MJMC (Master of Journalism & Mass Communication): Courses, Admission, Syllabus, Colleges, Eligibility, Entrance Exam, Career Scope and Salary

MJMC Highlights 2024

The highlights of the Master of Journalism & Mass Communication (MJMC) course details presented in a table:

Why Study MJMC Program?

Studying a Master of Journalism and Mass Communication course can provide several benefits, including:

1. Developing advanced communication skills: The course will help you to develop strong writing, research, and critical thinking skills that are essential for success in journalism and mass communication fields.

2. Gaining industry knowledge: You'll learn about the latest trends and developments in journalism and mass communication, as well as gain an understanding of the ethical and legal issues facing these industries.

3. Building a professional network: During your studies, you'll have the opportunity to connect with professors, professionals, and classmates who share similar interests and career goals. These connections can be valuable resources throughout your career.

4. Enhancing employability: A master's degree in journalism and mass communication can give you a competitive edge when applying for jobs. Employers value advanced degrees because they demonstrate a commitment to learning and a higher level of expertise.

5. Specializing in a specific area: Many programs offer specializations in areas such as public relations, digital media, or broadcast journalism, allowing you to focus on a particular area of interest and build specialized skills.

6. Preparation for further study: If you plan to pursue a doctoral degree in journalism or mass communication, a master's degree is often required as a prerequisite. Completing a master's program can also help prepare you for the rigorous academic demands of a PhD program.

7. Personal growth: Pursuing a master's degree requires dedication, hard work, and perseverance. By completing the program, you'll not only gain new skills and knowledge but also demonstrate your ability to set and achieve challenging goals.

Types of MJMC Course

There are several modes in which you can pursue a Master of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC) course:

1. Full-time Program: This is the traditional mode of study where students attend classes on campus for two years, completing assignments, participating in internships, and appearing for exams as per the university schedule.

2. Part-time Program: Some universities offer part-time MJMC programs that allow working professionals or those who cannot commit full time to complete their degree over an extended period, usually three to four years. These courses may be conducted during evenings or weekends.

3. Distance Learning Program: In this mode, students receive study materials by post or online and engage with faculty through email, video conferencing, and other digital means. They have access to libraries, discussion boards, and virtual classrooms, enabling them to learn at their own pace while balancing personal and professional obligations.

4. Online Program: Similar to distance learning, but fully online, these programs provide live lectures, recorded sessions, interactive quizzes, and multimedia content to deliver course material. Students interact with teachers and peers via chat rooms, message boards, and webinars. Exams and assessments are also conducted online.

5. Executive Program: Designed specifically for mid-career journalists, executives, entrepreneurs, and communication professionals, executive MJMC programs focus on advanced skills like leadership, strategic thinking, and financial management. Classes typically occur during weekends, allowing participants to maintain full-time employment.

6. Integrated Program: A few institutions combine undergraduate studies with master's degrees into integrated programs lasting five years. For instance, BA + MA in Journalism and Mass Communication allows students to progress directly from bachelor's level education to master's level without having to apply separately.

MJMC Admission Process

The admission for MJMC course is based solely on the marks obtained by the candidate in an entrance test conducted by the specific college. Shortlisted candidates, based on their scores in the written test, will be invited for a Group Discussion and Personal Interview.

The final selection of students is contingent upon their performance in the written test, Group Discussion, Personal Interview, and their marks in their Graduation. The admission procedures may differ across various colleges.

MJMC Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for Master of Journalism & Mass Communication (MJMC) course can be summarized as follows:

1. Candidates must have completed their graduation from a recognized university with at least 50% - 60% aggregate marks.

2. There is an age limit, typically not more than 30 - 35 years of age at the year of admission.

3. Most universities require a bachelor's degree in journalism, but some accept students with degrees from different fields.

4. Strong verbal and writing communication abilities are favored during the selection process.

5. Some universities and institutions offer Master of Journalism programs, and there are specific entrance exams like IIMC, IPU CET, BHU UET, and Jamia Millia Islamia University Test.

MJMC Entrance Exam

The commonly accepted entrance exams for Master of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC) program in India presented in the below:

MJMC Selection Process

MJMC Skills Required

The skills required for the Master of Journalism & Mass Communication (MJMC) course are presented in the table:

MJMC Fees Structure

MJMC Top Private Colleges

The top 10 private colleges for Master of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC) degree in India are presented in below:

MJMC Top Government colleges

The top 10 government colleges for Master of Journalism and Mass Communication in India, based on various rankings and ratings presented in below:

MJMC Job Opportunities

The key job opportunities after completing a Master's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication program presented in below:

1. Journalists are responsible for gathering, compiling and reporting newsworthy information on a variety of events. Journalists do research, write news stories, articles and features, then edit and proofread them.

2. Content Writers: They write for websites, blogs and white papers. They also write for manuals, brochures and social media posts. They research relevant topics and assist the marketing team to create advertising campaign content.

3. Public Relations Officer: Monitors information flow from an organization to their customers, manages team for timely responses and establishes relations with media. They create a voice for the brand and maintain brand integrity across platforms.

4. Event Manager: Plan and coordinate successful events. This includes tasks such as event coordination, budget management, creative planning and financial/budgeting management. Event management is a lucrative field with high profit margins.

5. Advertising/Social media executive: Develops new advertising campaigns and ideas. Social media executives promote content and ideas across multiple social media platforms.

6. Filmmaker/Producer/Director: Works in the television and film industry, which is a booming field with high demand for professionals in production, direction, cinematography, scriptwriting, video editing, and more.

The job opportunities after a Master of Journalism and Mass Communication are diverse, spanning journalism, content creation, public relations, event management, advertising, and the media/entertainment industry. The salary range for these roles can vary widely from around ?3.5 to ?10 LPA on average.

