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What Can I Do With a Communication Degree?
JAN 28, 2021 TBS STAFF
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A communication degree can help you land jobs in media, including online and print marketing, journalism, and public relations.
Communication majors study mass media, technical communications, and advertising. They learn how to write press releases, long-form articles, and technical documents. In a communication program, students strengthen their writing and communication skills to prepare them for careers in growing industries.
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This article introduces top careers for communication graduates and different types of communication degrees to help prospective students find the best fit for their professional goals.
Top Careers for Communication Majors
A communication degree prepares graduates for careers in mass media, public relations, and marketing. Graduates can also work in fields that rely on strong communication skills, including advertising, politics, technology, and healthcare. For example, the tech sector hires communication graduates to write technical documents.
This section highlights career paths for communication majors, including median salaries, required education, and projected job growth. In addition to these opportunities, a communication degree can lead to other roles that require strong writing and communication skills.
↑ as fast as average
↑↑ faster than average
↑↑↑ much faster than average
Associate or Bachelor’s Degree Required
COLLAPSE LIST
Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technicians$45,510
Projected Job Growth | ↑↑↑ |
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Broadcast and sound engineering technicians manage communication equipment for audio recordings. They work on radio programs, movies, and TV shows, where they operate and maintain sound equipment.
Interpreters and Translators$51,830
Fundraisers$57,970
Film and Video Editors and Camera Operators$59,810
Public Relations Specialists$61,150
Technical Writers$135,900
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
↑ as fast as average
↑↑ faster than average
↑↑↑ much faster than average
Master’s or Doctoral Degree Required
COLLAPSE LIST
Postsecondary Teachers$79,540
Projected Job Growth | ↑↑↑ |
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Postsecondary teachers, also called professors, instruct undergraduate and graduate students in their field of study. In addition to teaching classes, many communication professors conduct research and publish their work.
Postsecondary Education Administrators$95,410
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
What Kinds of Communication Degrees Are There?
Considering a communication degree? Students can earn an undergraduate or graduate degree in communication to prepare for specific careers. Many roles, like public relations specialist or interpreter, require at least a bachelor’s degree. This section introduces the different types of communication degree and the career opportunities available at each level.
Associate Degree in Communication
Bachelor of Communication Degree
A bachelor’s degree in communication introduces undergraduates to topics like technical communication, mass communication, and public relations. The degree uses assignments and projects to strengthen students’ interpersonal and critical-thinking skills while building strong communication abilities. After gaining these skills, graduates can pursue entry-level opportunities in marketing, fundraising, journalism, and public relations.
Earning a bachelor’s degree typically takes four years for full-time students. Transfer students with prior college credit or an associate degree can complete their bachelor’s degrees in less time. Learn more about affordable, online bachelor’s programs in communication and media communication.
What Is the Difference Between a BA and a BS in Communication?
Undergraduates can either earn a BA or BS in communication. In either program, students typically take the same major-related courses. However, the degrees often have different general education requirements. For a BA, undergrads take more humanities and social science courses, and for a BS, they take more natural sciences and mathematics courses. A BA often also requires proficiency in a foreign language.
During both a BA and a BS, students can choose a specialty and pursue internship opportunities. Both degrees prepare graduates for careers in public relations, marketing, journalism, and technical communication.
Master’s Degree in Communication
A master’s degree in communication offers advanced training in public relations, applied communication, and communication theory. During a master’s program, graduate students take coursework in a specialized area, such as journalism, marketing communication, or public relations. Graduate students may complete an internship to gain practical experience as part of their degree. Most programs culminate with a master’s thesis or exam.
Earning a master’s in communication generally takes two years for full-time students, though some programs offer accelerated options that allow students to earn the degree in less time. After completing a master’s degree, graduates qualify for supervisory roles like fundraising manager, marketing manager, and public relations manager. Learn more about online master’s programs in communication and media communication with our helpful guides.
What Is the Difference Between an MA and MS in Communication?
