Contents

Communication & Media

Go to our list of recommended courses, click here.
Go to our list of scholarships for Communication and Media, click here.

Overview:

In the communications field, ideas are transmitted through mass media. Communications professionals seek to inform, educate, persuade, or entertain masses of people, using books, newspapers, magazines, radio, TV, film, advertising and public relations.

Communication Studies is the discipline which looks at how people gather, share, and use information. Communication is vital to everything that we do, especially in today’s “information age.” People with degrees in communication studies know how to convey information to a variety of audiences in different settings. They know how to select the most important information, and how to present it in informal and formal ways in person and using multimedia. A major of this area would be most beneficial to those planning careers in professions that demand a lot of interpersonal and public contact.

Communication and Media graduates find opportunities in a wide variety of careers in business, education, government and the non-profit sectors. Skills in verbal and written communication are one of the most sought after characteristics employers look for when hiring. Radio and TV, advertising and public relations, publishing, sales, financial services, and university student services are but a few of the many areas in which these graduates find employment. Any work that involves communicating as its focal point is a potential career field. The communications industry is a competitive one, however, and experience is a must.

Communication and Media majors may include the following classes:

  • Communication and society
  • Business Communication
  • Communication Technology
  • Mass Communication
  • Advertising Design
  • Communication and Social Behavior

Example careers:

  • Advertising Director
  • Editor
  • Journalist
  • Market Researcher
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Sales Representative

Relevance to Myanmar:

Communication and media are in their infancy in Myanmar. Out of approximately 47 million people, as recently as 2005 there were less than 700,000 phones (including both land lines and mobiles). Less than 80,000 people use the Internet. There are less than five tv channels and radio stations. This is not surprising considering the SPDC’s tight controls on all media venues. Much of the communication that exists is illegal, hidden. There remains little freedom in terms of censored content in any media leaving the average person in near total darkness without proper access to information.

In the future as Myanmar will inevitably loosen its grip on various media, people will need to step in and create modern media companies and organizations. Until that happens, students with media or communication degrees can easily work with public relations departments of companies and organizations in the private sector. Much of the skills in demand will be related to the Internet, tv, radio, and printed media. There are also Myanmar media related jobs abroad in neighboring countries.

What Students Have Said:

Why is the subject you studied (or are studying now) important for Myanmar?

I firmly believe my major, Communication Arts, is very important for Myanmar. A news media, which is a part of Communication Arts, is the most significant role with several reasons to improve our country. One is it can improve in education and general knowledge for community by sharing the International news and educational programs among the citizens. It is mostly about media communication, its role and impact on society. As media in Myanmar is regulated by the government, it is really important for people in Myanmar to know how media can shape their views and idea, and alter the flow of information. Besides, it is a perfect tool to present the world about current issues in Myanmar. Another important point is that it has a chance to share some brilliant idea to develop our society. This program also improves students’ skills in persuasion people, public speaking, analysis of messages, and writing. Indeed, subjects in Communication Arts are really important to modernize Myanmar.

How have you been able to use your education after you graduated (or how will you in the future)?

In the future, I will apply my knowledge in a certain media in Myanmar. I will be able to use my education in helping and improving media organizations. Also, I may work in some NGOs which may be concerned with education and health.

What are the real job opportunities to work for Myanmar with your degree?

I believe there may be several job opportunities for the person who graduates with Communication Arts. I can get a certain position in news media, and other NGOs to serve for Myanmar. I can be a reporter, staff in media organization, advertising and public relations agency, researcher, and teacher.

Undergraduate Majors:

Graduate Majors:

Undergraduate Major Descriptions:

Advertising Arts

The program introduces the basic and advance principles of design and drawing, with emphasis on the communicative aspect of the arts. The concentration is in the creative utilization of the print, television, radio and other media in the pursuit of truth and responsible advertising. Example careers: computer graphic artist for print and television industries, creative or art director for advertising agencies, book designer for publications, illustrator for books and comics, visual merchandising artist for retail shops, television/film production, in-house graphic designer, animation artist, studio artist, fashion/textile merchandiser and designer, package designer, creative and copy writer, art teacher.

