In the era of social media, personal branding, and rapid information flow, "communication" is more than just language skills—it's about influencing the public, delivering messages, and managing impressions. Mass Communication and Public Relations (PR) are two popular communication majors often confused by students, but they differ greatly in goals, curriculum, training, and career outcomes.
This article will comprehensively analyze the similarities and differences between these two majors, helping you make the best choice based on your interests and future plans.
1. What is Mass Communication?
Mass Communication is the study of how to deliver information to the public through various media channels (TV, radio, newspapers, internet, social media). It covers journalism, advertising, film, broadcasting, digital media, and communication theory.
- Train professionals with communication theory, media production, and critical thinking skills.
- Teach students to produce news, ads, films, and broadcast content and distribute them via media platforms.
- Introduction to Mass Communication
- Media Writing & Journalism
- Communication Theories
- Broadcast & Video Production
- Advertising & Marketing Communication
- Digital & Social Media Strategy
- Media Ethics & Law
- Visual Communication
- Multimedia content creation (writing, audio, video)
- Media platform operation and management
- News literacy and public issue analysis
- Communication effect analysis and audience research
2. What is Public Relations?
Public Relations focuses on building, maintaining, and managing good relationships between organizations and the public. It is not just about "delivering information," but also about image building, trust, and crisis management.
- Train professionals who can speak for organizations, handle media, plan brand image, and manage public impressions.
- Teach how to communicate with different stakeholders, including clients, media, government, shareholders, and the public.
- Introduction to Public Relations
- Strategic Communication
- Media Relations & Writing
- Corporate Communication
- Crisis Communication Management
- Public Opinion & Reputation Management
- Event Planning & Campaigns
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Brand and image management
- Crisis PR and public response
- Strategic communication and media relations
- Maintaining relationships with media, public, and internal staff
3. Key Differences Table
| Aspect | Mass Communication | Public Relations |
|---|---|---|
| Audience | General public (mass) | Specific public groups (stakeholders) |
| Core Work | Delivering information, content creation, reporting events | Managing image, responding to public opinion, building relationships |
| Technical Focus | Audio-visual, writing, platform operation | Strategic communication, relationship management, event planning |
| Professional Goal | Media professional, content creator, editor | Corporate communication, brand consultant, PR manager |
| Crisis Handling | Reporting crisis events | Handling crisis, reassuring public, rebuilding trust |
| Common Platforms | News media, social platforms, video platforms | Corporate website, media relations, client communication |
4. Career Pathways
- Journalist / Reporter
- Content Creator / Editor
- Digital Marketing Specialist
- Broadcast Journalist
- Public Relations Officer
- Media Planner / Buyer
- Social Media Manager
- Corporate Communications Manager
- Brand Manager / Director
- Crisis Communications Specialist
- Public Relations Consultant
- Event Planner / Coordinator
- Stakeholder Engagement Manager
- Media Relations Officer
5. Who is it for?
| If you… | Recommended Major |
|---|---|
| Are creative, enjoy writing, and have a knack for storytelling | Mass Communication |
| Are good at communication, persuasion, and managing public opinion | Public Relations |
| Want to work in media, advertising, or digital marketing | Mass Communication |
| Want to manage brands, handle crisis, or plan events | Public Relations |
| Are interested in news, current events, and public affairs | Mass Communication |
| Want to work in corporate, government, or non-profit sectors | Public Relations |
6. Learning & Assessment
- Theory and practical skills in media production (writing, audio, video)
- Hands-on experience with various media platforms
- Critical thinking and analysis of communication effects
- Group projects and presentations
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving
- Media relations and stakeholder engagement
- Crisis communication and reputation management
- Event planning and campaign execution
7. Recommended Universities & Courses (Malaysia/China/International)
- Malaysia: Monash University Malaysia Bachelor of Mass Communication / Public Relations; Sunway University business courses in collaboration with Lancaster University; Taylor’s University offers various business double majors; University of Malaya (UM) mass communication and public relations highly recognized by employers; Asia Pacific University (APU) strong in fintech, business management, entrepreneurship
- China: Shanghai University of Finance and Economics top in finance and accounting; University of International Business and Economics bilingual courses in finance and international management; Tsinghua University School of Economics and Management top management courses; Sun Yat-sen University School of Management strong in management research
- International: University of Melbourne / UNSW (Australia) world-class in finance & accounting; London School of Economics (LSE) finance and management powerhouse; University of Toronto / UBC (Canada) strong in accounting and business studies; University of Manchester / Warwick Business School (UK) strong in management and finance
8. FAQ
- Q1: Which is better for employment, Mass Communication or Public Relations?
Both are in high demand. Mass Communication is more about content creation and media platform management; Public Relations focuses on relationship building and crisis management. - Q2: Is Public Relations too "broad"?
Public Relations is a generalist major, suitable for those with a clear industry direction (e.g., corporate, government, non-profit). Combine with internships or electives to strengthen your focus. - Q3: Do you have to take ACCA for Mass Communication?
Not required, but for better job prospects, consider relevant certifications (e.g., PRCA, CIPR, IABC). - Q4: Is Mass Communication math very difficult?
Mass Communication requires some writing and critical thinking, not as complex as actuarial science. More about creativity and media literacy.
9. Conclusion
Although Mass Communication and Public Relations are both communication majors, the skills and career paths they develop are very different:
If you value creativity, writing, and media production, choose Mass Communication.
If you love communication, persuasion, and managing public opinion, choose Public Relations.
Remember, there is no "good or bad" major, only what suits you. Understanding your personality and goals is the key to future success.
US 16953 
GB 10766 
CA 9721 
AU 9164 
IE 6371 
BR 5048 
NZ 3007 
BD 1539 
