Houston Business University

What are the differences between a Mass Communication, Communication, and Journalism degree?

What are the differences between a Mass Communication, Communication, and Journalism degree?What kind of career/field can you get into with each one of them? Does anyone know?

Public Comments

1. Mass Communication usually means the study of media historically and studying its current state. There is an emphasis on theory, criticism and research in this field. Communication also studies the media but there is more of an emphasis on creating media, like tv production classes, film production classes, radio/audio production classes etc. Journalism degrees consist of classes that make you learn how to write for newspapers and magazines.
2. Mass communication is the term used to describe the academic study of various means by which individuals and entities relay information to large segments of the population all at once through mass media. Journalism is just a part of this major. There are many jobs under the the umbrella of Mass Communication. Author, reporter, photographer, television, editor, etc....
3. I have an undergraduate degree from a top American university in Communication. In the world of academia there is a VERY distinct difference between the disciplines. Communications (plural) is interchangeable with Mass Communication, meaning it typically involves the study of media, some journalism, and the business aspects of communication such as public relations and corporate communication. Communications/Mass Comm. is typically practical and if you want to get into PR, Marketing, or Advertising, this is a good place to start. Communication (singular) is typically reserved for the study of communication theory. While some programs may touch on the practical, most programs will focus strictly on the theoretical aspects of communication. I would say it's sort of a hybrid between Sociology and Psychology with a little practical thrown in depending on the program. Journalism is geared specifically for those who want to work in media whether in print or on television. You will learn a little theory and probably gain a lot of practical hands on experience. I hope this helps, good luck!