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Lauren
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What are the differences between the different communication major programs?
Like Digital Communication, Mass communications, Public Relations, etc. #communication #communication
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Lindsay Williams
Award-Winning Enterprise Transformation | Humane People Strategy | Inclusion | Diversity | Enterprise Learning
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Lindsay’s Answer
Hi Lauren, it would take an enormous amount of time to answer your question meaningfully, but at the end of the day, it is something you can plot out via your course catalogs. If I had this question, I would:
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Devon Page, MMC
Marketing Manager
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Atlanta, Georgia
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Devon’s Answer
Hi Lauren, there are a number of differences and also consistent threads through out the various communications fields. I think the best way to think of each category of communications is in terms of what their overarching purpose is. Sometimes it can be hard to tell from the description of the comms programs what exactly their purpose is in terms of the business world.
Here is my thinking on the purpose of the three you mentioned (which obviously can vary for many reasons) --
1. Mass Communications - in terms of business, this typically is an overarching area that includes internal communications, external communications and can even include PR. Generally focused on the company or organization's brand and communication tactics within the company (staff/employees) and outside the company (consumers/clients, competitors, general public). Focuses on communications campaigns via email, events and other digital tactics to disseminate important info and build brand image.
2. PR - will be very focused around generating a positive image, brand trust and brand awareness of the company/organization and is targeted solely at external stakeholders. This of course involves a lot of press release writing, but can also include events and social media -- any tactics to create a positive impression/experience/engagement with consumers/public.
3. Digital Communications - this can take a variety of forms and directions and I would say it includes things like: paid social campaigns, social media engagement, online web presence/phone presence, creating multi-media content using video/photo for web/phone/broadcast. Generally think in terms of creating digital content that can be used/shared to engage with whoever your stakeholders are and that can come in many forms -- video, blog, podcast, website, phone, social media, ect. Again, still focused on creating brand awareness and driving messaging and perception of a brand/company/organization.
So, obviously you can look at each major's coursework and compare them to see the differences and what interests you most. If you already have an idea of what sparks your interest most in terms of the type of work/career focus you may want to have then great! If not, I would suggest going with either mass comms or a PR degree. Both give you a great foundation in writing, crafting messaging and using social/events for engagement.
For reference, when I was in college I ended up getting my degree in PR, mainly because I was good at writing and it sounded interesting. I then ended up in event marketing for my first internship and job. I also then decided to get a Masters of Mass Communication - Integrated Marketing focus which gave me great insight and practice into integrating all kinds of communications and marketing and now I serve as a marketing manager for a consulting company. Either way, mass comms and PR will give you a good foundation in my opinion - and then you'll just see what opportunities come and where the road leads you! Good luck!
Compare the programs and courses required.
Think about what sparks your interest the most.
Here is my thinking on the purpose of the three you mentioned (which obviously can vary for many reasons) --
1. Mass Communications - in terms of business, this typically is an overarching area that includes internal communications, external communications and can even include PR. Generally focused on the company or organization's brand and communication tactics within the company (staff/employees) and outside the company (consumers/clients, competitors, general public). Focuses on communications campaigns via email, events and other digital tactics to disseminate important info and build brand image.
2. PR - will be very focused around generating a positive image, brand trust and brand awareness of the company/organization and is targeted solely at external stakeholders. This of course involves a lot of press release writing, but can also include events and social media -- any tactics to create a positive impression/experience/engagement with consumers/public.
3. Digital Communications - this can take a variety of forms and directions and I would say it includes things like: paid social campaigns, social media engagement, online web presence/phone presence, creating multi-media content using video/photo for web/phone/broadcast. Generally think in terms of creating digital content that can be used/shared to engage with whoever your stakeholders are and that can come in many forms -- video, blog, podcast, website, phone, social media, ect. Again, still focused on creating brand awareness and driving messaging and perception of a brand/company/organization.
So, obviously you can look at each major's coursework and compare them to see the differences and what interests you most. If you already have an idea of what sparks your interest most in terms of the type of work/career focus you may want to have then great! If not, I would suggest going with either mass comms or a PR degree. Both give you a great foundation in writing, crafting messaging and using social/events for engagement.
For reference, when I was in college I ended up getting my degree in PR, mainly because I was good at writing and it sounded interesting. I then ended up in event marketing for my first internship and job. I also then decided to get a Masters of Mass Communication - Integrated Marketing focus which gave me great insight and practice into integrating all kinds of communications and marketing and now I serve as a marketing manager for a consulting company. Either way, mass comms and PR will give you a good foundation in my opinion - and then you'll just see what opportunities come and where the road leads you! Good luck!
Devon recommends the following next steps:
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
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James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Lauren,
Exploring the Variances Among Communication Major Programs
Digital Communication:
Digital Communication majors delve into the world of digital platforms and technologies for message dissemination. They study areas such as social media, web design, multimedia production, digital marketing, and online communication strategies. The focus is on crafting engaging content for a range of digital platforms and understanding the trends in the digital world.