MJMC Top Recruiters

The top recruiters for students who have completed a Master of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC) program presented in table:

MJMC Salary Package

In India, the average salary for graduates with a Master’s degree in Journalism or Mass Communication ranges between INR 3.5 Lakhs and INR 10 Lakhs per year, depending on factors such as skills, experience and employer. This table shows some common job roles with their average salaries.

Salary can be higher than INR 10 lakhs for professionals who have strong skills and are specialized. Graduates may also be interested in opportunities within the government sector. The salary ranges from INR 2.6 to INR 4.69 lakhs annually. Graduates with a Master's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication can find employment in a wide range of fields, including advertising, public relations and television broadcasting. The growing media landscape in India continues to increase the demand for media professionals. This offers many career opportunities for those who are qualified.

MJMC Career Opportunities

The career opportunities available to graduates of the Master of Journalism and Mass Communication course (MJMC) are varied and promising. Graduates have a wide range of job opportunities in mass communication.

1. Content Writer
2. Public Relations Officer
3. Event Manager
4. Advertising Professional
5. Social Media Executive
6. TV & Film Production Professional
7. Digital Marketing Specialist
8. Radio Jockey (RJ)

The average salary for these roles varies depending on the role. A Content Writer may earn anywhere between Rs3,00,000.00 and Rs5,00,000.00 per year, while a digital marketing specialist can earn from Rs4,00,000.00 to Rs8,00,000.00.A Master's in Journalism and Mass Communication will not only improve your understanding of the industry, but it will also give you practical skills that make you more competitive on the job market. Internships in MJMC programs give student’s hands-on training and allow them to align their skills with various roles available within the industry.

FAQs Related to MJMC Program

1. What is a Master of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC) program?
   A: A MJMC program is a postgraduate course that focuses on providing students with advanced knowledge and skills in various fields such as journalism, public relations, advertising, broadcasting, film studies, digital media, and communication research. The curriculum typically includes both theoretical and practical components, preparing students for careers in the mass communication industry or further academic study.

2. How long does it take to complete an MJMC program in India?
   A: Most MJMC programs in India are full-time courses lasting two years, divided into four semesters. Some universities may also offer part-time or distance education options, which might have different durations.

3. What are the eligibility criteria for pursuing an MJMC program in India?
   A: To be eligible for admission to an MJMC program in India, candidates generally need to hold a bachelor's degree from a recognized university in any discipline with a minimum aggregate percentage (usually around 50%). However, some institutions may require specific undergraduate degrees related to journalism or mass communication. Additionally, entrance examinations like CUET, IPMAT, etc., may be required depending upon the institution.

4. Are there any entrance exams for securing admission to an MJMC program in India?
   A: Yes, many universities conduct their own entrance examinations for admitting students to MJMC programs. Commonly known exams include the Common University Entrance Test (CUET), Indian Institute of Management Indore's Integrated Programme in Management Aptitude Test (IPMAT), Jamia Millia Islamia's Entrance Examination, Delhi School of Communications Entrance Exam, among others. Each institute has its unique examination pattern, syllabus, and scoring methodology.

5. Which universities in India offer top MJMC programs?
   A: Several universities in India are renowned for offering high-quality MJMC programs. These include University of Delhi, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, Symbiosis International University, Pune, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Karnataka, Amity University, Noida, Christ University, Bangalore, University of Hyderabad, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Aligharh Muslim University, Uttar Pradesh.

6. Can international students apply for MJMC programs in India?
   A: Absolutely! Many Indian universities welcome applications from international students who meet their respective eligibility requirements and language proficiency standards. It would help if you researched each university's individual policies regarding foreign applicants.

7. Is work experience mandatory for applying to an MJMC program in India?
   A: No, most MJMC programs do not mandate work experience as a prerequisite for admission; however, having prior experience can boost your chances of getting accepted, particularly at more competitive institutions. Moreover, certain specializations within the MJMC program, such as corporate communications or development communication, might value relevant professional backgrounds.

8. What kind of job opportunities exist after completing an MJMC program in India?
   A: After successfully finishing an MJMC program, graduates can explore diverse career paths in industries such as print media, television, radio, online media, public relations firms, advertising agencies, publishing houses, event management companies, non-government organizations (NGOs), and educational institutions. Potential roles include journalist, news anchor, editor, content writer, copywriter, social media manager, public relations specialist, media planner, and communication researcher.

9. What is the average salary package offered to MJMC graduates in India?
   A: The starting salaries for MJMC graduates vary widely based on factors such as employer type, location, and role. Generally speaking, entry-level positions might range between INR 3 lakhs - 8 lakhs per annum. Experienced professionals can earn significantly higher remuneration packages.

10. Does the MJMC program provide internship opportunities?
    A: Yes, numerous MJMC programs incorporate compulsory internships as part of their curricula. Internships enable students to gain hands-on experience working in reputable media outlets, PR firms, ad agencies, or production houses, thereby enhancing their resumes and improving employability prospects.

11. How much does it cost to pursue an MJMC program in India?
    A: Tuition fees for MJMC programs in India differ substantially across institutions and states. Public universities usually charge lower tuition rates than private counterparts. On average, annual fees could range anywhere from INR 40,000 - 2 lakhs. Please note that these figures exclude additional expenses such as accommodation, books, and other miscellaneous costs.

12. What are the key subjects taught in an MJMC program in India?
    A: Core subjects commonly found in MJMC programs encompass areas like reporting, editing, feature writing, photography, graphic design, media law, ethics, communication theory, marketing communication, audio-visual production, new media technologies, and research methods. Depending on the chosen electives or concentrations, specialized topics may include investigative journalism, sports journalism, travel writing, health communication, environmental communication, entertainment PR, political communication, or strategic brand management.