10 Top Double Majors With a Communications Degree

Are you thinking about majoring in communications? Perhaps you've heard that a double major can improve your job prospects and want to know which majors pair well with a communications degree.

Because communications is a broad major, pairing it with a second major allows you to focus your studies on particular career interests. Double majors can also help you develop more marketable skills and improve your chances of getting hired.

Keep reading to find out more about these disciplines.

Communications Double Majors

Let's look at 10 of the best double majors to consider pairing with a communications degree.

English

English degrees provide an in-depth education on English literature, grammar, and writing, all of which complement communications skills nicely. Those who double major in English and communications will most likely pursue a liberal arts career in writing, editing, film, theater, teaching, or a related field.

Public Relations

Public relations is crucial to every business, and it relies heavily on good communication skills. Double majoring in public relations and communications helps students learn to communicate effectively with the general public on behalf of an organization, which in turn can lead to many different career possibilities.

Linguistics

Linguistics majors study languages and how they are constructed. Because communication is an integral skill in any language, pairing these two degrees makes a lot of sense. Students pursuing these degrees can apply them to teaching jobs or various other careers, or they may opt to attend graduate school and pursue a master's degree.

Foreign Language

Foreign languages such as French and Spanish can lead to communication barriers. Those who major in a foreign language learn to break down those barriers, and learning effective communication skills can help them do this. Double majors in communications and foreign language often pursue work as interpreters and teachers.

Business Administration

Communications degrees pair well with business administration and business management majors. By helping students learn to apply communication skills to various facets of the business world, these double majors can lead to corporate success in a variety of top-level positions.

Political Science

Political science is the study of politics, and many who major in this area go on to pursue careers in public service and administration. Having strong communication skills is essential in these positions, so double majoring in political science and communications can prove to be an excellent career move.

Computer Science

Computers and technology have become integral to society. Having strong communication skills as well as strong communication skills can give you a broad foundation of technological and social sciences that can lead to career options in many different fields.

Information Technology

Information technology is sometimes offered as a computer science concentration, but it can also be a standalone major. This field involves protecting sensitive information in digital settings, which not only requires good communication skills but a strong understanding of communication. As such, this major pairs well with communications majors.

Marketing

Marketing and communications almost always go hand in hand. Communications majors teach essential interpersonal and communication skills necessary in advertising, while marketing degrees provide more specialized skills such as how to conduct market research.

Journalism

Journalism and mass communication degrees also pair well with communications majors, providing specialized courses to help students develop investigative and public speaking skills. Double majors in communications and journalism often pursue careers in broadcasting, investigative reporting, and writing.

What Is a Double Major?

A double major is a type of degree program that allows students to complete two separate areas of study at the same time.

These bachelor's degree programs provide core coursework in two majors, while students typically need to take general education courses only once. Any remaining credit hours necessary to graduate with a bachelor's degree are made up by taking electives.

Usually, double majors are completed within four years and consist of about 120 credits, just as single majors do. The only difference is that students will take more core courses and (in most cases) fewer electives to ensure they meet all requirements for both majors.

Double Major vs. Dual Degree

So, what's the difference between a double major and a dual degree? Though the terms sound very similar, they are actually quite different.

Double majors allow students to complete two areas of study while obtaining only one degree. Dual degrees allow students to obtain two separate degrees.

Dual degrees typically require more coursework. For example, students completing a Bachelor of Arts degree along with a Bachelor of Science will most likely have different general education requirements, which will involve additional courses. Dual degrees can also be completed either concurrently or at separate times and places, whereas double majors are always completed concurrently.

FAQs About Double Majoring with Communications

Interested in learning more? Keep reading as we answer some frequently asked questions you may be wondering about.

Can You Double Major with Communications?

Yes, you can double major in any subject, including communications. It's important to discuss your plans with an academic advisor to ensure you take all the necessary classes and complete all requirements for both majors during your time in school.

Is a Double Major with Communications Worth It?

Communications is a very broad major; a more targeted major can act as a specialization, helping you develop the necessary skill set for specific career interests. For this reason, getting a double major with a communications degree is certainly worth it.

What Are the Benefits of Double Majoring with Communications?

There are many benefits to double majoring with communications. These include:

• developing a broader skill set
• tailoring your education for your career interests
• making you a more desirable job candidate
• making you eligible for more specialized careers

Will a Double Major with Communications Improve My Career Outlook?

Yes. Communications majors who pursue an additional major can prepare for the specific career path that interests them, giving them a better chance of landing jobs in their chosen industry than if they only had a communications degree.