A degree in communications prepares students for a variety of career paths which include the business world, media, and other professions. During this program, students are taught to communicate effectively to a wide audience. They develop analytical skills, conduct research, and learn about providing ethical information.
What Are Communication Studies?
Communication studies determine the essential elements of human connection, be it verbal or non-verbal. It assesses how people generate the meaning of a conversation in different contexts. This field of study blends multiple disciplines such as health communication, mass communication, interpersonal communication, gender communication, and scientific communication, etc.
Students can choose to get an associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree in communication studies.
What Can You Do with a Communications Degree?
A communications degree prepares students for various fields by teaching them multiple techniques and skills. It is a degree that benefits students across many professional arenas. This program offers multiple areas of specialization, like Public Relations, Advertising, and Human Resources, etc. Students choose an area related to their desired field and gain knowledge. Following are some of the career options for people who have obtained a communications degree:
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
These professionals examine the market conditions to assess the sales of a service or product. They collect data on consumer preferences, needs, and buying habits, etc.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $63,790 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 20% (Market Research Analysts) | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $71,570 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | California | 98,760 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | New Jersey | $91,360 |
Public Relations Specialists
Public Relations Specialists create a favorable image of their organization or client in front of the public. Their task is to maintain it as well. They handle a firm’s communication and respond to queries that come from media. These professionals draft interviews and speeches for the executives of the organization.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $61,150 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 6% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $70,190 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | California | 26,700 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | District of Columbia | $109,390 |
Writers and Authors
These professionals write content for different types of media including blogs, books, movies, plays, and television, etc. Writers can create credibility with readers and editors by using facts, authentic details, and by citing sources.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $63,200 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 0% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $73,860 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | California | 7,840 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | District of Columbia | $103,980 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
What to Expect from a Communications Degree?
A communications degree is focused on multiple aspects. It helps students learn how to communicate effectively by developing various skills. Students can pursue an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree in communications. Those who want to gain additional knowledge in the same field opt for a master’s program. A master’s program helps students choose a specialized area of interest. Overall, this field of academics focuses on written and oral communication, organizational communication, pronunciation, rhetoric, articulation, and interpretation, etc.
How to Choose a Communications Degree?
Consider the following things while choosing a communication degree:
- Choose an accredited program
- Consider the time required to complete the program
- Consider the cost of the program
- Consider the location of the program
- Check if an online program is available
- Check if your desired specialization is available
- Check if there are any scholarships available
Communications Degree Admission Requirements
To get an admission in a communications program, students have to meet the requirements of the desired degree level. For a bachelor’s degree, students need to have a high school diploma, while for a master’s program they need to have an undergraduate program, work experience, and a good GRE score.