What Is a Communications Degree? Courses, Specializations & Careers

Earning a bachelor's degree in communication opens the door to many career paths. Students learn effective communication, critical thinking, and market research skills. This field of study intersects with other areas such as healthcare, English, social sciences, business administration, and media studies.

The skills learned through a bachelor's in communication are invaluable. For example, good public speaking skills cultivated in a communication program are essential to being an impactful leader. Before embarking on the journey towards this degree, you must understand what a communications degree is.

What Is a Communications Degree?

A communications degree studies how people express, share, and interpret messages with each other. This program is commonly considered a liberal arts degree. Relevant communication studies topics covered in coursework include:

• interpersonal communication
• strategic communication
• crisis communication

This program pairs well with working people as many top online communications degrees are available. Online degree programs are flexible and usually self-paced. Before enrolling in a communications program, evaluate your career goals and ensure the institution is accredited.

Types of Communications Degrees

Communications degrees are available at different levels, from associate degrees to graduate degrees, though bachelor's degrees are the most common. Communications bachelor's degrees appear in two formats: a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science. Although these are both bachelor's degrees, they have some key differences.

A Bachelor of Arts concentrates on storytelling, and a Bachelor of Science highlights technical skills. Bachelor of Arts in communication degrees focus on qualitative aspects such as cultural studies and creative expression. Bachelor of Science in communication degrees emphasize the qualitative facets such as data analysis and research.

Key Courses in a Communications Degree Program

Foundational courses are found in many communications degrees regardless of the institution. Although the class names vary depending on the program, the information taught is relatively the same. Below are examples of the most frequent communications courses.

Core Courses

Each bachelor's degree program has its core courses. Each course teaches students to develop communication skills. Some examples of core courses in a communications bachelor's degree program include:

• Fundamentals of Human Communication
• Public Speaking
• Mass Communication and Media
• Introduction to Graphic Design

Elective Courses

Elective courses vary depending on the program and institution. These courses can be a great way to explore subtle interests and degree concentrations. Common elective courses that may be relevant to communications include:

• Multimedia Writing
• Digital Photography
• Marketing Communication
• Feature Writing

Practical Experience

Along with degree programs, gaining practical experience is necessary. Communications majors can get real-world experience in many ways. Some of these include internships, fieldwork, and capstone projects.

Degree programs may provide networking opportunities and connections to professional organizations to help you get started. Take advantage of your school's resources to boost your resume and portfolio.

Specializations in Communications

Many communications degrees have specializations to help people navigate different niches. Declaring a specialization opens you up to more courses and career opportunities. Here are some specializations for communications majors to consider.

Public Relations

This specialization provides a deeper understanding of public relation's role in companies and organizations. Another aspect is teaching students how to build relationships with media outlets. Communication plays a big part in public relations as professionals mediate media relations between organizations and the press.

Journalism

Journalism requires expert communication skills, making it a great specialization. This specialization helps communications majors to understand media ethics and gain refined research proficiency. Also, the need for superb writing skills makes journalism and communications an efficient combination.

Digital Media

A digital media specialization provides rich knowledge in digital marketing, content creation, web design, and social media. Several careers benefit from the skills earned in this specialization and your existing writing and critical thinking abilities.

Corporate Communications

Corporate communications emphasizes the movement of information within and outside an organization. Similar to a public relations specialization, this concentration focuses on an organization's reputation. One of the proficiencies learned through studying this specialization is public relations crisis management, including the steps to take when an organization's credibility is at stake.

Advertising

Choose a specialization in advertising if you want to pursue this career. Many organizations are looking for candidates with persuasive storytelling capabilities. Students who study an advertising specialization should expect to learn about topics such as:

• campaign development
• creative strategy
• copywriting
• advertising ethics

Career Opportunities with a Communications Degree

Graduates can choose from many communications careers. Some career paths benefit from a specialization or a minor accompanying the communications degree. Common career paths for communications graduates include:

• public relations specialist
• human resources specialist
• social media manager
• corporate communications manager
• marketing manager

Before choosing a career, consider your career goals and personal interests. Also, ensure you gain practical experience relevant to your chosen role. A communications degree is only one step to your dream job.

FAQs About Communications Majors

Here are a few frequently asked questions about communications majors.

Is a Communication Degree Worth It?

Whether or not a communications degree is worth it depends from person to person. People who enjoy writing, public speaking, research, and storytelling may find a communications degree to be worth it.

Some people are more inclined towards other subjects such as math, computer science, technology, etc. While a communications degree pairs well with technical skills to pursue several careers, it may not be for everyone. Evaluate your life goals and determine whether this degree is for you.

Is Communication a Hard Major?

Communications is not usually considered a hard major. However, this degree involves much reading, writing, and research. Some people find it hard to complete writing-heavy assignments and would find a communications degree difficult.

Pursuing a degree that most aligns with your interests is crucial. When the classes become difficult, you can stay focused on your career goals to motivate you through the hardships.

How Long Does It Typically Take to Complete a Communications Degree?

The time it takes to complete a communications degree depends on the degree type. An associate degree usually takes two years, while a bachelor's degree takes four years. If you study part-time, it may take longer.

Also, enrolling in an accelerated program may decrease the time to complete the degree. Your financial situation, type of enrollment, amount of transfer credits, and more decide how long a communications degree will take. The most important thing is to get to the finish line.

Is It Possible To Earn a Communications Degree Online?

It is possible to earn a communications degree online. Various accredited institutions are offering fully online communications degrees to aspiring professionals. Working individuals should strongly consider enrolling in an online communications degree program because it's more flexible and usually self-paced.

Don't let everyday difficulties prevent you from earning a degree and chasing your desired career. Check out financial aid resources from your school and fill out the FAFSA online form as soon as possible.

Earn Your Communications Degree Today

A communications degree is easier than ever to obtain with fully online bachelor's degree programs from accredited schools. Contact one of the institutions listed on Learn.org to see which degree programs they offer and how they align with your career goals. Take the first step towards higher education and career advancement today.