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What Can I Do With a Communications Degree?

What Can I Do With a Communications Degree?

If you're looking for a degree that has the potential to apply to literally any subject, discipline or professional setting in the world, communications may be the way to go. From interpersonal relations and professional interactions to mass media and social engagement, communications is the study of the rules, signs, and social structures used to convey and receive meaning.

That's pretty universal stuff when you think about it. From traditional forms of verbal, bodily and written communication to more complex dimensions like internal group dynamics, mass communication and social media, communications intersects with the fields of psychology, sociology, linguistics and even politics. This means it has the potential for incredible depth.

But it also touches on a variety of relatable, intellectually stimulating, and even enjoyable subjects, including news journalism; entertainment production; marketing; event planning and a nearly infinite number of fields that revolve around transmitting, sharing or exchanging ideas, expression, and meaning.

If you already know what you're looking for, go ahead and jump to our ranking of The 25 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degrees in Communications and Public Relations.

Communications degrees are also offered by most two- and four-year programs, so you might be interested in jumping right to the 100 Best Online Colleges, 2018-2019.

If you need a little more information, continue on.

Covered in this article:

Let's start with the one thing you absolutely must be sure of before you proceed: accreditation.

What Kind of Accreditation Should My Degree Program Have?

The last thing you want to do is waste time and money on a degree that won't be taken seriously by future employers. That's why it is absolutely imperative that you make sure your school has the proper accreditation before you proceed.

As with most other higher education disciplines, accreditation is of critical importance in determining where to obtain a Communications degree. Program accreditation is granted by accrediting agencies that are formally recognized by the Department of Education. Only accredited colleges or universities are eligible for financial aid. Moreover, accreditation typically indicates that an institution is not only maintaining its standards but that it continues to advance and remain current within its field. As you proceed in your search, you'll find both institutional accreditation and program accreditation. The former refers to school wide accreditation and the latter refers to the accreditation conferred upon your specific discipline and degree program.

Regional Accrediting Agencies

The institutional accrediting sector is divided into regional and national accrediting agencies. Generally, regional accrediting agencies confer greater credibility and merit. When you’re investigating a college or university, you’ll want to look for the “stamp of approval” from one of the following regional accrediting agencies:

Program Accreditation

When it comes to national accrediting agencies, reputations may vary. In some cases, program-specific accrediting agencies may hold a great deal of importance. Some professions and places of employment will require that your degree has been conferred by a course of study with program-specific national accreditation. This isn't necessarily the case with Communications. This major is traditionally offered as a liberal arts course of study, which means that program-specific accreditation is not required. As long as your college of choice is recognized by one of the regional accrediting associations noted above, your communications degree can be considered of reasonable quality and credibility.

The easiest way to determine accreditation status is to contact your school of choice, or visit the website for any of the above accreditation agencies. Each provides a searchable database of accredited institutions and degree programs. You can also take a look at the Department of Education's database of all recognized accreditors within its purview.

Or, to learn a little more about navigating the tricky accreditation landscape, check out Accreditation of Colleges and Universities: Who's Accrediting the Accreditors?

Now that you get the idea, let's take a look at some of your degree options.

What Kinds of Communications Degrees Are There?

Associate Degree in Communications

The program for an Associate's Degree in Communications will typically require you to complete sixty credit hours, or two years of coursework. You'll learn how to hone both your writing and speaking skills while learning the leading communication theories, the history of mass media, and some of the technical skills required to work in the field. This is an excellent way to get started if you're hoping to ultimately move into a four-year program but it can also be a direct pathway into an entry-level position. For instance, an associate's degree in communications can prepare you for work as a broadcasting technician, a production assistant, or as a copy-editor for a marketing firm.

What Courses Will I Take?

  • Introduction to Mass Communications
  • Public Speaking
  • Digital Media
  • Basic Composition
  • Intro to Public Relations

Most community colleges offer accredited associate's degrees in communications, many with online options. For an idea of what's out there, check out The 50 Best Community Colleges in the U.S.

Bachelor of Communications

The Bachelor's Degree in Communications is the standard degree for those seeking a profession in media, broadcasting, marketing, journalism, or public relations. This four-year degree—typically requiring 120 credit hours—is among the more popular liberal arts degrees, both because of the subject matter and because it can serve as an entryway to a wide spectrum of professional possibilities. In addition to introductory-level education in the leading theories, history, and technical dimensions of communication, you'll have an opportunity to study more sophisticated subjects like interpersonal relations, brand management, and linguistics. You should also be prepared to spend a lot of time working on both your written and verbal communication skills.

What Courses Will I Take?

  • Business Communication
  • Organizational Communications
  • New Media Technologies
  • Technical Writing
  • Media Ethics
  • Current Issues in Journalism
  • Public Relationships Campaign Planning
  • Social Issues in Communication

What's the Difference between BA and a BS in Communications?

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Communication is the standard degree for most students seeking a career that involves writing, marketing, promotions, journalism, or public relations, to name just a few. You'll pursue an education in communication theory alongside a selection of humanities courses. The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Communication focuses on the technology and science used in modern communication and might be the ideal path if you're working toward a future in production, sound engineering or as a broadcast technician.

If you already know what you're looking for, go ahead and jump to our ranking of The 25 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degrees in Communications and Public Relations.

You might also be interested in jumping right to the 100 Best Online Colleges, 2018–2019.

Master of Communications

Because many career paths in communications are immediately accessible to those with a bachelor's degree, the master's degree is somewhat specialized. This is the program for you if you are still working to sharpen your technical writing and presentation skills, if you have a vested interest in conducting more intensive research in your field, or if you aspire to work with an educational mentor in a specific subject area. This is also a good option if you're an aspiring media or communication educator as you may live in a state that requires a master's degree just to sit for a teaching certification exam. The same is true if you hope to become a university professor in the field, in which case, you might also continue on to earn your PhD.

Moreover, a degree from this two-year graduate program can help to strengthen your credentials as you enter the job market. That said, you should be sure that this is necessary for your chosen path before you dedicate the time and money to an advanced degree. In fields like journalism, public relations, or marketing, you might actually benefit more from entering directly into your field of work first. As you move up in your profession, find out if there are specific advanced degrees that might make you a candidate for promotion or increased salary. Some companies will even provide some tuition assistance if you're willing to make a long-term commitment.

What Courses Will Will I Take?

  • Strategic Communication and Ethics
  • Communication Research Methods
  • Leadership and Communication
  • Survey Design and Analysis in Communication
  • Media, Policy and Politics
  • Marketing and Statistical Analysis
  • Digital Culture and Communication

What's the Difference between the MA and MS in Communications?

The Master of Arts (MA) in Communication is the more popular advanced degree in the field and provides a continuing focus on the theoretical and applied use of communication in real-world settings. The Master of Science (MS) in Communication provides a greater focus on scientific research methods relating to the design, analysis and leveraging of statistical data in various aspects of communication as well as some of the technical dimensions of the technologies that drive modern communication. If you're interested in pursuing a career in business communication, some MA programs may offer an MBA as part of a dual degree program. This opportunity will vary by school.

PhD of Communication

As a PhD in communication, you'll focus largely on conducting research and completing a dissertation in a specialized area of interest. Your goal as a PhD in communication is to create research that demonstrates your understanding of conventional wisdom while also adding some new insight to the field. You'll work closely with a mentor on developing this research. Completion of your PhD will qualify you to instruct on your chosen area of specialization—be it mass media, journalism, public relations, etc.—at the university level. You would also be qualified to work for a research institutes, think tanks or public services agencies dedicated to causes like journalistic freedom, brand/consumer relations, and privacy protection.

What Kind of Licensing or Certification Do I Need?

A degree in media or communications gives you a pretty wide breadth of professional options, which means there is no specific professional license that you'll need to practice your craft. That said, there are some cases where certification may be necessary, or at the very least, could improve your knowledge, qualifications and appeal to employers.

Here are a few examples:

Technical Certification

If you're working to become a broadcast technician, find out what certifications you might need to demonstrate your technical knowledge and experience. Today's broadcast profession is deeply entwined with the explosion in telecommunications, computing, and social media technologies. Operating a camera, a soundboard, or a database might require a very specific certification. You'll need to inquire with your professors and professional contacts as you advance in your specific area of expertise.

Teaching Certification

If you plan to teach journalism, broadcasting or other communications subjects in a public or higher education setting, you'll need to sit for the state licensing exam in your state, which will require you to have earned at least a Bachelor's Degree (a Master's Degree in some states). If you are an education major, there's a good chance you've completed a teacher certification program as part of your bachelor's degree. This allows you to sit for a licensing exam. If your undergraduate degree is in communications, you'll probably need to complete an alternative teacher certification program first. Once this is complete, you will qualify to sit for the licensing exam in your state. Some states use a national exam like PRAXIS, while others employ their own licensing examination. We would advise visiting the Department of Education for your state to find out more.

Public Relations Certifications

Public Relations is the perfect example of a field in which special licensing or certification is not necessarily required but could give you a leg up on the competition. The Public Relations Society of America, in addition to serving as the preeminent professional association for PR professionals, also confers the Accreditation in Public Relations on those who pass an examination testing competency in management, ethics, media relations and other key skills. While this certification isn't required to practice your profession, the credential could go a long way with employers or clients.

Whatever path you choose, before entering into a licensing or certification program, be sure that it is awarded by a reputable association or group. Most associations or groups will require you to complete an education program or workshop to earn your certification.

What can I do with a Communications degree?

Your Communications degree can be the key to a challenging and exciting Career in Media, Broadcasting or Public Relations. For more detail, check out a few of the top careers in your field:

What kind of salary can I earn with a Communications degree?

Your earning potential with a Communications degree will depend as much on your chosen path, ambition and ability to stand out in your field as it will on your degree. Many of the fields connected with media and communications offer median salaries within a similar range of one another. Your potential for growth in this field will also depend on your own ingenuity and your ability to distinguish yourself from others once you are within your profession. If you find ways to do this in fields like film production, publishing and marketing, the sky is the limit.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides a quick look at the median salary for some of the most popular career choices for those with a degree in communications. Here's a sampling:

Are There Professional Communications Associations or Societies I should join?

As noted in the section above, your prospects in the field will depend on your ability to stand out from the crowd. One great way to do this is to constantly make and sustain personal connections. Communications is not just conceptually about how you interact with others. It's also the most immediate practical component for advancing your career. Networking is a big part of this profession, whether you've channeled your skills into broadcasting, public relations, marketing, etc. Professional associations are a great way to create new networking opportunities. Look for communications associations that correspond with your academic or professional concentration. Below are a few of the leading associations that you might consider joining:

IEEE Professional Communication Society (IEEE): The IEEE is “the trusted voice for engineering, computing, and technology information around the globe.” With more than 423,000 members in over 160 countries, the IEEE is the largest association concerned with education, standards, technology, research, and conferences relating to electronic communication.

International Association for Media and Communication Research (IAMCR): The IAMCR is the preeminent worldwide professional organisation in the field of media and communication research. Its focus is the promotion of global inclusiveness within “the best traditions of critical scholarship” in the fields of media and communications.

International Communication Association (ICA): The ICA is an academic association for scholars interested in the study, teaching, and application of all aspects of human and mediated communication. With more than 4,500 members in 80 countries, the ICA has been officially associated with the United Nations as a non-governmental association (NGO) since 2003.

National Communication Association (NCA): The NCA is the largest national organization dedicated to communication and works to advance the discipline that studies all forms, modes, media, and consequences of communication through humanistic, social scientific, and aesthetic inquiry. NCA serves scholars, teachers, and practitioners by enabling and supporting their professional interests in research and teaching. Additional membership benefits include access to the NCA's 11 academic journals, its generous set of data resources, and its popularly-attended annual conference.

Public Relations Society of America (PRSA): PRSA is the nation's largest community of public relations professionals as well as a resource where public relations and communication professionals can learn about current issues, news, popular topics and effective strategies leading the public relations industry.

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Now that you know a bit more about the field, check out the 25 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degrees in Communications and Public Relations and find the best school for you!

The Communications Degree is one of the most popular offerings at most two- and four-year schools so you might also be interested in jumping right to the 100 Best Online Colleges, 2017-2018.

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