Department of Media & Communication Studies

Overview

The Department of Communication Studies at University of Okara (UO), was established in 2019 to cater the requirements of the regional media industry, society and academia. Keeping in view how the advancements in communication technologies have transformed the media industry worldwide, it is imperative that media education within Pakistan must be designed and given in accordance to the modern trends. This is where the UO’s Department of Communication Studies is established to empower the youngsters as well as the practicing media personnel; with the latest media innovations, knowledge about different communication theories, research methodologies and scientific media analysis techniques. The Department of Communication Studies is currently offering four years undergraduate (BS Communication Studies) program, two years Masters (MSc Communication Studies) program and two years post-graduate M.Phil Communication Studies Research and Professional Track programs. Four specializations are offered within BS and MSc programs, which include Print Media, Electronic Media, Public Relations & Advertising and Digital Media. Two month internship in mainstream national organizations is also mandatory part of the BS program.On the other hand, in MPhil program two tracks have been offered i.e. research track and professional track. BS Communication classes have been commenced in fall semester2019 and MPhil Communication Studies in spring semester 2020. Meanwhile, the beautiful location of University of Okara has huge significance, since it has Karachi-Peshawar railway line on one side, and the Lower Bari Doab Canal (LBDC) on another side. In addition to these, the UO shares its boundaries with the Mitchell's Fruit Farms Limited, commonly known as Mitchell's, which is the oldest food company in Pakistan.

Vision

The Department of Communication Studies has a strong vision to empower its students with the recent trends in the media profession, different communication theories, media issues, research methodologies and scientific media analysis techniques. The development of University of Okara (UO) has undoubtedly boosted region’s economic and social development. Therefore, the Department of Communication Studies envisages incorporating modern-day media knowledge, particularly within the local community especially in context of citizen journalism and community engagement.

Mission

The Department of Communication Studies is aimed at producing journalists, media analysts, creative writers, innovative producers and videographers, who will be equipped with concrete knowledge of media approaches, media issues, theoretical underpinnings and socio-cultural settings; making them at par with the contemporary global media industry.

Incharge Message

Welcome to the Department of Communication Studies. The Department of Communication Studies has a special focus regarding practical journalistic techniques; audio-visual production, advertising strategies, public relations expertise, strategic communication tactics and various content analytic approaches. Most importantly, the Department of Communication Studies has recently launched its M.Phil Communication Studies Research and Professional Track programs, which will be highly beneficial mainly to those in the region, who from many years are practicing media field, and were unable to pursue higher communication studies degree. These M.Phil Communication Studies programs will provide these practical journalists with an amazing opportunity to simultaneously pursue their profession and higher studies, without visiting any major city for it. The Department of Communication Studies has extremely qualified and dedicated faculty, having blend of both academic and practical field experience. This competent teaching staff are striving to make this department unique within Pakistan, through consistent research on fresh innovative communication approaches and methodologies, that eventually can be used for students effective guidance.