A course as dynamic and creative as a Bachelor of Mass Media or Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication requires an equally innovative institution to nurture and guide students in the right direction. Media is inherently a creative field, where students can’t be confined solely to theoretical knowledge drawn from textbooks. They must be encouraged to explore practical applications, where their skills are truly tested and showcased. This is achieved through active media projects, engaging festivals, and, most importantly, a strong industry-academia partnership that ensures a smooth transition from learning to real-world practice. The College of Journalism and Mass Communication at Dayananda Sagar University excels in this regard, standing out as an institution that not only trains young professionals but also prepares them to meet the intellectual, societal, and industry demands. With its focus on ethical practices, universal human values, and the development of future-ready skills in new media, it has earned recognition as a beacon of excellence. As a testament to the hard work and commitment of the college, we at the Education Excellence Awards are proud to present the institute with the title of Best Media and Mass Communication Institute of the Year 2024.
College of Journalism and Mass Communication, DSU in a Nutshell
The College of Journalism and Mass Communication (CJMC) is an integral part of the School of Arts and Humanities at Dayananda Sagar University. This prestigious institution is one of the many colleges under Dayananda Sagar Institutions, which was founded in the 1960s by the visionary late Sri Dayananda Sagar.
CJMC currently offers a comprehensive 3-year BA program in Journalism and Mass Communication, preparing students for a wide range of career paths, including multimedia journalism, filmmaking, video production, advertising, public relations, social media marketing, media research, radio and podcasting, psychology, and theatre. In the first two years, students receive foundational training across various media modules, while in the final year, they can select an elective that aligns with their interests and career goals.
The college fosters an open, dynamic environment that encourages debate, discussion, and independent thinking. Along with core media subjects, students are exposed to Liberal Arts subjects as minors, in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP), nurturing them as critical thinkers and knowledge creators.
The learning experience at CJMC is both experiential and intensive, blending theoretical knowledge with structured practical work. Each semester is divided equally, with 50% dedicated to theory and 50% to practical assignments, where students engage in skill-based projects. Additionally, students are actively encouraged to attend industry events, interact with media professionals, and take on key roles in intra-university events, such as campus reporters, photographers, video journalists, event managers, and masters of ceremonies.
State of the Art Infrastructure for Impactful Media Education
CJMC is equipped with modern infrastructure to enhance the learning experience. The institute features 60-seater air-conditioned classrooms with audio-visual facilities, providing a comfortable and interactive learning environment. The state-of-the-art studio and media lab are used for recording online education sessions, news bulletins, and interviews, giving students hands-on experience in media production. Additionally, the college is outfitted with DSLR cameras and professional videography equipment, along with a dedicated computer lab for design and editing, featuring licensed software for student use. Students also have access to a canteen, yoga centre, sports, and recreational facilities, ensuring a well-rounded college life. The departmental library houses over 2,000 rare books on media, further supporting academic growth and research.
A Hub of Industry Integration and Global Partnerships
CJMC stands out as the only media college in India to be a member of the prestigious ‘Global Communications Project and Symposium,’ joining 13 other renowned global universities. The college fosters strong connections between its students and well-placed alumni, many of whom work in top media organizations both in India and abroad. These alumni are encouraged to regularly engage with students, providing valuable insights and guidance.
In addition to its accomplished faculty, which includes senior media professionals and industry consultants, CJMC offers immersive interdisciplinary workshops to ensure students gain practical exposure to the media industry. At the start of each academic year, the college organizes an extensive orientation program, inviting nearly 20 media professionals to interact with and inspire incoming students.
Furthermore, CJMC has established professional student collaborations through Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with industry associations such as PRCAI and PRCI, providing students with training opportunities and facilitating placements.
In the Days to Come
To conclude the overview of CJMC, we spoke with Dr. K. Sai Prasad, the current Dean of the School of Arts and Humanities and Professor at the College of Journalism and Mass Communication at Dayananda Sagar University. He shared the institute’s future plans, stating, “In the next three years, CJMC aims to offer programs in Digital Journalism, Digital Filmmaking, Public Policy, Liberal Arts, International Relations and more, in response to the evolving needs of students globally and emerging trends in the media industry.” He also mentioned, “CJMC plans to establish a Centre of Excellence in Communication, focused on training and research related to global issues.” To wrap up, the Dean emphasized, “CJMC is committed to recognizing and rewarding emerging journalistic talent, encouraging more students to pursue careers in media and communication.”
