In the recent years we have witnessed an unprecedented growth in the world of communication. Gone are the days when a short and sweet reporting could get the message across. Not only has the world of communication changed but so has the target audience. The predictions of the field doing well are high. With the increase in the number of television sets, news channels, radio stations, advertising and so much more each growing day, the field seems to be transcending into an unmatched growth and along with it the option of its pursuers to have a dynamic career.
Until the advent of TV, media meant newspapers and magazines, and journalism was a public service calling. With changing mores of economy, media is now diverse in form and ownership. The rise of new media has created a whole range of new possibilities, and profiles such as Disc Jockeys or Radio Jockeys are not so unusual. A degree in mass communication opens up opportunities in Journalism, Public relations and advertising, as a career. But remember a solid command over the language is crucial for success

Difference between Mass Communication and Journalism

Although some might confuse Mass Communication with journalism, but as the name suggests mass communication is all about disseminating information to the masses at local, national or international levels with or without a necessary intent. On the other hand, Journalism is more about informing people about something meaningful. Journalism is more predictable in its approach in which the emphasis is on information and facts, but Mass communication is more about letting the creative bug make the better of you.
There may not be clear cut differences between the two but Journalism is more bent towards news reporting for newspapers, magazines or television, while mass communication is a much broader field encompassing radio, graphics, films, television, online media, documentary, events, advertising, corporate communications and so on.

Eligibility Criteria for Mass Communication Courses

Although the eligibility criteria will vary from college to college but mostly depend on the below mentioned factors:

Undergraduate courses: Mostly undergraduate courses only required the successful completion of Class XII from any board.
Post Graduate courses: A postgraduate course would require the candidate to be below 30 years of age and the completion of a Bachelors degree in any discipline. Some would also prefer work experience in some media related work.

Job Prospects

As one can the industry is doing quite well for itself and is predicted to do well for some years now. The students of this trade can look forward to working in public relations, television, films, publishing, journalism, editing, direction, etc. The thing to remember while applying to the industry is that people with strong people skills and a head for communication will be preferred any give day over others. The job requires the aspirants to be skillful, energetic and also creative. Following are the various job profiles offered to graduates in mass communication:

Sound Engineer
Film Director
Public Relations Officer
Sound Mixer and Sound Recorder
Special Correspondent
TV Correspondent
Producer
Radio Jockey/ RJ
Screenwriter
Art Director
Photo Editor
Event manager
Video Jockey
Fashion Photographer Cartoonist
Illustrator
Critic
Photojournalist

Also on completing their graduation in Mass Communication the aspirants of the field can look forward to working with the following types of companies and areas:

AIR – All India Radio
Circulation and Public Relations
Central Information Service
Legal Affairs Department
Journals
News Agencies
Press Information Bureau
Photography Companies
TV Channels
Radio Telecasting Companies
Websites Periodicals and Magazines
Newspapers
Advertising Agencies
Books and Novels
Blogs
Broadcasting Corporations

Pay Scale

Attractive and high paying jobs as journalist, actor, director, editor, screenwriter, RJ, producer, VJ are available to the talented and trained individuals. Starting salary for a mass communication professional could be between Rs 12,000 and 25,000 depending your people and communication skills. After 5 Years of work experience a professional can expect higher salary in the range of Rs 50,000 to Rs 1,00,000 per month.