One of the most diverse academic fields is communication. Degrees in communication come in a variety of forms and concentrate on subjects like social media, public relations, and mass communication. Understanding the various communication degrees that are offered will help you choose one that best suits your career objectives. In this article, we define communications degrees and outline different career opportunities you can choose from.
What Is A Communications Degree?
A communication degree field of study that educates students to effectively communicate information. Students may learn about communication within an organization, between organizations, or between organizations and the general public, depending on their field of study. Numerous career paths can be opened up by degrees in communication, including those as a journalist, marketing manager, translator, or mediator. Depending on their career objectives, students can earn a communications degree at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Types of Communications Degree
The various degree levels available to you are listed below
#1. Associate Degree In Communications
Two years are required to complete a communications associate’s program. As a call center representative, customer service agent, administrative assistant, or technical writer, for example, it prepares students for a variety of entry-level positions. Students in this program learn the fundamentals of effective communication and start to hone their writing and verbal communication abilities.
#2. Bachelor’s Degree in Communications
A four-year program leading to a bachelor’s degree in communications is designed to prepare students for entry-level jobs. Mass communication, technical writing, public relations, journalism, and marketing are some common career paths for graduates with a bachelor’s degree in communications. Compared to associate degree programs, bachelor’s degree programs help students build strong communication skills and study a particular area of communication in greater depth.
#3. Master’s Degree in Communications
A two-year program leading to a master’s degree in communications enables students to gain a deeper comprehension of a particular area of communications. Students in this degree program learn more sophisticated research techniques and advance their writing and speaking abilities. When you want to advance in your career to a managerial position, it’s typical to pursue a master’s degree in communications.
#4. Doctoral Degree in Communications
If you want to work in academia or research, that is the most common reason to pursue a doctorate in communications. In this course, students examine how people interact with organizations, with a stronger emphasis on research and theory. A doctoral program in communications can last anywhere between two and four years, depending on the institution.
Popular Fields in Communications Degree
The following are some of the most popular fields of study in degree programs in communications:
#1. Advertising and Marketing:
Advertising and marketing is the practice of using communication to advance an organization, brand, product, or business. You learn how to use media to communicate with an audience in a degree program in advertising and marketing communications. Social media, marketing strategies, and public relations are typical course topics in this program. Finally, common career paths for graduates with degrees in advertising and marketing communications include social media strategist, marketing, and advertising director.
#2. Broadcasting:
Students who enroll in a broadcasting degree program learn how to create, edit, and distribute media content. Media that is broadcast typically goes out on radios or televisions. Students may thus learn how to create radio content or news reports for television in this program. Additionally, along with learning the technical aspects of broadcasting a production, like how to use editing software, students put a lot of emphasis on honing their communication and storytelling abilities.
#3. Communication Education:
An advanced degree program in communication education is at the master’s level. Students in this program examine how communication and information affect our culture and educational system. In order to eventually teach communication-related courses, the goal is to better understand how education and communication interact. Furthermore, most people who pursue this degree have a bachelor’s degree in either education or a field related to communication. Lastly, graduates of this master’s program frequently look for jobs as instructors at colleges or high schools.
#4. Electronic and Digital Media Communication:
Electronic and digital media communication prepares its students to engage in contemporary communication. This may involve using social media, television, and other internet-capable technology. Students in this program typically learn how to tell stories using contemporary media, like creating news reports for television or videos for websites. Additionally, newscasting, photography, and radio programming are among the professions that graduates with this degree frequently choose to pursue.
#5. Mass Communications Degree:
A mass communication degree is an interdisciplinary field of study that can lead to a variety of careers, from public relations, journalism, and publishing to broadcasting and advertising. As a mass communication major, you will research how the media functions and shapes our culture.
#6. Journalism Degree:
A journalism degree enables students to become news reporters. Students in these courses get practical training in gathering information and crafting interesting stories. They also research various news distribution methods, including print publications, broadcast television, and online video. Writing, research, and journalism ethics are frequent subjects covered in journalism programs. Additionally, a master’s degree program in journalism can help students advance in the field, while a bachelor’s degree program in journalism can prepare students to start their careers in the field.
#7. Interpersonal Communication Degree:
An interpersonal communication degree focuses on understanding how people communicate with one another. Students who complete this program are prepared for careers in human resources, social services, mediation, counseling, and health care management. Additionally, the degree program may offer courses in mediation, family communication, and crisis communication.
#8. Interpretation and Translation Degree:
An interpretation and translation degree teaches students how to translate speech or writing from one language to another. Students in this degree program pick up additional language skills in addition to effective communication skills. Students frequently choose to focus on a second language in order to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree in interpretation and translation. To translate between English and French, for instance, a student might pursue a bachelor’s degree in interpretation and translation.
