15 Jobs You Can Get With a Communications Degree 2025

The communication field explains the process of two or more people exchanging messages in verbal or written form. It also explores what motivates us to share ideas and discusses how we can do so effectively in casual and professional settings.

Individuals can pursue various careers with a communications degree as it prepares them for multiple industries. With a communication degree, you can become a journalist, marketing manager, public relations specialist, and more.

Below, we'll describe the communication degree and review the top career paths for students who choose this major. We'll also look at what makes earning this degree worth it so you can determine if a communications degree is right for you.

What Is a Communications Degree?

A communication program provides a comprehensive overview of the field. Students learn communication theories and gain the practical skills to excel in public relations, print journalism, marketing, editing, copywriting, and other specializations.

Students can earn communication degrees at all academic levels. Most people in the field hold a bachelor's degree in communications (Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science). However, some jobs require a master's degree. Students who want to become professors typically need a doctoral degree.

While students can enroll in a general communication degree program, specialty degrees are also available. Students can study broadcast journalism, public speaking, crisis communication, graphic design, health communication, event planning, and more.

Top 15 Career Paths for Communications Majors

Communication graduates can find great careers in the field. They can become reporters, media managers, or technical writers. They can also take less traditional careers as fundraisers or art directors. Below, we'll look at the top 15 career opportunities for students with communication degrees.

1. Public Relations Specialist

A public relations specialist manages public and media relations on behalf of an organization. They manage the organization's public image and share messages the business wants to relay via press releases and other media platforms.

PR specialists also maintain relationships between organizations and their employees. They're typically skilled in crisis communication and devise strategies to manage public challenges (e.g., company scandals).

2. Journalist or Reporter

A journalist or reporter keeps track of current events and reports them via print publications, broadcast media, and digital platforms. They might report local news or deliver stories on regional, national, or global events. Journalists and reporters are diligent researchers with strong written and verbal communication skills.

3. Advertising or Marketing Manager

Advertising and marketing managers create and share persuasive messages to the public, often to sell products or services on behalf of businesses. They might develop billboards, social media ads, and broadcast and print ads; they may also use marketing strategies to design and implement marketing campaigns.

Advertising managers typically oversee a team of specialists and ensure messages delivered to the public align with the organization's brand.

4. Corporate Communications Manager

Corporate communications managers oversee an organization's external communications based on brand guidelines. They typically manage a team of communication professionals who deliver company messages via social media, websites, and press releases.

Managers also oversee and devise strategies to improve internal communications.

5. Broadcasting and Media Production

Individuals in broadcasting and media production combine writing and visuals to deliver messages to the public. They might work for news publications, blog sites, or public relations firms. They commonly produce traditional video programs and work with interactive, social, mobile, online, and print media.

6. Social Media Manager

A social media manager oversees campaigns on social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. They develop audience-facing content and regularly engage with followers. These managers also analyze performance metrics to determine the best communication strategies to connect with audiences.

7. Content Strategist

A content strategist determines the best ways to deliver brand and marketing messages for organizations. They create website, social media, advertising, and blog content that helps a business stand out from the pack — whether it wants to position itself as an expert in the industry or a leading product or service provider. Strategists have strong market research expertise and quality writing skills.

8. Digital Media Marketing Specialist

A digital media marketing specialist translates a company's goals into successful marketing campaigns. They research competitor products, market prices, and current trends in advertising to determine the best marketing strategies. Specialists also develop and publish marketing projects and analyze campaign results.

9. Podcast Producer

A podcast producer brings a podcast to life. They create podcast show ideas, research and write scripts, interview contributors, and record episodes. They might also manage editing and engineering tasks.

Producers typically work closely with the podcast host to create the best programs. Once completed, producers often upload and promote the podcast online.

10. Event Planner

Event planners manage events for private clients and large organizations. They plan all aspects of events and ensure they are properly executed.

Planners find event locations, send out invitations, plan menus, and manage seating and security. They must have good communication, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills to meet each client's expectations.

11. Human Resources Specialist

A human resources specialist plays a huge role in recruiting and training employees for nonprofit and for-profit organizations. These specialists must have effective communication skills to articulate to job prospects the benefits of joining a company.

HR specialists often attend job fairs and recruiting events. They have a quality grasp of an organization's mission, vision, and brand.

12. Technical Writer

Technical writers are skilled at writing complicated information in technical industries like engineering, healthcare, IT, and computer science. They might write how-to guides or create supporting content for services and products. Technical writers could also interview product developers and create animations or graphics to illustrate content.

13. Public Affairs Specialist

Public affairs specialists are commonly associated with the federal government and military. They establish and maintain communication between federal agencies and the general public.

Specialists advise an agency on the potential public reaction to a proposed policy. They also ensure communication procedures are followed when delivering policy decisions.

14. Sales Representative

Sales representatives are responsible for finding prospective clients and building and maintaining long-term business relationships. They must have strong communication skills and know their target audience.

Representatives should also understand the brand and products to deliver clear, convincing sales pitches sharing the benefits of working with an organization.

15. Copywriter

Copywriters create engaging content for various media platforms. They might write content for an organization's advertising campaigns or deliver marketing communications for agencies. Copywriters can benefit from having well-rounded knowledge of different writing styles for the digital and print industries.

Is a Communications Degree Worth It?

A communication degree can be worth the time and effort needed to earn it. You'll gain a strong background in writing, editing, storytelling, broadcast, and other communication studies. You can also qualify for entry-level positions or higher-level communication jobs after graduating.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), plenty of job openings are expected from 2023 to 2033. Media and communication occupations could see about 109,000 openings annually over this period. The average salary for media and communication workers was higher than for all occupations in May 2023.

Start Your Communications Career Today

Take the next step toward an exciting communications career by exploring the degree programs listed on Learn.org. Contact one of the schools directly to find out how their programs can help you achieve your career goals.