Choosing the best mass communications courses for your needs requires deciding whether you want to pursue a degree program or simply take a class to broaden your knowledge, as well as whether you want to take classes in a classroom setting or prefer to take them online. It’s also crucial to figure out how much hands-on learning you want or need, and which courses can help you achieve that goal. If the course is part of a full-fledged degree program and you have options beyond the required courses, you should think about which course will best support your future career goals. The same can be said if you simply want to take a mass communications course to broaden your knowledge and apply what you’ve learned in a different field.
After you’ve decided between a full-fledged degree program and a couple of random classes, think about which mass communication courses teach the skills you’ll need for the job you want. If you want to get a degree in the subject, consider how you’ll use it and pick classes accordingly. For example, if you want to work as a broadcaster in front of the camera, you’ll probably need to take classes in writing and reporting for television. Classes in video production and television programming will likely be more useful if you prefer to operate the camera. Courses on media law may be beneficial to lawyers, while classes on graphic design communication may be beneficial to graphic designers.
Hands-on experience can help you prepare for a career in mass communication. With this in mind, look into mass communication courses that allow you to use the equipment you’ll need in your future job. This could include a video camera, editing software, or marketing materials. If you intend to pursue a writing career with a focus on public relations or reporting, the required equipment may be as simple as a computer. Video editing software and film or television equipment are examples of other items to look for. Whether you need a lot or a little equipment for your job, learning to use the tools while taking mass communication classes will help you feel more prepared.
Class time is another detail that isn’t so much about the quality of the class as it is about your ability to get the most out of it. Even the best mass communications course taught the best teachers won’t help you if it’s scheduled at a time when you can’t attend or find it difficult to stay awake. If you’re having trouble fitting regular mass communication classes into your schedule, consider taking an online class; you’ll be able to watch a webcast of the class or read the notes at any time, though you’ll still have homework and exam deadlines. If you want to get a degree in mass communications, talk to your school counselor about graduation requirements, because taking the wrong classes or too many unnecessary classes can cause you to fall behind.