Is a Communications Degree Right for Me?

What Does a Communications Major Study?

Communications majors study communication methods and strategies. Typical topics covered in the coursework for communications degrees include:

• English
• interpersonal communications
• public relations
• public speaking
• social media
• strategic communications

Some communications majors may apply for internships to gain hands-on experience, but these are not usually a requirement. Additionally, some communications programs offer concentrations, such as:

• business and corporate communication
• digital media
• new media
• professional writing
• public relations

Concentrations allow you to tailor your degree program to your specific career goals.

Why You Should Consider a Degree in Communications

A communications degree can set you up for a number of career opportunities. Below, we've listed some of the reasons to consider a degree in communications.

Communications Degrees Teach Valuable Skills

Learning how to communicate effectively is an incredibly valuable skill that can carry you through both communications jobs and jobs in other fields. Communications degrees teach a variety of skills that you can use every day, like critical thinking, verbal communication, and writing skills.

Communications degrees also offer training that can help in specific industries. Other skills you might learn in your communications degree program include:

• digital marketing
• event planning
• market research
• media communication
• project management

Communications Degrees Can Lead to Roles in a Variety of Fields

The wealth of skills you develop in your communications degree program can lead to multiple career paths in several different industries.

Almost every industry needs expert communicators. With a communications degree, you could work in healthcare, business, media, and more. You can have a communications career at a startup, work for a nonprofit, or anything in between. The opportunities are endless.

Communications Degrees Let You Be Creative

Many career paths don't allow for workers to use their creative sides, but communications isn't one of them. Communications careers generally require creative thinking and creative solutions.

For example, you may need to think of a creative digital marketing campaign or a creative way to word a press release strategically. You might need creative inspiration to plan an event or write a technical manual in a way that's easy to understand. Communications is truly a field where you can get your creative juices flowing.

Communications Degrees Can Lead to Careers in a Growing Field

Many communications careers are expected to grow over the next decade or so. This means that as a communications graduate, you can expect more job stability than in other industries, though many factors play a role.

While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn't offer statistics for all communications careers, it shows a positive trend for many. Growth is expected in the following:

• event planners: expected growth of 8% by 2032
• marketing managers: expected growth of 6% by 2032
• public relations specialist: expected growth of 6% by 2032
• technical writers: expected growth of 7% by 2032

Communications Degrees Offer Remote Opportunities

A communications career can be a great choice for those who prefer working and studying from home. Although it may seem counterintuitive that a degree and career that focuses on communication are remote, there are actually many remote opportunities in communications.

Many colleges and universities offer online communications degree programs. Online degrees can be great for busy students or for those who want to enroll at a certain college located across the country but don't want to move.

Many communications jobs, especially those in writing and marketing, can be done from home. You'll find that many copywriters, technical writers, social media managers, and marketing strategists work remotely.

Job Opportunities for Communications Degree Majors

There are a number of career options that you can pursue after completing your communications studies. These include:

• Brand manager: Brand managers make sure that everything falls within the image the client is trying to cultivate for that brand and focuses on the company's reputation.
• Copywriter: Copywriters write marketing messages to persuade or educate an audience.
• Digital marketing strategist: Digital marketing strategists create marketing plans across email, social media, online ads, and other digital platforms.
• Event planner: Event planners specialize in planning for occasions like parties, weddings, conferences, and more.
• Human resources manager: Human resource managers manage company HR departments and can work for a variety of businesses in many industries.
• Marketing manager: Marketing managers are in charge of planning marketing campaigns for businesses.
• Negotiator: Negotiators make sure both parties' needs are met during a negotiation, which may be a contract, court case, or even a hostage situation.
• Nonprofit fundraising consultant: Nonprofit fundraising consultants help nonprofit organizations develop fundraising strategies.
• Public relations specialist: Public relations specialists are responsible for creating and maintaining a positive public image for their clients.
• Sales representative: Sales representatives sell products or services and may work in business-to-consumer or business-to-business sales.
• Social media manager: Social media managers are in charge of running a company or brand's social media accounts, such as Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
• Technical writer: Technical writers publish complex manuals and how-to guides and must be able to communicate technical information in a way that a layperson can understand.

Communications Degree: Questions To Ask Yourself

If you're still not sure if a communications degree is right for you, there are a few questions you can ask yourself, such as:

• Am I comfortable with public speaking?
• Do I enjoy writing and putting words together?
• Do I enjoy working with others?
• Do I enjoy learning how people communicate?
• Am I good at reading people?

Because there is such a broad range of communications careers, you don't have to answer yes to all of the above. You can also ask yourself the following:

• Will a communications degree help me meet my career goals?
• Is there a communications career I can see myself thriving in?
• Will the average salary for my desired communications career meet my lifestyle needs?