It may be the case that you are considering a communications degree, such as a degree in advertising or public relations. But before you jump into this major and invest your time and money in it, there are some factors to keep in mind.
Reasons to Consider:
- Income potential: Some careers requiring communications degrees may lead to higher incomes than other careers with similar education requirements.
- Knowledge of different formats: Understanding how different forms of media work can help you understand how words, pictures, sound waves, and text messages work together to create messages for clients.
- Degree opportunities: The Communications program typically has more job opportunities than many other majors with similar education requirements.
- Degree flexibility: You can often find jobs in fields like technical writing, advertising, public relations, and journalism with a degree in communications.
What can I do with a Communications degree?
Basically, any job that requires an individual to communicate ideas, information, and presentations would be an area where a communication degree would allow you to excel. This includes careers like technical writing, advertising, public relations, journalism, sales promotion, and marketing management.
Many students find their niche in these fields by interning or volunteering during college. By doing so, they learn more about what type of work they would like to pursue after graduation. You can often find other degrees offered along with a communications major at many colleges and universities. These could include degrees in journalism, public relations, marketing, advertising, business, and management.
How does a communications degree differ from other majors?
A communication degree is designed for those who want to move into an advertising and public relations career. Many bachelor’s programs are similar to advertising and public relations degrees, but others are more in line with business, journalism, or technical writing programs.
In general, the field of communications would require work in many forms of media including print, broadcast, and digital. Communications graduates may have expertise in one or more of these forms of media. Some students may choose to double major in another field as well. For example, a technical or business major combined with a communications degree could result in a very marketable and well-rounded individual.
What kind of jobs can I get with a communications degree?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics has provided us with a list of the top ten jobs in the communications field.
The list is as follows:
- 1. Advertising, marketing, promotions, public relations, and related management: 74,700
- 2. Editors: 67,100
- 3. Public relations specialists: 62,800
- 4. Broadcast news analysts: 27,600
- 5. Reporters and correspondents: 25,800
- 6. Technical writers: 24,600
- 7. Public relations specialists: 22,200
- 8. Specialized sales promotion managers: 17,700
- 9. Miscellaneous writers and translators, all other: 13,700
What kind of career opportunities do I have with a communications degree?
Many communication degree holders find careers in any industry where they can use their skills to communicate messages or ideas to their employers and clients. The advertising and public relations industries, for example, are pretty much filled with communications majors.
A career in sales promotion might require knowledge of marketing and advertising or public relations. A career in management could involve both public relations and management. And a career in technical writing might require both technical and communications skills.
How much does it cost to get a communications degree?
Tuition is based on the type of degree program you choose. For example, an undergraduate degree requires about $3,000 per year for tuition plus housing and food costs. An advanced degree generally requires annual tuition of $10,000 to $15,000 per year.
Some jobs may offer additional tuition reimbursement after work hours or in times of high unemployment. Having a communications degree can usually increase your pay as well as your chances of getting a job by increasing your overall knowledge level in the field.
What does a communications degree program look like?
Communication programs might focus on one or more forms of media. For example, an advertising and public relations major might include a course selling in marketing, advertising, and the history and economics of communication. A technical writing degree may cover topics in business, law, and communication.
Courses deal with topics like media development and management, writing theories, and ethics. Students may also participate in internships to gain real-world experience while they are still in school. Students typically will have to take many required classes as well as electives that allow them to specialize their knowledge in a certain area of interest. Students are also required to take a set amount of elective best platform to sell courses online for their degree program.