[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Key Takeaways[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check” marker-color=”secondary”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A communications degree prepares students for careers in media, marketing, public relations, and journalism by developing key skills in writing, research, and digital communication.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students can pursue credentials from the associate to the doctoral level, with concentrations in areas such as technical writing, broadcast journalism, and digital marketing.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduates qualify for roles such as PR specialist, technical writer, or marketing manager, with median salaries ranging from $57,500-$157,620.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-flex] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A communications degree can position you for a career in media, marketing, government, nonprofits, public relations, or writing. It can also provide the foundation for an MBA, law degree, or other graduate program.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Choosing the right communications major is key to making your program work for you. Look for degrees that blend communication theory with hard skills like public relations, technical writing, or audio engineering.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Use our guide below to navigate the ins and outs of getting a communications degree and launching your career.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Is a Communications Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A communication degree can help you land jobs in media, including online and print marketing, journalism, and public relations. Communication majors study mass media, technical communications, and advertising.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In this degree program, you’ll learn how to write press releases, long-form articles, and technical documents. You’ll also strengthen your writing and communication skills to prepare you for careers across a variety of industries.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Types of Communications Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can major in general communication, or you can choose a specialized subfield such as:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Broadcasting: [/hen-ui-text]Learn the storytelling and technical skills required to write, direct, and produce content for television or radio.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Journalism: [/hen-ui-text]Discover how to ethically source and write meaningful stories for print or broadcast media.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Digital Marketing: [/hen-ui-text]Find out how to make the most of modern communication technology, such as social media, podcasting, digital analytics, and online market research.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Technical Communications: [/hen-ui-text]Learn to conduct technical research on complex, specialized topics and then write in a way that makes that research accessible, precise, concise, and accurate.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Communications Degrees: From Associate to Doctorate[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Considering a communications degree? You can earn an undergraduate or graduate degree in communication to prepare for specific careers. Many roles, like public relations specialist or interpreter, require at least a bachelor’s degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This section introduces the different types of communications degrees and the career opportunities available at each level.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Associate Degree in Communications”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program Length: 2 years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Required Credits: 60[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Potential Jobs: Customer service representative, administrative assistant, advertising sales agent[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An associate degree in communications introduces learners to foundational concepts in the discipline. Students study topics like interpersonal communications, public speaking, and mass communications. The degree also incorporates general education courses in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After earning a two-year associate degree, you can transfer into a bachelor’s program. The degree also prepares you for roles like administrative assistant or customer service representative. Some employers hire advertising sales agents with an associate degree, but most require a bachelor’s degree.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Bachelor’s Degree in Communications”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program Length: 4 years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Required Credits: 120[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Potential Jobs: Public relations specialist, marketing analyst, journalist, technical writer[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A bachelor’s degree in communications introduces you to topics like technical communication, mass communication, and public relations. The degree uses assignments and projects to strengthen your interpersonal and critical thinking skills while building strong communication abilities.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After gaining these skills, you can pursue entry-level opportunities in marketing, fundraising, journalism, and public relations. Earning a bachelor’s degree typically takes four years for full-time students. Transfer students with prior college credit or an associate degree can complete their bachelor’s degrees in less time.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Master’s Degree in Communications”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program Length: 2 years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Required Credits: 30-40[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Potential Jobs: Fundraising manager, marketing manager, public relations manager[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A master’s degree in communication offers advanced training in public relations, applied communication, and communication theory. During a master’s program, you take coursework in a specialized area, such as journalism, marketing communications, or public relations.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You may also complete an internship to gain practical experience as part of your degree. Most programs culminate with a master’s thesis or exam. Earning a master’s in communications generally takes two years for full-time students, though some programs offer accelerated options that allow you to earn the degree faster.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Doctorate in Communications”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program Length: 4-5 years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Required Credits: 60-120[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Potential Jobs: Communications professor, higher education administrator[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A doctorate in communications prepares you for the most advanced roles in the field. For example, most communications professors hold a doctorate. At the doctoral level, you take courses in communication theory, research methods, and media theory.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You also take comprehensive examinations and must defend a doctoral proposal to begin working on your dissertation. During the dissertation stage, you conduct research and write an original work of scholarship. Earning a doctoral degree requires a significant time commitment, and most programs require a master’s degree for admission.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What to Consider Before Applying to a Communications Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Before declaring a communications major, consider all your options. You might want to focus on business communications, international or intercultural communications, broadcast journalism, or sports communications.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Accreditation[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You should always [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation/”]research accreditation[/hen-ui-link] before applying to communication programs. Regionally accredited schools meet the highest standards for academic excellence. Choosing an accredited school can shape your academic opportunities and career prospects.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In addition to choosing a regionally accredited school, applicants should research accredited communication programs. The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.acejmc.org/” target=”_blank”]Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications[/hen-ui-link] grants accreditation to communication programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Ensure Your Area of Focus Is Offered[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Communication is a big field. Before enrolling, ensure your prospective school offers the kind of communication degree you want. For example, if you plan to go into public relations, make sure the school offers PR as a major, minor, or concentration within the communications department.