Abu Dhabi University launches new B.A in Mass Communication

Abu Dhabi University’s College of Arts and Sciences announced the launch of a new program in Mass Communication, which will be offered to students on both the Abu Dhabi and Al Ain campuses. The new B.A in Mass Communication, offers students the choice between three areas of concentration which are: Print Journalism, Broadcast Journalism, and Strategic Communication. 

Dr. Nabil Ibrahim, Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University, explained that new program which is accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, was designed based on thorough monitoring of the current and future labor market needs, to provide students with the specialized skills they need to excel in the ever-changing field of Mass Communication. He added that the program aims to equip students with an in depth knowledge of the theoretical and conceptual aspects of mass communication, and enable them to work effectively for a variety of careers in its related fields. “Students will be prepared to research, analyze, as well as write reports and features for print or electronic media, and utilize state of the art digital tools to produce, and package contents for a variety of media platforms, including websites, in addition to understanding the role and impact of mass media in the Middle East”, said Dr. Nabil. 

Commenting on the program’s diverse concentrations, Dr. Radwan Al Jarrah, Dean of ADU’s College of Arts and Sciences said: “The B.A in Mass Communication offers students the opportunity of choosing from 3 areas of concentration: Print Journalism, Broadcast Journalism, and Strategic Communication. The Print Journalism courses incorporate print and online reporting components, which includes news reporting, editing and intensive news writing courses among many others. Broadcast Journalism will qualify graduates to work as news reporters, editors, and directors in TV and Radio as well as news web sites. The concentration on Strategic Communication incorporates courses on public relations, advertising, and audience research components and will qualify graduates to work as speechwriters, media strategists, crisis communicators, public diplomacy experts, non-profit leaders, advertising executives, and public relations professionals”. 

Dr. Al Jarrah pointed out that the Mass Communication program will be offered in English; however media writing courses will be bilingual so graduates are skilled and specialized to meet the demands of any media organization, in Arabic and English. “The program also includes a variety of theoretical and practical courses in audio, video, and digital production. Likewise, e-Journalism, e-PR, e-Advertising, web development, and online broadcasting are integrated into the three concentrations of the program”, concluded Dr. Al Jarrah.