Is 40 Too Old To Get a Degree in Communication?
Find out if you're too old to start a communications degree at 40. Get answers to related questions about pursuing a communications degree, including how long it takes and whether it's worth the time and money.
So, you're looking to go to college, and you would like to major in communications.
But you're 40 years old, and you're wondering if the best time for you to go to school has passed.
Are you too old for a communications degree?
You're never too old to start college. What's more, a degree in communications is a great choice for people of any age, including those in their 40s.
Ready to learn more? Keep reading.
Is 40 Too Old to Get a Communications Degree?
Going back to school at 40, or attending for the first time, can feel daunting.
Chances are you have quite a few years of work experience under your belt, and you're wondering if you still have what it takes to be a student.
Communications isn't the easiest degree out there; it is an interdisciplinary degree that requires you to analyze where, why, and how people communicate.
But it lends itself incredibly well to many older students.
As a 40-year-old with work experience, you probably have a lot of firsthand experience with communications in the workplace.
You may have written emails, worked on marketing campaigns, or translated for a foreign-language-speaking client.
You have probably also developed a variety of soft skills that will translate into success in the communications classroom.
These skills may include writing, public speaking, listening, resolving disputes, and thinking critically.
Having years of experience to hone your skills and develop your communication abilities may give you an advantage over your younger peers in the classroom.
They will allow you to contribute your unique perspectives to discussions and assignments.
So, you are not too old to get a communications degree at 40. You will have to work hard and be committed, just like any other student; but you can do it.
Discover Accredited Online Programs
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Southern New Hampshire University
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University of Maryland Global Campus
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University of North Carolina
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Arizona State University
Arizona State University offers more than 300 online degree programs, certificates and courses. ASU Online delivers the same rigorous academic programs as on campus, with the flexibility you need to succeed.
Is a Communications Degree Worth It?
If you are 40 years old, the decision to attend school may be more complicated than it was when you were younger.
By now, you probably have work and family commitments as well as bills to pay.
Going to school to get a communications degree will be one more strain on your time and money.
It will take careful financial planning and time-management skills to make it work. Is a communications degree worth it?
There are many myths about communications degrees: that they don't lead to good career prospects, that they require you to be a social butterfly, and that they only teach you how to talk to people.
The reality is that communications is an incredibly broad degree that can lead to a wide range of high-paying careers.
Some of the many job titles you can pursue include:
- Journalist
- Content Writer
- Social Media Marketing Manager
- Human Resources (HR) Specialist
- Event Planner
- Official Translator
- Health Educator
- Public Relations (PR) Manager
The job outlook for those holding communications degrees is expected to increase by nearly twice the national average for all professions by 2031, and the average salary is higher than the average for all salaries.
So, there are many reasons why a communications degree is worth the time and money.
Whether you're looking to make a career change, increase your salary, or climb the corporate ladder at your current company, getting a degree in communications can help you reach your goals.
Will a 40-Year-Old Communications Graduate Get a Job?
Changing careers as a midlife professional is a big decision. You may be wondering not just if you're too old for a degree, but if you're too old to pursue a new career as a communications graduate.
While it's true that many companies in all industries prefer hiring younger college graduates, there are just as many companies that recognize age is just a number.
Many employers recognize the benefit of hiring older employees and understanding the level of life experience and transferable skills they bring to the table.
The important thing, for you, is to convince potential employers that you're a good fit for their business.
You do this by highlighting your professional accomplishments and the skills you've gained through previous experiences.
Include any academic or professional accolades you may have received in your resume, and make an extra effort to reach out to hiring managers and express interest in the job.
You may even want to create a short video to introduce yourself or website companies can visit to learn more about you.
Putting in the work to convince an employer that you're the right candidate for the job is an essential part of landing any role, no matter what your age is.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Communications Degree?
There are various types and levels of communication degrees available. How long it takes to complete your specific program will depend on several factors.
If this is your first time going to college, you will likely complete a bachelor's degree in communications. These degrees typically take about four years to complete.
You may also opt for a transferable associate degree from a community college before finishing your bachelor's at a four-year school. Associate degrees usually require about two years of study.
Pursuing graduate degrees will add additional time to your studies, but these degrees are not usually required to get a job in communications.
So, let's say you're pursuing a bachelor's degree, but you have to juggle it with work or family commitments.
You may be able to complete your degree in four years if you complete a flexible online program, work hard, and manage your time efficiently.
However, many nontraditional adult students opt to study part-time, so it may take them longer to complete their degree.
Studying year-round and transferring credit from past academic experiences can help diminish the amount of time you spend in school.
Depending on the school you attend, you may even be able to receive credit for certain work experiences and certifications.
This will cut down on your overall costs and the time it takes you to graduate.
In short, completing a bachelor's degree in communications requires at least 120 credits.
The faster you complete these credits, the faster you will be able to graduate.
Start Your Communications Degree Today
If you're looking to pursue a communications degree at 40, then don't despair.
You are not too old to go back to school, get your degree, and pursue a career change or advancement.