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Admission Requirements[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Each university establishes its own admissions requirements. Typically, community colleges require only a high school diploma or GED certificate, while a public or private university may set minimum GPA requirements and other academic or social expectations. Online schools vary widely in what they require from prospective communications majors.Standard application requirements include:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Official high school transcripts or GED test results[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Letters of recommendation[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Standardized test scores, such as the ACT or SAT[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A personal statement or essay[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A resume or CV highlighting experience (graduate level)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]GRE scores (graduate level)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Can You Do With a Communications Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With a communications degree, you can pursue careers in public relations, journalism, marketing, fundraising, or any other field that requires strong communication skills. You could deliver the news on TV, manage digital marketing campaigns, do market research, or teach undergraduate students.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Communication Degree Careers[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]9 Communications Careers[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Annual Salary (2023)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Projected Job Growth (2023-2033)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Minimum Degree Required[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Advertising Sales Agents[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”9 Communications Careers”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/sales/advertising-sales-agents.htm” target=”_blank”]$61,270[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2023)”]-7%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-2033)”]Bachelor’s*[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Market Research Analysts[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”9 Communications Careers”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/market-research-analysts.htm” target=”_blank”]$74,680[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2023)”]8%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-2033)”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”9 Communications Careers”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/reporters-correspondents-and-broadcast-news-analysts.htm” target=”_blank”]$57,500[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2023)”]-3%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-2033)”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Public Relations Specialists[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”9 Communications Careers”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/public-relations-specialists.htm” target=”_blank”]$66,750[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2023)”]6%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-2033)”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Technical Writers[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”9 Communications Careers”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/technical-writers.htm” target=”_blank”]$80,050[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2023)”]4%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-2033)”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Sales Managers[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”9 Communications Careers”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/sales-managers.htm” target=”_blank”]$135,160[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2023)”]6%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-2033)”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Marketing Managers[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”9 Communications Careers”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/advertising-promotions-and-marketing-managers.htm#tab-5″ target=”_blank”]$157,620[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2023)”]8%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-2033)”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Advertising and Promotions Managers[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”9 Communications Careers”]$131,870[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2023)”]-3%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-2033)”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Communications Professor[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”9 Communications Careers”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm#tab-5″ target=”_blank”]$79,910[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2023)”]3%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-2033)”]Doctorate[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Communications Major Salary​[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]How much you can earn with a communications degree depends on where you live, what part of the industry you work in, and what experience and skills you bring to your employer. The following table shows the average salary for communications major graduates.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Much Does a Communications Degree Cost?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), communication degrees cost $11,000-$13,000 per year in tuition and fees at the bachelor’s level.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Ultimately, the cost of a communications degree varies according to where you go to college and what kind of financial aid package you receive. Generally, attending school online at an in-state public institution is the cheapest option, but you might find other possibilities for the [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/affordable/online-bachelors-communications/”]most affordable online communications degrees[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Median Annual Tuition Cost of a Communications Degree[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Degree Level[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Online Communications Programs[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Traditional, On-Campus Communications Programs[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Associate[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Degree Level”]$2,435[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Online Communications Programs”]$1,788[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Degree Level”]$11,324[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Online Communications Programs”]$12,449[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Communications Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How much can communication majors make​?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/home.htm” target=”_blank”]Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link], communication and media professionals earned a median annual wage of $66,320 in 2023, higher than the median of $48,060 for all occupations.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Technical writers, advertising managers, nonprofit fundraisers, and public relations executives were among the highest-paid communications professionals, while photographers and A/V technicians were among the lowest-paid.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can you get a job in communications with a sociology degree?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can get a job in communications with almost any degree. Sociology can give you a good foundation in how groups of people communicate, which can support many communication-based careers.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]However, if you plan to work in a comms-specific field like broadcast journalism, postsecondary education, or public relations, you may want to earn a master’s degree in communications to supplement your sociology major.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is a communications degree worth it?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can find many dynamic jobs with a communications degree, but this major’s highest-paying roles typically go to executives, not technical professionals.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you love working in communications, though, you can build an exciting career. Figure out which field interests you the most and do as much research as you can to determine job and salary prospects.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can you teach with a communications degree?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A master’s degree or doctorate in communications can give you the credentials to teach at a college or university.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you want to be a K-12 teacher, though, you need to earn a licensure-eligible education degree. A bachelor’s degree in communications will not qualify you to teach, but if you already have a comms major, it may help you gain access to a nontraditional teaching licensure track.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Discover More College Resources” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1482,1397″][/hen-ui-article-row]