Communications professionals are needed in a wide range of industries, and those with graduate degrees and suitable experience often go on to fill management positions in business and media. Read on to learn more about master's degree programs in communication and possible careers.
Master's Degree in Communication
A master's degree program in communication can strengthen your writing, research, analytical and leadership skills through advanced studies. Admissions requirements include a bachelor's degree, preferably in communication or a related field. You can expect to take courses in interpersonal and organizational communication, persuasion, conflict resolution and rhetorical theory. You may be able to focus your studies on a concentration that suits your career interests, such as media relations or corporate communications. After completing a master's degree program in communication, you may qualify for upper-level jobs in a variety of fields, such as advertising, marketing and public relations.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutCareersForCommunicationsGraduates">Important Facts About Careers for Communications Graduates</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><th>Topic</th><th>Advertising and Promotions Manager</th><th>Public Relations and Fundraising Managers </th><th> Marketing Manager</th></tr>
<tr><td>Required Education </td><td> Bachelor's Degree </td><td>Bachelor's Degree </td><td> Bachelor's Degree</td></tr>
<tr><td>Median Salary (2021)*</td><td> $127,150 </td><td>$119,860 </td><td> $135,030</td></tr>
<tr><td>Job Outlook (2021-2031)* </td><td>7% </td><td> 8% growth </td><td> 10% growth</td></tr>
<tr><td>Professional Certification </td><td> None </td><td> Available through PRSA (voluntary) </td><td> None</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---AdvertisingManager">Advertising Manager</h3><p>Advertising managers develop and oversee marketing campaigns for clients. As an advertising manager, you might find employment with publicity agencies, media firms or advertising departments of companies. You'll often collaborate with other advertising professionals, such as sales, creative and financial department staff, to prepare budgets and develop promotional materials. Leadership, creativity and strong communication skills are essential for this role, as well as marketing expertise.
</p><h3 id="section---PublicRelationsManager">Public Relations Manager</h3><p>As a public relations (PR) manager, you'll design strategies to generate a positive public image for clients, products and companies. You'll develop and supervise PR campaigns and promote clients through print, television, radio and online publicity. This may involve writing press releases, coordinating press conferences and planning special events. Along with oral and written communications skills, public relations managers must have strong leadership skills to manage other staff and coordinate PR campaigns.
</p><h3 id="section---MarketingManager">Marketing Manager</h3><p>Marketing managers come up with methods to promote products or services and increase sales. As a marketing manager, you'll research market and consumer trends to determine a product's target audience, how much to produce and what price to sell it at. You'll establish and oversee advertisement plans, which can include product promotion through television, Internet and other media. You may also seek out new markets in which to sell the product. Marketing managers may specialize in a particular aspect of marketing, such as product development or market research.
</p><h3 id="section---AdvancementOptions">Advancement Options</h3><p>After earning a master's degree in communications, you may decide to continue your studies through a Ph.D. program in communication. The skills learned in these doctoral programs can be applied to advanced professions in a variety of industries. For example, you may go on to teach communication or conduct research at a college or university. You might also find employment as a consultant with a business or nonprofit organization.</p>