#9. Public Relations Degree:
A public relations degree demonstrates to students how to interact with the public in a way that upholds a particular brand’s image. Public relations specialists are employed by businesses and private citizens to communicate with the media on their behalf. A company might use a PR manager to write press releases or make social media posts, for instance. Students in a public relations degree program typically enroll in journalism and communication courses like media law, research, and ethics in the media.
#10. Technical Communication:
Technical communication degrees concentrate on researching technical writing, documentation, and online communications. Professionals with degrees in technical communication are in high demand across many industries, including engineering, information technology, and journalism. Additionally, the fundamentals of technical communication and writing, how organizations communicate, how to write well for the internet, how to conduct technical research and other topics are frequently covered in technical communication degree programs.
Skills You Learn As A Communications Major
You can develop some of these skills as you pursue this degree in communications studies.
#1. Communication skills
- Written, verbal, and visual communication
- Public speaking
- Collaboration and teamwork
#2. Research and analysis skills
- Information gathering
- Critical analysis
- Developing hypotheses
- Presentation skills
#3. Other skills
- Observation of details
- Self-sufficiency
- Teamwork skills
- Conflict resolution and management
- Management and leadership
What Can You Do With a Communications Degree?
Effective communication skills will benefit you in almost any job. The skills of graduates with communications degrees are frequently emphasized in these career opportunities.
Digital media has changed the way we communicate and consume information. Social media managers have an average salary of $50,000 and must have a bachelor’s degree in communications or public relations and knowledge of social media platforms and SEO best practices.
#2. Public Relations Management
Public relations is a field that manages the spread of information and messages between individuals or organizations and the public to create a more favorable public image. Furthermore, they make an average salary of $48,000, and candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, or journalism.
#3. Marketing and Advertising
Marketing and advertising are essential for business success, with a salary of $70,000. To get the job, one must have a bachelor’s degree in communications, advertising, or business, and practice writing marketing plans for companies they want to work for.
#4. Human Resources Specialists:
HR specialists are responsible for overseeing employee lifecycles and maintaining company morale. Additionally, the average salary is $47,000, and tips for getting the job include a bachelor’s degree, psychology and HR management courses, and certification by SHRM, or the HR Certification Institute.
#5. Writing and Publishing:
The need for effective written communication has not changed, and a bachelor’s degree in communications or journalism can open up opportunities for jobs in journalism, technical writing, book authoring, or publishing. Furthermore, editor salaries range from $59,000 to $90,000, so it is important to develop your writing and editing skills by working for your school newspaper or online writing communities.
#6. Media
The media sector focuses on communication, with roles in television, film, and radio. Broadcasters earn a salary of $51,000, so it’s important to build experience by volunteering at a school’s radio or television station.
#7. Event planning
A lot of effort goes into making an event successful, including careful planning, strong marketing, and effective communication with speakers and attendees. Meeting and event organizers may work on-site for hotels, convention centers, specific businesses, or event planning companies.
Furthermore, event planners earn an average salary of $41,000 and should have a bachelor’s degree in communications or hospitality management. Boost their resume with a certification such as the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or Certified Government Meeting Professional (CGMP).
Are Communications Degrees Worth It?
Yes, for many students, a communication degree is worthwhile. Jobs in media and communication are anticipated to increase by 5% over the next 10 years. Film and video editors, public relations specialists, and news reporters are common professions in this area.
Are Communications Degrees Hard?
Yes, a communications degree is as challenging as any other major. However, these individuals mistakenly equate this with enjoyment. Regardless of the focus, studying communications is challenging, but I don’t know anyone who doesn’t enjoy it.
What Is The Difference Between A Ba And A Bs In Communication?
The subject matter is where the BA and BS diverge most. While BS degree coursework typically focuses on logical thinking, reasoning, and quantitative skills, BA degree coursework frequently emphasizes critical thinking, communication, and holistic learning.
What Degree Is Best for Communication?
Students who earn a bachelor’s degree in communication are taught a variety of communication techniques, giving them a wide range of career options. Students who earn a bachelor’s in communication are taught how to apply the theory and practice of communication in real-world settings.
Can You Make Six Figures With a Communications Degree?
Yes, communication directors and public relations managers, for example, can earn six figures on average annually.
Is There a Lot of Math in Communications?
No, one of the most popular majors that don’t require a lot of math may be communications. The study of communications will assist you in acquiring communication skills for use in a variety of channels, including verbal, digital, written, and visual.
Is Communication a High Demand?
Communication majors are highly sought-after. One of the most popular degree options for students is communication. The reason is that every successful business has effective communication as the foundation of its operations.
What Is the Easiest Major in College?
An English major is one of the simplest majors and is excellent for students who are passionate about literature, linguistics, and the exploration of language-related history and culture.
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