Career Paths With a Degree in Communication

Career Paths With a Degree in Communication Career Paths With a Degree in Communication Earning a communication degree involves studying how humans create information and share it both on interpersonal and organizational levels. Students who major in this subject will graduate with the ability to present and exchange information- whether it is written, visual, or oral- in an appropriate manner for the audience and context. The communication major encompasses several areas of specialization including: JournalismInterpersonal communicationMass communication: Subspecialties are television, radio, and film;Strategic communication: Subspecialties are health, public relations, and advertisingGames and interactive media designVisual communicationSports communication While communication majors at some schools study all of these topics, some ?allow or even require, their students to have a concentration in one.  Communication is a versatile major in that graduates can take one of a variety of career paths.   Students can earn associate, bachelors, masters or doctoral degrees in communications. Most associate degree programs are designed for students who plan to transfer to bachelor-level programs, but there are some that offer a terminal degree in communications. Masters degree programs focus on teaching communication theory, research methodology and practice, therefore preparing students for academia or the workplace. Doctoral programs emphasize original research and students are expected to develop an area of specialization. Earning a Ph.D. prepares students for academic careers or for managerial or consulting positions that draw upon an individuals area of expertise. Sample of Courses You Can Expect to Take Bachelors Degree Courses (Some of these courses are also offered by Associate Degree Programs) Introduction to Communication StudiesHistory of TelevisionPrinciples of Persuasion and InfluenceRhetorical CriticismMass Media and SocietyTechniques of SpeakingPrinciples of Public RelationsPublic Relations CampaignsMedia WritingAudio ProductionStorytelling for CommunicationsInterpersonal CommunicationDigital Design in CommunicationHistory of JournalismCommunication Law and Ethics Masters Degree Courses Rhetorical TheoryIntercultural CommunicationResearch and Writing MethodsCommunication in PracticeMedia Policy and RegulationRace and MediaOrganizational Strategy and LeadershipStrategic WritingThe Role of Communication in Conflict NegotiationMedia RelationsDigital Media ProductionPublic Relations ManagementDesigning and Evaluating Effective Communications for the WebWriting for MultimediaNew Communication Technologies Ph.D. Courses (some coursework depends on area of concentration) Media TheoryPhilosophical Foundations of CommunicationTechnical WritingEthics for Science and Technical CommunicationMethods of Communication ResearchInformation Needs, Seeking and UseCommunication Research DesignSpecial Topics in Cultural and Visual StudiesNew Media Research Studio Career Options With Your Degree Bachelors Degree (entry-level or one to two years of experience): Public Relations SpecialistMedia Communications ManagerMarketing AssistantMarketing Communications SpecialistTechnical WriterEvent Marketing SpecialistCustomer Communications SpecialistContent Marketing Campaign ManagerMarketing SpecialistMedia Specialist (Traditional and Emerging Media)Social Media and Communications CoordinatorPublic Affairs SpecialistCommunications Coordinator Masters Degree: Senior Communications SpecialistPublic Relations ManagerSenior Manager of CommunicationsCommunity College Communications Instructor Doctoral Degree: ?Professor, Consultant *This list was compiled by searching job sites for openings that require a degree in communications. It includes options for those who graduate with a degree in communications only. It does not include any jobs that require earning an additional degree in another discipline. Typical Work Settings Strong communication skills are invaluable in many occupations which gives those who major in this subject a wide range of choices. In addition to the more obvious choices listed above, including jobs in media, marketing, and public relations, communications majors can take some alternative routes. They typically work in offices but may find themselves in jobs that involve interacting with people in a variety of settings. How High School Students Can Prepare for This Major If you are a high school  student who is thinking about studying communications in college, take classes in writing, speech, journalism, and theater. What Else You Need to Know This major may also be called communication studies, mass communications, strategic communications or communication, and media studies.Some undergraduate programs are accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism Mass Communications (ACEJMC).A bachelors degree in communications isnt necessarily a requirement for acceptance into a masters degree program. Undergraduate students may major in other subjects.Some doctoral programs require a masters degree in communications or a related field for admission, while others require only a bachelors degree. Doctoral candidates must write a dissertation.It can take from four and six years to earn a Ph.D.Some masters degree programs require students to write a thesis.Universities require, or at least encourage, students to get practical experience by doing internships. Professional Organizations and Other Resources Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC)The American Communication Association (ACA)Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC)International Association of Business Communicators (IABC)National Communication Association (NCA)NCA Doctoral Program Guide