Does UMass Global Have an Online Communications Degree?

Knowing how to communicate is an essential skill for every working adult in today's world.

While this skill can be picked up and improved over time, there are also degrees that focus on communicating with others and using different forms of communication in the workplace.

UMass Global has an online communications degree available for students who want to learn how to turn communication skills into a profitable career.

Find out everything you need to know to successfully earn a UMass Global online communications degree and start a fulfilling, lifelong public-facing career today.

Everything You Need to Know About the UMass Global Online Communications Degree

Students can complete a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in communications and media entirely online at the University of Massachusetts Global campus.

This degree is a 120 credit hour program that provides students with the interdisciplinary liberal arts foundation and communications specialization they need to thrive in both media-specific roles and in everyday corporate positions in a variety of industries.

A strong general education foundation includes subjects like writing and social science. Students will take 42 credit hours worth of communications-specific courses.

Students can choose between 12 different communications, media, and psychology electives, and will be taking six classes that make up a media minor as part of their degree.

Students in this program are able to learn how to create compelling stories to engage consumers and stakeholders across multiple forms of media simultaneously and use multimedia tools and techniques,

They will learn to interpret and explain data in easy-to-understand, impactful ways, and create and use communications strategies that are considered for a culturally diverse global audience.

When students graduate from this online program, they'll have all the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in careers in digital marketing, social media, journalism, public and media relations, sales, and project management.

The tuition cost for this program is estimated at $500 per credit hour, but anyone interested in the program should speak to an advisor or use UMass Global's cost estimator tool to find out the exact cost for their unique degree program.

Skills That Successful Graduates Will Develop During Their Online Communications Degree Program

Communication is a skill of its own - the ability to hold verbal or written discussions and change your tone or style of writing based on the situation you're currently in is a valuable skill for anyone working in a business or interacting with others regularly.

But while that's the main skill that the UMass Global online communications degree teaches, it's not the only one.

Other important skills that communications degree students are able to develop or improve on during their BA in communications and media include:

• public speaking
• collaboration
• leadership
• research
• creativity
• data analysis
• time management
• organization
• problem-solving

While all of these skills can help students in communications-related positions, they're also great marketable skills for all kinds of other positions, such as management, sales, or any public-facing job in a company.

They're also great skills for today's up-and-coming business leaders, who will need to rely heavily on communication and cooperation to get their jobs done.

Careers You Can Pursue With a Communications Degree

Now that you know what you'll learn during your program and what skills you'll need to succeed in your classes and career, here are some of the top positions you can pursue as a graduate of a UMass Global online communications degree program.

Here are some of the top jobs you'll thrive in if you have a communications major:

• public relations
• copywriting
• social media management
• journalism
• marketing coordination
• event planning
• human resources

Many of these jobs are centered around creating content for the media, managing the reputation of a company among the public, or managing people and products to ensure the company runs smoothly on multiple fronts.

People with communications degrees also tend to be well-suited for management positions in departments ranging from sales and public relations to human resources and content editing because of the skill overlap between leadership and communications degrees.

Tips To Help You Make the Most Out of Your Communications Degree

When your education and general skills just aren't enough to help you get the job you want right after graduation, here are some tips for things you can do while you're still completing your program that will give you a leg up in your job search.

Get Into Clubs, Organizations, and Internships

Participating in student-run organizations related to your major will let you put the skills you're learning into practice while making networking connections through your fellow students that can help you become well-known in your industry later on.

Internships are also a great way to do some additional learning and get some real-world experience prior to entering the workforce.

Make Use of Career Adsivors at Your College

Most universities have some kind of career services center or job advisor that you can connect with to learn about local internships and job opportunities.

They can also help you with preparing for interviews, identifying your strengths and weaknesses, and building a good resume.

Establish a Positive Online Presence

Many communications-related positions involve things like social media and public relations.

Show off your skills and connect with others in your industry of choice before graduation by setting up a LinkedIn page or creating your own professional website and social media accounts.

Have a Portfolio Handy

Some of the projects you'll do during your communications degree will make great starter portfolio pieces to show employers your current skill level and achievements.

Make your portfolio now, even if it's just filled with school assignments - you can always update it later.

Broaden Your Career Opportunities with an Online Communications Degree Today

Now that you know all about the skills, strategies, and subjects you'll learn about during your UMass Global online communications degree, as well as what jobs you'll have the most success in after graduation, it's time to start your online communications degree program.