What is a communication degree?

A communication degree focuses on the study of digital, print, and electronic communication as well as rhetoric and public speaking. Certain programs provide concentrations in sales, marketing, or communication theory.

What is a high-paying job with a communication degree?

Business communication roles tend to pay higher-than-average in this field. Examples include: Director of marketing Chief marketing officer Director of corporate communications Public relations director Vice president of communications Public affairs consulting

What skills will you learn in a communication degree program?

Many programs explore public or professional rhetoric skills and provide concentrations in areas such as theory, media, marketing, and journalism. Often, these programs require internships or practicums where students apply their knowledge to hands-on learning experiences.

What can you do with a communication degree?

By: Nancy Finney, Edited by: Luke Daugherty

Published: February 6, 2025

If you love people, collaborating, and being creative, a communication degree could be a perfect fit for you. Careers in communication span a wide range of fields, including education, marketing, public relations, human resources, and more. Read on to find the best degree pathway for your career goals.

Find the right communication degree for you

Fortunately, you'll find communication degrees at all levels of higher education with different emphases or concentrations. Ensure that any program you pursue holds accreditation from the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC). This accreditation ensures that your program meets certain quality standards.

An associate degree is perfect for those in entry-level roles. Associate degree programs help you develop writing skills and prepare you with the foundational knowledge to pursue new roles and apply to bachelor's degree programs.

A bachelor's degree in communication can help you develop practical and versatile communications skills. These programs typically take four years to complete and require around 120 credits.

If you want to pursue leadership roles in communication, a master's level program can help you to hone the skills needed. Most master's programs allow students to focus on advanced skills and sought-after fields.

What jobs can you get with a communication degree?

Graduates of communication degree programs can explore a wide range of careers in law, marketing, finance, economics, marketing, and more. A broad communication curriculum can help you develop strong foundational skills. After graduation you can expect to pursue roles in public relations, digital media, marketing, and advertising.

Public relations

Those who work in public relations maintain positive corporate images for the public on behalf of their company or organization. Public relations specialists enjoy talking, listening, and writing and often hold artistic or creative talents and skills. They'll carefully craft and compose press releases or represent a corporate or political leader as their chief of staff. In 2023, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that public relations specialists earned a median pay of $66,750.

Marketing, advertising, and sales

Everything sold in the corporate world requires marketing, advertising, and sales. Sales roles incorporate direct selling, but advertising and marketing work deals with the language and messaging used to pitch products. These roles benefit from background knowledge in business communication and current trends. Salaries in marketing and advertising vary, while pay for those in sales roles are often based on commission and depend on your industry.

Digital media

Society's increasing digital engagement provides expansive opportunities in digital media. Digital media specialists include social media managers, website managers, marketing coordinators for digital media, and more. These roles incorporate graphic design, copywriting, strategic planning, and coordination between multiple outlets. Salaries vary based on industry and role.

Frequently asked questions about what you can do with a communication degree

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