How to choose a bachelor's in communication
The right bachelor's in communication program can help prepare you for a career working with businesses and organizations to adequately convey their messages to the public.
Learn about what factors to consider when choosing a bachelor's in communication program so you can find the one that best aligns with your career goals.
Guide to choosing a bachelor's degree in communication
Selecting the right bachelor's degree in communication program starts with identifying the key factors. Here are several considerations you'll want to think about while making your decision:
CHEA accreditation
The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) works to advance the “advocacy for the value and independence of accreditation, recognition of accrediting organizations and commitment to quality in higher education." Within CHEA, the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC) has identified 273 degree programs worthy of being accredited as of April 2023.
By selecting a degree program with CHEA and ACEJMC accreditation, it helps ensure quality and effective curriculum that will set you up for success in the communication industry.
University resources
Some schools choose to forge partnerships with local media networks and communications departments within the area. These partnerships may be with TV networks, print newspapers, third-party communications consulting companies, communications departments within government agencies, or communications teams within a private business.
These relationships can provide unique opportunities for students to learn in a real-world setting and may open up channels for future employment.
Alumni network
Advancement in the communications field can often be fueled by your connections. If you select a school with a strong alumni network, you can potentially increase your opportunities to meet someone who could serve as a mentor, recruit you for an internship, or hire you for a job.
Keep in mind that the accessibility of the network is as important as the quality of the network, so look for schools that put on alumni events and provide networking tools to students.
Faculty diversity
The messages you may be asked to convey in your future job may come from a diverse array of industries and backgrounds. You may be asked to share a message from a group with which you're not personally familiar.
By choosing a school with a diverse faculty, you can build an understanding of varying viewpoints on how to approach messaging. This experience may help make you a more attractive hiring candidate and a more effective communicator post-graduation.
Extracurriculars
In addition to the formal aspects of your communication bachelor's program, look for a school offering extracurricular activities that can enhance your experience. These could include a school newspaper, school news program, communications clubs, speaker series, or additional learning workshops.