Graduate students can earn an MA or an MS in communication. Most universities will offer either an MA or an MS, but some schools offer both. In general, the two degrees offer similar specialization options and courses, but have different focuses. MS programs focus more on applied skills, while MA programs focus on theory. MA programs may also require foreign language proficiency, while MS programs typically don’t.
Both an MA and an MS in communication prepare graduates for roles like public relations manager, marketing manager, and consultant.
Doctoral Degree in Communication
Accreditation for Communication Programs
Prospective communication majors should research accreditation before applying to programs. Regionally accredited schools meet the highest standards for academic excellence. Choosing an accredited school can shape a student’s academic opportunities and career prospects. Learn more about accreditation and why it matters in our accreditation guide.
In addition to choosing a regionally accredited school, applicants can also research accredited communication programs. For example, the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications grants accreditation to communication programs.
Communication Professional Organizations
- National Communication AssociationNCA is an academic association that represents educators and practitioners who research and teach communication. The association publishes academic journals, hosts an annual convention with professional development opportunities, and offers data related to the field. NCA also hosts a career center, including a job board of academic positions.
- Public Relations Society of America: PRSA is a public relations organization that represents both professionals and students. The society offers professional development programs tailored to different career stages, including the Public Relations Student Society of America. PRSSA also offers scholarships and awards to support students pursuing an education in public relations. It also connects students with internship opportunities.
- American Marketing Association: AMA represents marketing professionals and hosts over 70 local chapters in North America. The association offers marketer toolkits, live webinars, and academic journals to help members to stay current in the field. AMA also connects students with opportunities through its micro-internship program and offers members-only discounts.
- International Communication Association: An international association, ICA has members in more than 80 countries. The association hosts an annual conference with networking opportunities, publishes six professional journals, and offers a members-only networking organization on its site. Students can access resources on academic achievement and professional development to launch their careers.
- International Association of Business Communicators: A professional organization dedicated to business communication, IABC offers educational resources, professional certifications, and a resource library to help members advance their careers. The association also hosts an award program and publishes an online magazine. Members can access best practices resources, learning and career guidance, and the IABC job center to find professional opportunities in business communication.
- International Association for Media and Communication ResearchIAMCR promotes research and encourages emerging scholars. The association publishes global handbooks in media and communication, journals for its section and working groups, newsletters, and a book series. Members can also attend conferences to network with other communication researchers. IAMCR awards travel and research grants for members.
- Association for Women in CommunicationsAWC represents women working in communication fields. The association promotes networking opportunities through local chapters and national meetings. Members may also participate in professional development webinars, access resources on salary negotiation, and pursue leadership opportunities through AWC. The association offers awards for members and hosts an online job board.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Communication a Good Major?
A communication degree builds strong writing, interpersonal, and critical-thinking skills. Communication majors can specialize their degrees by concentrating in journalism, technical writing, mass communication, or public relations.
What Can I Do With a Major in Communication Studies?
Is Communication an Easy Major?
Are Communication Majors in Demand?
How Much Do Communication Majors Make?
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Learn more, do more.
More topic-relevant resources to expand your knowledge.TBS STAFFMedia and Communication CareersThe media/news industry has an array of rewarding careers for dedicated professionals with good communications skills. If you are interested in pursuing a career in media, we have information on salary, employment growth, training, education, and more.TBS STAFFWhat Can You Do With a Journalism Degree?Quality journalism is an essential function of a free society and a journalism degree gives you the tools to research, analyze, and communicate important news, findings, and stories while connecting with your audience. Journalism jobs includes working for news outlets or as an editor. Learn all about journalism salaries, journalism careers, and journalism degrees here.TBS STAFFThe 19 Best Online Bachelor’s in Public Relations ProgramsFind the best, fully accredited online bachelor’s in public relations degree for you and learn the critical role that public relations expertise can play in growing and maintaining a business.
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https://www.youtube.com/embed/wHUk3W0WIYkCore Courses and Topics in Communications
- Theories of Human Communication
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- Advanced Television Production
- Broadcast News
- Advanced Video Editing
- Media Programming
- Communication Law
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