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Department of Journalism and Communication

The Department of Journalism and Communication, established under the College of Social Sciences and Humanities, was founded to address the growing demand for skilled media and communication professionals.


Department of Journalism and Communication

The Department of Journalism and Communication, established under the College of Social Sciences and Humanities, was founded to address the growing demand for skilled media and communication professionals. Since its inception, the department has been committed to delivering high-quality education and training in journalism and communication. It provides both undergraduate and postgraduate programs that combine theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and ethical standards essential for careers in the media and communication industries. Programs are offered in both regular and weekend modalities, creating flexible learning opportunities for diverse groups of students, including working professionals.

List of programs offered in each department

1

Undergraduate

  • BA in Journalism and Communication

2

Masters or Specialisations

  • MA in Journalism and Mass Communication

Graduate profile of each program

Knowledge and Understanding

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

  • Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of media theories, models of communication, and their application in different contexts.
  • Understand the historical evolution of journalism and media systems globally and within African and Ethiopian contexts.
  • Analyse media institutions, ownership structures, and their impact on content, policy, and public discourse.
  • Understand media laws, freedom of expression, and legal frameworks governing communication practices, including copyright, defamation, and access to information.
  • Examine the role of media in peace-building, conflict resolution, and democratic processes.
  • Understand audience theories and media effects in both traditional and digital environments.
  • Analyse global communication flows, media globalisation, and the political economy of media.
  • Explore intersections of media with gender, identity, culture, and power in multicultural and multilingual societies.
  • Assess the impact of emerging technologies, such as AI, data journalism, and algorithmic content delivery, on media practices.
Professional Skills
  • Apply professional skills in news writing, investigative reporting, feature writing, and editorial commentary.
  • Produce content for diverse media platforms including newspapers, radio, television, websites, podcasts, blogs, and social media.
  • Use multimedia tools to plan, shoot, edit, and distribute video and audio content.
  • Design and manage digital and print publications using software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or equivalent.
  • Conduct interviews, field reporting, and community-based storytelling with cultural and contextual sensitivity.
  • Develop strategic communication plans for organisations, campaigns, or development projects.
  • Create and manage content for organisational communication, branding, and advocacy in corporate and non-profit sectors.
  • Manage media projects, newsrooms, or communication campaigns from planning to evaluation.
  • Critically evaluate media messages, visual content, and communication strategies using ethical, rhetorical, and semiotic approaches.
  • Use social media analytics, SEO principles, and digital metrics to enhance content visibility and engagement.
Ethical and Social Responsibility
  • Uphold media ethics, accuracy, fairness, and accountability in all professional tasks.
  • Promote freedom of expression, democratic values, and public interest through responsible journalism.
  • Advocate for inclusive, culturally sensitive, and socially responsible media practices.
Ethical and Social Responsibility
  • Uphold media ethics, accuracy, fairness, and accountability in all professional tasks.
  • Promote freedom of expression, democratic values, and public interest through responsible journalism.
  • Advocate for inclusive, culturally sensitive, and socially responsible media practices.

Potential employers of graduates from the program

Graduates of the BA in Journalism and Communication and MA in Journalism and Mass Communication programs can pursue careers in a variety of sectors, including:
  • Print, broadcast, and online journalism – newspapers, radio stations, television channels, and digital news platforms.
  • Public relations and corporate communication – managing internal and external communications for private companies, NGOs, and government institutions.
  • Media research and analysis – conducting audience studies, media content analysis, and communication strategy assessments.
  • Communication consultancy – advising organisations on strategic communication, branding, and media engagement.
  • Content creation and digital media – producing multimedia content for websites, social media, podcasts, and other digital platforms.
  • Government and NGO communication offices – serving as information officers, communication specialists, or advocacy coordinators.
  • Academia and media policy institutions – teaching, research, and policy advisory roles in universities, research centres, and regulatory bodies.