What Can I Do with a Communication Arts Degree?
A communication arts degree program will help you to develop your knowledge of communication theories, build strong writing skills and cement your ability to persuade. Read on to see how you can use your undergraduate degree in communications to pursue a career in journalism, public relations, education or a related field.
<h3 id="section---CommunicationsJobRequirementsAndDegreeInformation">Communications Job Requirements and Degree Information</h3>
<p>Communication is the verbal and non-verbal methods by which we communicate and can include speaking and listening behavioral clues, the written word and media messages. Communication arts degree programs prepare you to understand all types of communication as well as teach you how to create and present effective communication strategies of your own. There are many degrees that focus on the communications arts including speech-language pathology, public relations and organizational communication. Depending on your intended career, you can specialize in a number of areas and focus on coursework that is practical, theoretical or a mixture of the two.
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<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutRelatedCareers">Important Facts About Related Careers</h3>
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<table border="1"><tr><th> </th><th> Technical Writer </th><th> Community Service Manager</th></tr>
<tr><td> Mean Salary (2021)* </td><td> $81,470 </td><td> $53,960</td></tr>
<tr><td> Job Outlook (2021-2031)* </td><td> 6% growth </td><td> 12% growth</td></tr>
<tr><td> Key Skills </td><td> Imagination, teamwork, and technical skills </td><td> Interpersonal, managerial, and time-management skills</td></tr>
<tr><td> Similar Occupations </td><td> Editor, Computer Programmer, Public Relations Specialist </td><td> Health Educator, Rehabilitation Counselor, Human Service Assistant</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
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<h3 id="section---WritingCareers">Writing Careers</h3>
<p>The skills you developed in writing and analyzing messages while completing your communications degree program can prepare you for many different writing careers. You can work in the field of technical writing, creating written materials for companies specializing in technology, science or computers. Other careers are available in advertising, editing, broadcast journalism, radio and television. Degree specialization programs for these types of careers include bachelor's or associate degrees in applied communication studies or broadcast studies.
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<h3 id="section---CommunityCareers">Community Careers</h3>
<p>A communication arts degree may be used to work directly with the public. One option is with public relations jobs in communications for for-profit or non-profit businesses. Another option is becoming a speech pathologist in schools or elsewhere, helping people to speak and communicate effectively. You may also find work as a fundraiser, organizing campaigns to earn money for organizations. You could work as a media producer, collaborating with others on the administrative aspects of film and television production. Other fields you can work in include human resources, social services, customer relations and entertainment.
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<h3 id="section---Ph.D.InCommunications">Ph.D. in Communications</h3>
<p>If you have completed your bachelor's degree in the field of communications arts and are interested in continuing your study of communication systems as well as teaching, pursuing a Ph.D. in communications may be right for you. With a Ph.D. in communications, you can become a university communications professor, work for government agencies or pursue a career as an analyst.</p>