writing Skills

Careers in Mass Communications

With knowledge of the audience’s behavior and content creation, mass communication professionals are the best in delivering messages effectively targeted to the right audience.

Here’s a list of potential careers in media and mass communication open to graduates in the field.

• Marketing: A well-paid and innovative field that offers careers within a wide range of companies, marketing involves research into your potential audience and developing strategies for how they can be targeted effectively through pricing, product development, placement, and advertising.
• Advertising: A highly creative and fast-paced field, advertising involves creating visual and verbal communications to complement marketing strategies.
• Broadcasting: As well as the reporters and presenters in front of the camera, there are many other jobs within broadcast media, such as researchers and producers. While some technical positions may require further training, a mass communication degree makes good general preparation for a career in broadcasting.
• Journalism: Traditional journalism might be in decline, but there are still interesting opportunities in this area, and a mass communications degree is the perfect preparation if you want to become a journalist – especially if you think you might want to move into another field later on, such as public relations.
• Public relations: This is essentially the art of storytelling, applied to a specific organization or cause. There are opportunities in both the public and private sectors and the skills are highly transferrable.
• Corporate communications: While most careers in mass communication are all about communicating with the public, jobs in corporate communications focus on creating internal communications for companies in all sectors. It’s vitally important for the smooth running of any business.
• Visual communications: Graphic design, photography, video, website design—many creative fields fall under the umbrella of ‘visual communications’. A degree in mass communications, specially if combined with a visual arts minor, helps you understand how to analyze and create this style of communication.

Because mass communication is a multidisciplinary subject, there are different fields you can get into. Try to keep yourself updated with the happenings in the field. Hone your skills in order to take advantage of the abounding opportunities in the industry.