The PhD program in journalism and mass communication is a three year program that prepares graduates for careers in academia, research, media, and policymaking by emphasizing research in cutting-edge media and communication fields. The course may occasionally be extended for up to six years.
The eligibility criteria for taking admission into the PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication course is to have a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree in Journalism/Mass Communication or a related discipline with a minimum of 50% of total marks from a recognised university. Candidates also need to qualify for entrance exams.
The average course fee for studying a PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication is around INR 90,000- 5,00,000, depending on the institution offering the course. Some of the reputed colleges are ISBM University, SGT University, K.R. Mangalam University, Arka Jain University, Invertis University, LPU University, Amity University, and Girijananda Chowdhury University.
PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication professionals can work in various roles in the media industry or can pursue academic profession as teachers and lecturers. The average salary can range between INR 5-15 LPA depending on the experience level. Some of the common job roles include Content Writer, PR Manager, News Reporter, News Editor, Senior Journalists, News Anchor, Associate Professor of Mass Communication, Lecturer and others.
Table of Contents
- PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication Highlights
- What is a PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication?
- Why Study PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication?
- Who Should study a PhD Journalism and Mass Communication?
- PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication Eligibility Criteria
- PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication Entrance Exams
- PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication Admission Process 2025
- PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication Colleges
- PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication Syllabus
- PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication Vs PhD in Media Studies
- PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication Jobs & Salary
- PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication FAQs
PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication Highlights
Given below are some of the basic course highlights for the PhD Journalism and Mass Communication:
What is a PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication?
PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication is a research-based course that studies how media, communication, and journalism shape society. The program focuses on areas like print and digital media, public relations, advertising, broadcasting, and the impact of media on people’s lives.
During the course, students learn to analyze media trends, conduct research, and explore communication theories in depth. It teaches them to become experts in media studies, preparing them for careers in academics, research, media organizations, and policy-making.
Why Study PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication?
The benefits of studying PhD Mass Communication and Journalism are:
- The course provides advanced research abilities that enhance the academic and professional comprehension of media and communication.
- It plays a role in formulating new theories, frameworks, and methodologies within the fields of media studies and communication.
- It helps in preparing for teaching and research positions at universities, colleges, and academic institutions.
- It improves career opportunities in leadership positions within media companies, government sectors, or non-profit organizations.
- One can engage in collaborative opportunities with professionals from diverse fields such as politics, law, business, and technology.
- The course will help in developing a profound understanding of how media influences public opinion, cultural norms, and social structures.
Who Should study a PhD Journalism and Mass Communication?
Given below are some of the points on who should pursue a PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication. Let’s have a look at them:
- Scholars wishing to study media trends, journalistic ethics, and communication theories to enrich the academic aspect of media studies.
- Media representatives who want to move their careers to research, policy-making, or teaching positions in renowned universities and institutions.
- Students who are interested in analyzing the issue of digital media, social media, and emerging technologies on society and communication habits.
- Individuals interested in pursuing a career in areas such as political communication, advertising, film studies, or even in areas of public relations that require significant research.
- Students who are interested in becoming leaders within media institutions, think tanks, NGOs, or ministries in charge of communication and media policies.
- Journalists who desire to extend their newsroom coverage to concentrate on creating academic publications, case studies, or media critiques.
PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for doing a PhD Mass Communication and Journalism are:
- A candidate must have completed a Master’s degree in the relevant field, such as M.A in Journalism and Mass Communication with an aggregate of 50-55% marks from a recognized university.
- Many universities require the candidate to have a valid score in national-level entrance exams such as UGC-NET/CSIR-NET/GATE, or university-specific Ph.D. entrance tests.
PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication Entrance Exams
The entrance exams for doing PhD Mass Communication and Journalism are:
PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication Admission Process 2025
For your reference, given below is the step by step admission process for the LPU, Phagwara:
Step 1: Candidates must fill out the admission form available on the university website and register for the LPUNEST entrance examination.
Step 2: Students qualifying the entrance examination will be called for a Personal Interview and asked to submit their research proposal.
Step 3: The candidates will also have to submit the necessary documents for verification.
Step 4: The candidates will be selected based on multiple factors, including score in the entrance examination, performance in the PI, quality of research proposal, and past academic performance.
Step 5: Selected candidates will then have to pay the required admission fee to book their seat in the PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication course.
PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication Colleges
Some of the reputed institutions offering PhD Journalism and Mass Communication are given below:
PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication Syllabus
The syllabus for PhD Journalism and Mass Communication may vary depending on the course curriculum of the institution offering the course.
However, the majority of the subjects are common during PhD Journalism and Mass Communication, which have been listed below:
PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication Vs PhD in Media Studies
Given below is the detailed course comparison for the PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication and PhD in Media Studies for the students:
PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication Jobs & Salary
A list of a few jobs and their salary for PhD Journalism and Mass Communication professionals has been given below:
PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication FAQs
What are the primary research domains in a PhD program in Journalism and Mass Communication?
Research topics, including media ethics, media policies, digital journalism, political communication, audience studies, media representation, and the influence of media on society, are commonly investigated by doctoral candidates in journalism and mass communication. Students can study the ethical issues and how the media shapes public opinion in these fields.
How can a doctorate in mass communication and journalism advance a person's career in the media industry?
A PhD Journalism and Mass Communication can improve research skills and theoretical knowledge, enabling academics to analyze and understand media practices. Also, it opens doors to more senior roles in academia, research, policymaking, or media consulting, giving professionals a deeper level of expertise that can spur innovation in the media industry.
What is the duration for obtaining a PhD Journalism and Mass Communication?
PhD duration usually varies based on the university and the research project. It usually takes three to six years, with the first phase concentrating on coursework and research planning, then moving on to independent study and dissertation writing.
How is a PhD Journalism and Mass Communication distinct from a Master’s degree in the same discipline?
A Master's degree provides knowledge and useful skills, whereas a PhD provides original research and the contribution of new knowledge to the field. Doctoral candidates are expected to carry out independent research, engage closely with existing theories, and generate new concepts that can advance our understanding of journalism theory and practice as well as mass communication.
