What Can You Do with a Communications Major?
The first question you may be asking yourself is, exactly what is a communications major? A communications major is outlined to teach students the various methods of effective communication and how to apply it to different professional fields. Communications degree programs provide students with a broad spectrum of training that allows them to pursue careers in fields such as advertising, human resources, journalism, and music production. Although many communications programs are offered on-campus, it's possible to earn a degree in this field of study online. Whether available on-site or online, most communications majors offer different tracks of study that allow students to focus their education in such areas as:
- Broadcasting
- Media graphics
- Sports reporting
- Video journalism
- Visual communications
- Web design
- Written journalism
Students in this major are expected to learn how to communicate effectively for a multitude of audiences, develop analytical skills, provide information ethically, and conduct research.
Communications Degree: Types
Communications is most often offered as an associate's or bachelor's degree program. While advanced degrees exist in communications, graduate students often choose a specific topic of communications relating to the field in which they'd like to work, such as public relations. These programs are, therefore, more focused than an undergraduate major.
Majoring in communications may include completing an internship. These internships could be at local media sources or other businesses. These important real-world experiences allow students to explore the question of 'what can I do with a communications degree' and provide a smooth transition into a career after graduation.
What Do Communications Majors Do After Graduation?
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There are multiple exciting and fulfilling options for what to do with a communications degree. Students who have graduated from a communications degree program can pursue careers in the following fields:
- Advertising
- Business
- Education
- Film
- Human resources
- International relations
- Journalism
- Law
- Music production
- Social work
- Sociology
- Television
| Jobs | Educational Requirements | Job Outlook (2019-2029) | Median Salary (2019) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advertising | Bachelor's Degree | 6% (faster than average) | $135,900 |
| Business (News Analyst) | Bachelor's Degree | -11% (decline) | $46,270 |
| Education (Health Educator) | Bachelor's Degree | 13% (much faster than average) | $46,910 |
| Film (Video Editor) | Bachelor's Degree | 18% (much faster than average) | $59,810 |
| Human Resources (Manager) | Bachelor's Degree | 6% (faster than average) | $116,720 |
| International Relations (Translator) | Bachelor's Degree | 20% (much faster than average) | $51,830 |
| Journalism (Editor) | Bachelor's Degree | -7% (decline) | $61,370 |
| Law (Paralegal) | Associate's Degree | 10% (much faster than average) | $51,740 |
| Music Production (Director) | Bachelor's Degree | 10% (much faster than average) | $74,420 |
| Social Work | Bachelor's Degree | 13% (much faster than average) | $50,470 |
| Sociology (Market Research Analyst) | Bachelor's Degree | 18% (much faster than average) | $63,790 |
| Television (Producer) | Bachelor's Degree | 10% (much faster than average | $74,420 |
- Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Let's look at some jobs for communications majors in more detail.
Advertising
Advertising is an exciting potential option for communications majors. Those working in this field typically help sell advertising space on radio, television, the Internet, and in print media. In 2019, the median annual salary for an advertising sales agent was $53,310 according to the BLS.
Business
Those with a communications degree and an interest in business and finance can develop a career as a business reporter. These positions report on issues of the field, industry, and the economy. Business reporters must develop effective relationships with business insiders and be able to convey business-related information to the public clearly and simply.
Education
Communication is a major component to effective education. A key skill of this work is being able to understand and perceive the attitude and ability of those wishing to learn. This field allows further opportunity in choosing what topic you wish to instruct; one such example is a health educator who develops workshops and seminars or web content to best serve clients. A health educator median salary is $55,220/year as of 2019, according to the BLS.
Human Resources
Communications majors also might choose to enter the human resources field. This career path is meant for individuals who'd like to help businesses recruit, train, and retain effective employees. As of 2019, human resource managers made a median annual salary of $116,720 based on BLS figures.
International Relations
A career in international relations with a communications major offers many exciting options. Those pursuing this path understand how crucial effective communication is to globalization and creating relationships across multiple cultures. Some careers available in this field are Translators or Interpreters, Cultural Advisors in education, government, and healthcare, or International Business Consultants that help firms succeed overseas.
Journalism
If a student pursues journalism, he or she may be able to work as a reporter, editor, or copy editor for a media organization, such as a newspaper or television station. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for reporters and correspondents was $46,270 in 2019.
Law
While most people pursuing a passion in law do so with a designated law degree, a communications degree can open up the possibility of a an administrative and organizational role. Jobs such as a paralegal or legal secretary are excellent options for communications majors with an interest in law. One can work for civil and criminal courts or governmental or independent law firms.
Music Production
A communications major who opts to specialize in music production could find several roles in the music industry available to them. These include artist manager, producer, and music promoter. The BLS noted that agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes make a median annual salary of $66,040 as of 2018.
Social Work
Careers in social work and human services can be rewarding and exciting. Those who possess an ability to communicate clearly can succeed in this field by connecting and interacting with clients, as well as having a clear understanding of social processes, ideas, and concepts. According to BLS in 2019, social workers make a median salary of $50, 470/year.
Television
If you are interested in a career in television and possess a communications degree, you can pursue options such as a news correspondent, television producer, film and video editor, TV promotions manager, or a broadcast operations manager. The options for communications majors in television are bountiful and job outlook reports are generally positive, as television is one of the leading platforms which information is shared. Best Value Schools reports Film and Video Editors will see an 18% increase in hiring growth by 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a communications major do?
Your options are pretty endless. This article outlines a variety of different fields one can work in, as well as specific job details. If none of these look interesting, you can research how best to incorporate your ability to communicate effectively into your passion.
Do I need a master's degree in Communications?
There are some careers where a Master's in Communication will be beneficial and enable greater hiring potential. However, this path may be constructive only after one has a successful job utilizing their communications degree. A masters is not necessary to secure a great introductory level communications job.
What is a communications degree?
The general communications degree definition is a degree that teaches students how to communicate efficiently. A communications degree ensures that the holder is able to inform and educate audiences through both verbal and nonverbal messages. The options for a career in communications are relatively endless and allow you to combine your skills of communication with whatever you are passionate about.