Advertising Management

The major in Advertising Management is a course that is designed for students who intend to pursue a professional career in the advertising-related industry. He/She may be employed as an advertising executive of the advertising department of a client company, an advertising agency, a production house or an advertising support service company, an advertising and promotions department of a media company, or he/she may decide to put up his/her own advertising company. The course enhances the managerial, strategic planning, creative and media abilities of the student so that he/she can work in any of the major departments of an advertising agency or in a marketing communications set-up. Finally, the course is in answer to the clamor of the advertising practitioners to provide them that much needed manpower to further professionalize the industry. The proposed major program aims to provide manpower to the advertising or advertising-related industry. It shall offer marketing communications companies particularly advertising agencies a dedicated, properly trained, skilled, and value oriented advertising professional who can work in the area of account management, creative, production, media, and marketing services. The experiential skills the student will undergo shall hopefully minimize the huge cost of training an unprepared advertising employee.

Broadcast Communication

This program prepares students for entry-level positions in the broadcast communication industries and it seeks to provide students with the requisite training for future broadcast practitioners who are competent, critical and responsible. You will study the evolving global and local technologies, economies, and powers that affect the way people communicate. The program is focused on how the broadcast media affect the socio-economic-cultural-political life of the people and how these forces in turn shape the media.

Communication Arts

The Communication Arts Program is designed to introduce the student to the media – particularly print, film, radio, photography and television. The specific objectives are: to introduce the students to media history, criticism, and theory, to create an environment conducive to a practical experience of media production, to expose the students to the realities of mass media and to challenge the students to explore the developmental role of media in society. The program aims to produce graduates with thorough understanding of the communication process within the context of man’s cultural and historical heritage. Graduates in Communication Arts can work in advertising agencies, public relations firms, in mass media outfits, television, radio, or print, market research companies, theatre companies.

Development Communication

Development communication is a branch of communication theory concerned with applying insights from communication theory to address problems of development and modernization. The aim of development communication is to find strategies for mobilizing people and consequently resources, for developmental goals. Development communications are organized efforts to use communications processes and media to bring social and economic improvements, generally in developing countries. This major focuses on human development and the processes and structures of communication with emphasis on those that promote equity, empowerment, environmental sustainability, and peace and human rights. Development Communication studies undertake training, advisory, and action projects that help build the communication capabilities and resources of people, communities, institutions, and other participants in the development process.

Film & Audio-Visual Communication

The program aims to produce graduates with a well- rounded liberal arts education as well as creative and technical skills. The program provides students with a means of closely inspecting and evaluating film as a complex social, cultural and industrial phenomenon. It also focuses on the study of film related to the increasingly urgent issues of globalization and new media technologies as we live in a culture that is dominated by visual media as our chief source of entertainment and information. The program usually integrates the historical and theoretical analysis of one of our most significant media with the art and practice of film and video production. This program focuses on the study of cinema both as a form of mass culture and a form of mass communication and it explores the ways in which film expresses societal values and affects processes of social change.

Journalism

Journalism is an important major because it educates people who will be employed in newspapers, radio and television stations, and in other media that exercise the responsibility of informing the public about current issues. Journalism prepares students for professional careers in communications, news and editorial writing, photojournalism, public relations and advertising. An internship in a professional organization in which the student’s skill can be employed is often available. Students learn the discipline of newspaper reporting and editing, listening, observing, double-checking, getting facts right, shooting story-telling photos, designing attractive pages, writing under deadline pressure and publishing a real newspaper.

Mass Communication

Mass Communication is the study of the applied communication processes of the mass media, and the environment in which they occur. Through various courses students develop writing, research and media production skills appropriate to broadcast, audio and video production and direction, and media law and management. Topics courses and practicum experience involve students in the study of technologies such as public broadcasting, computer networks, and cable television. A major in mass communication will prepare you for careers in public relations and promotion, institutional relations, information services, technical writing, newspaper and magazine journalism, radio and video production, or journalism.

Organizational Communication

The Organizational Communication Program prepares the student for professional practices as a communication specialist in public and private organizations. The various courses train the student to analyze, evaluate, facilitate, design, and implement the communication requirements of organizations for their greater efficiency and productivity. Graduates may choose from careers in marketing, management, human resources, training, public administration, facilitation, research and development, and event planning, as well as being well prepared for graduate study in interpersonal communication, organizational communication, law and rhetoric. The study of organizational communication provides an individual with the knowledge and skills necessary to compete in an ever-changing society by stressing both performance and analytical skills within systemic contexts. The major is designed to develop an appreciation and understanding of the historical development of organizational communication, the complex nature of human interaction, and the role that communication plays in helping people to adapt to and succeed in a given environment.

Public Relations

Public Relations is the strategic management of communication and relationships between organizations and their key publics. In other words, public relations specialists control how organizations and their products or services are perceived by the public—and in turn, what image their paying clients (the organizations) portray. As a public relations major, you’ll learn about all the written, verbal, and visual elements that go into effective public relations. You’ll be prepped on how to write a press release and how to handle media attention on your client’s behalf. Your studies may also include forays into publishing newsletters, designing effective promotional ads, newswriting, broadcast media, and videography. Once you have a grasp on these basics, you’ll learn how to use them effectively to drive sales for your client and earn favor in the public eye. Knowing when to communicate what is essential in public relations. You’ll learn how to develop your information and messages, and how to make sure that information is portrayed in the best possible way to your targeted audience. PR professionals will also know a little about event planning, product launches, public speaking, and damage control. Public relations is in many ways an interdisciplinary major, and you’ll study elements from many other fields, including psychology, philosophy, languages, business, art, and many others. You’ll learn how to analyze public opinion and various research studies in order to determine what the public relations needs are for a certain organization.

Speech Communication

This major focuses upon oral communication as a tool for doing the work of social life. It considers the reasons why people communicate, the methods they use to communicate and the consequences of their interaction. It also covers the modes and technologies of communication (mass-mediated, computer-mediated, spoken, written, non-verbal), the contexts and settings of communication (cultures, organizations, institutions, groups, families, interpersonal relationships); how communication skills are acquired; how communication shapes societies and cultures; and related topics. Speech communication establishes means with which to understand, evaluate, and improve the process of human communication and to balance practical application, criticism, and theory. This enables students to analyze and evaluate their own as well as others’ communicative behavior. It allows them to become more effective communicators in their personal and professional lives.

Telecommunications (Multimedia)

The program prepares communication professionals to have the multidisciplinary perspectives to effectively produce and manage content for a variety of digital media. A program in Telecommunications is designed to provide students with the professional skills needed to advance a successful career in telecommunications. The program combines fresh, innovative, and cutting-edge technical courses with management, regulatory, and public policy instruction—creating a telecommunications professional who is technically savvy, business-minded, and acutely in tune with the policy issues that surround a constantly changing industry.

Graduate Major Descriptions:

Advertising

Television channels, radio stations, Internet sites, and periodicals: there’s certainly no lack of media in the world. And, as everybody knows, the driving force behind nearly all media is advertising. If you major in Advertising, you’ll become something of an expert in advertising principles, copywriting and layout, media campaigns, and media economics. You’ll also hone your writing, presentation, and problem-solving skills. You’ll learn how and why people make decisions and how to influence those decisions. Behind all the cool slogans, Advertising is really about understanding what motivates people to buy a product, or use a service, or support a cause. Advertising is an overwhelmingly project-oriented major. You’ll spend much time looking at ads, talking about them, and criticizing them. However, you’ll mostly learn about Advertising by doing Advertising. You’ll develop concepts and portfolios. You’ll create sales presentations and come up with ads designed to motivate your target audience. After graduation, most Advertising majors go to work for traditional Advertising agencies, media conglomerates, or marketing firms.

Applied Media Studies

The major in Applied Media Studies, aims to develop media practitioners and communication specialists who can make significant contributions towards the advancement of culture and the humanization of technology as it increasingly becomes the engine of social growth in contemporary life. The specific objectives of the program are: providing the student with varied theoretical frameworks and historical foundations situating the relationship among culture, technology and communication, with emphasis on the conditions of media and experiences of practitioners in a developing country; equipping the student with production skills in the creative, competent and convergent use of different communication technologies; encouraging the student to articulate, design and present new applications of media in various socio-cultural contexts. With these objectives in mind, the program aims to produce graduates who are knowledgeable about the aesthetics, issues and technologies of different media formats and are able to use these media in creative and innovative ways.

Broadcast Communication

This program prepares students for entry-level positions in the broadcast communication industries and it seeks to provide students with the requisite training for future broadcast practitioners who are competent, critical and responsible. You will study the evolving global and local technologies, economies, and powers that affect the way people communicate. The program is focused on how the broadcast media affect the socio-economic-cultural-political life of the people and how these forces in turn shape the media.

Communication Arts

The Communication Arts Program is designed to introduce the student to the media – particularly print, film, radio, photography and television. The specific objectives are: to introduce the students to media history, criticism, and theory, to create an environment conducive to a practical experience of media production, to expose the students to the realities of mass media and to challenge the students to explore the developmental role of media in society. The program aims to produce graduates with thorough understanding of the communication process within the context of man’s cultural and historical heritage. Graduates in Communication Arts can work in advertising agencies, public relations firms, in mass media outfits, television, radio, or print, market research companies, theater companies.

Development Communication

Development communication is a branch of communication theory concerned with applying insights from communication theory to address problems of development and modernization. The aim of development communication is to find strategies for mobilizing people and consequently resources, for developmental goals. Development communications are organized efforts to use communications processes and media to bring social and economic improvements, generally in developing countries. This major focuses on human development and the processes and structures of communication with emphasis on those that promote equity, empowerment, environmental sustainability, and peace and human rights. Development Communication studies undertake training, advisory, and action projects that help build the communication capabilities and resources of people, communities, institutions, and other participants in the development process.

Journalism

Journalism is an important major because it educates people who will be employed in newspapers, radio and television stations, and in other media that exercise the responsibility of informing the public about current issues. Journalism prepares students for professional careers in communications, news and editorial writing, photojournalism, public relations and advertising. An internship in a professional organization in which the student’s skill can be employed is often available. Students learn the discipline of newspaper reporting and editing, listening, observing, double-checking, getting facts right, shooting story-telling photos, designing attractive pages, writing under deadline pressure and publishing a real newspaper.

Mass Communication

Mass Communication is the study of the applied communication processes of the mass media, and the environment in which they occur. Through various courses students develop writing, research and media production skills appropriate to broadcast, audio and video production and direction, and media law and management. Topics courses and practicum experience involve students in the study of technologies such as public broadcasting, computer networks, and cable television. A major in mass communication will prepare you for careers in public relations and promotion, institutional relations, information services, technical writing, newspaper and magazine journalism, radio and video production, or journalism.

Speech Communication

This major focuses upon oral communication as a tool for doing the work of social life. It considers the reasons why people communicate, the methods they use to communicate and the consequences of their interaction. It also covers the modes and technologies of communication (mass-mediated, computer-mediated, spoken, written, non-verbal), the contexts and settings of communication (cultures, organizations, institutions, groups, families, interpersonal relationships); how communication skills are acquired; how communication shapes societies and cultures; and related topics. Speech communication establishes means with which to understand, evaluate, and improve the process of human communication and to balance practical application, criticism, and theory. This enables students to analyze and evaluate their own as well as others’ communicative behavior. It allows them to become more effective communicators in their personal and professional lives.

Telecommunications (Multimedia)

The program prepares communication professionals to have the multidisciplinary perspectives to effectively produce and manage content for a variety of digital media. The Master’s Program in Telecommunications is designed to provide students with the professional skills needed to advance a successful career in telecommunications. The program combines fresh, innovative, and cutting-edge technical courses with management, regulatory, and public policy instruction—creating a telecommunications professional who is technically savvy, business-minded, and acutely in tune with the policy issues that surround a constantly changing industry.