Mass Communications:
Mass Communications is a more comprehensive field, encapsulating various media forms like print, broadcast, and digital media. The study areas include journalism, broadcasting, advertising, public relations, and media studies. The course aims to impart knowledge about the media's role in society, creating captivating content for diverse mediums, and effectively broadcasting messages to a vast audience.
Public Relations:
The Public Relations major is specifically geared towards managing the reputation and public image of individuals, organizations, or brands. Students learn to devise communication strategies to foster positive public relationships, manage crisis situations, and promote a positive image through media relations, event planning, and strategic communication campaigns.
Advertising:
Advertising majors learn to craft persuasive messages to promote products, services, or ideas. The curriculum includes consumer behavior, market research, creative advertising techniques, and media planning. Students learn to create advertising campaigns that resonate with the target audience and meet marketing goals.
Journalism:
Journalism majors are equipped to collect, analyze, and report news stories across various platforms like print, broadcast, online, or multimedia. The course covers news writing, investigative reporting, journalism ethics, media law, and storytelling techniques. It develops skills in interviewing sources, fact-checking, and delivering accurate and engaging news content.
To Summarize:
Digital Communication is centered on digital platforms and technologies.
Mass Communications encompasses diverse media forms such as journalism and broadcasting.
Public Relations is about managing reputation and public image.
Advertising is about crafting persuasive promotional messages.
Journalism is about collecting and reporting news stories.
Top 3 Credible Sources Utilized:
Harvard University - Harvard Extension School: This institution offers a range of courses in communication fields like digital communication, mass communications, public relations, etc., providing credible information on these topics.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides in-depth information on careers related to communication majors like public relations specialists, journalists, advertising managers, offering valuable insights into these fields' differences.
National Communication Association (NCA): As a leading organization dedicated to studying communication disciplines, NCA provides authoritative insights into the various communication major programs available.
God Bless!
James Constantine Frangos.
Exploring the Variances Among Communication Major Programs
Digital Communication:
Digital Communication majors delve into the world of digital platforms and technologies for message dissemination. They study areas such as social media, web design, multimedia production, digital marketing, and online communication strategies. The focus is on crafting engaging content for a range of digital platforms and understanding the trends in the digital world.
Mass Communications:
Mass Communications is a more comprehensive field, encapsulating various media forms like print, broadcast, and digital media. The study areas include journalism, broadcasting, advertising, public relations, and media studies. The course aims to impart knowledge about the media's role in society, creating captivating content for diverse mediums, and effectively broadcasting messages to a vast audience.
Public Relations:
The Public Relations major is specifically geared towards managing the reputation and public image of individuals, organizations, or brands. Students learn to devise communication strategies to foster positive public relationships, manage crisis situations, and promote a positive image through media relations, event planning, and strategic communication campaigns.
Advertising:
Advertising majors learn to craft persuasive messages to promote products, services, or ideas. The curriculum includes consumer behavior, market research, creative advertising techniques, and media planning. Students learn to create advertising campaigns that resonate with the target audience and meet marketing goals.
Journalism:
Journalism majors are equipped to collect, analyze, and report news stories across various platforms like print, broadcast, online, or multimedia. The course covers news writing, investigative reporting, journalism ethics, media law, and storytelling techniques. It develops skills in interviewing sources, fact-checking, and delivering accurate and engaging news content.
To Summarize:
Digital Communication is centered on digital platforms and technologies.
Mass Communications encompasses diverse media forms such as journalism and broadcasting.
Public Relations is about managing reputation and public image.
Advertising is about crafting persuasive promotional messages.
Journalism is about collecting and reporting news stories.
Top 3 Credible Sources Utilized:
Harvard University - Harvard Extension School: This institution offers a range of courses in communication fields like digital communication, mass communications, public relations, etc., providing credible information on these topics.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides in-depth information on careers related to communication majors like public relations specialists, journalists, advertising managers, offering valuable insights into these fields' differences.
National Communication Association (NCA): As a leading organization dedicated to studying communication disciplines, NCA provides authoritative insights into the various communication major programs available.
God Bless!
James Constantine Frangos.
Michael Belanger
Corporate Communications
17
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Lauren! I think the best way is to research each area and focus on the one that you think you would like to pursue from a career perspective. If you are unsure, I would recommend to just go with the broader umbrella which would be mass communications. If one specialty calls your attention then you could focus on that one. Reading the description and the courses that you would be required to take in each of those areas might also give you a better idea.
Research the description of each specialty and which courses you will be required to take in each one
Find professionals that are already working in the area of interest so you can get a better idea of what it is to have a job in that specialty
Michael recommends the following next steps: