What Is a Communications Degree?

An online bachelor's degree in communication trains you to critically analyze information and communicate clearly and effectively. Coursework emphasizes skills like critical thinking, writing, and research. During a communication degree, you study journalism, writing tactics, mass communication and media, public relations, investigative reports, and press releases. In addition to strengthening your writing abilities, you also polish your public speaking skills.

How Much Does an Online Communication Degree Cost?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average cost of tuition and fees for a bachelor's degree in 2020-21 was $9,375 at a public university for in-state students, $27,091 for out-of-state students, and $32,825 at a private university.

What Else Can I Expect From a Bachelor's in Communication Program?

Earning a bachelor's in communication generally takes four years for full-time students. Many programs allow you to shape your degree around your interests and career goals. Some communication programs allow you to pursue a concentration or area of emphasis. For example, if you are interested in reporting, you may be able to choose a journalism concentration. Many programs also offer electives, which allow you to acquire specialty skills without committing to a full concentration.

What are the highest-paying jobs with a communication degree?

One of the highest-paying jobs with a bachelor's communication degree is technical writing, with a median salary of $78,060 (BLS, 2021). Executive communications professionals can earn even higher salaries. However, these jobs often require advanced degrees, such as a master's in business or communications.

What can I do with a bachelor's in communication degree?

With a bachelor's degree in communications, you can pursue jobs in media, journalism, and writing. You can also work as an interpreter or translator if you're proficient in a foreign language. Public relations firms, which span across many different industries, also hire communications professionals to help effectively deliver information.

Is communication a hard major?

Communication degrees typically lean heavily on liberal arts-related courses. If you tend to excel in areas like math and science but struggle in English or writing classes, you may have a harder time completing this degree. Alternatively, creative students with strong writing and public speaking skills may have an easier time completing this degree.

Is a communications degree worth it?

Determining whether a degree is "worth it" is a personal decision, but a communications degree can be useful for many reasons. A communications degree can help you develop stronger writing and verbal skills, which is valuable no matter what career path you decide to pursue. Since a communications degree primarily focuses on how to deliver information effectively, it can be especially useful for a career in public relations, media, or journalism.

Most Affordable Online Communication Degrees

Communications professionals are needed in virtually every industry to effectively inform and persuade the public. A communications degree allows you to pursue roles in fields such as media, marketing, or public relations.

While a degree in communications can be useful for many different career paths, educational expenses can be daunting. Luckily, there are many affordable online communications degree programs you can pursue.

This guide will outline the most affordable online communications degrees and factors to consider when choosing a degree program.

Benefits of Getting a Communications Degree

A communications degree teaches you how to effectively deliver information in a variety of ways.
Along with developing your verbal skills, this degree helps you strengthen your technical and storytelling writing abilities.
A communications degree is highly versatile and makes you marketable to employers in many fields.
Communications majors can work in a variety of roles, such as public relations professionals, speechwriters, or journalists.

The Most Affordable Online Communications Degree Programs

Frequently Asked Questions About Communications Degrees

One of the highest-paying jobs with a bachelor's communication degree is technical writing, with a median salary of $91,670(BLS).

Executive communications professionals can earn even higher salaries. However, these jobs often require advanced degrees, such as a master's in business or communications.