Do you like writing? Talking with other people? Making public presentations? Reporting the news? Pitching a new idea or product? Researching, analyzing, and summarizing information? Engaging the public through social media? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then a degree in communications could be right for you. Whether you are looking to hone your communications skills to gain an edge in your current field or you’re seeking a communications-related job, a degree in communications is one of the most versatile and career-boosting degrees out there. So, what is a degree in communications, exactly?
What Is a Degree in Communications?
Communication is at the heart of every message we send, and the channels of communication in today’s world offers endless creativity for how we deliver our messages. A communications degree gives you the skills and tools to communicate more effectively. Ottawa University’s bachelor’s in communication program builds analytical, critical, written, verbal, and listening skills that equip you to achieve a desired messaging outcome with nearly any audience. Upon completion of the accelerated, online program, you will have the skills to recognize and understand different communication styles, issues, and systems in order to make effective decisions and solve problems.
Is Communications a Good Major?
If you aren’t sure what career you want to pursue, a degree in communications gives you plenty of room to find your niche. The versatility of a communications degree prepares you for careers in numerous fields. Increasing your communications skills opens job options in nearly every industry including:
- public relations
- marketing
- journalism
- diplomatic relations
- technical writing
- translating
- social media strategy
- video editing
- photography
- copy editing
- speech writing
- corporate communications
You get the idea - the options abound. And beyond your initial job focus, there is enough career diversity with a degree in communications that you can change lanes down the road if you need a new challenge. So, is communications a good major? Absolutely! Let’s look more closely at the available jobs for communications majors.
What Jobs Can You Get with a Communications Degree?
Not only are there several industries to work in, but there are various roles available for those who have a bachelor’s degree in communications. You may be wondering if you can make a decent living with this degree. Good news – you can! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for media and communication workers was $62,340 in May 2021, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $45,760. And job growth ranges from 5% to 15%, depending on the specific job you pursue.
Titles will vary, but popular jobs for a communications degree include:
- Communications Specialist
- Content Writer
- Editorial Assistant
- Journalist
- Marketing Communications Associate
- Proofreader
- Publisher
- Reporter
- Social Media Specialist
- Strategic Communications Specialist
- Technical Writer
High Paying Jobs with a Communications Degree
As you gain experience, or seek an advanced degree, you will have the opportunity to pursue high paying jobs with a communications degree, usually in a management capacity. Graduates often further their education with a Master’s in Business Administration or a Master’s in Leadership. In some cases, advanced communications roles can garner salaries upwards of $120,000 annually. Here are a few of the more lucrative jobs in communications, along with their average salaries as noted on PayScale.
- Corporate Communications Director ($128,796)
Corporate communications generally entail all forms of communication, both internal and external, especially regarding an organization’s strategy, vision, values, and goals. The corporate communications director usually leads a team of communication professionals who manage communication through diverse channels, such as websites, social media, publications, correspondence, videos, press releases, internal announcements, training materials, and more.
- Public Relations Director ($96,203)
More targeted in focus than the corporate communications director, the public relations director is tasked with maintaining the public image of a client, organization, or government agency. The PR director develops a comprehensive strategy surrounding all public-facing activities and messaging. This entails such things as managing corporate events, establishing relationships and speaking with the press, sending press releases, developing and managing public outreach campaigns, coordinating interviews and video/photo shoots, developing and implementing communication policies, ensuring brand integrity, etc.
- Product Marketing Manager ($94,347)
An expert on the products or services that a company sells, the product marketing manager is responsible for promoting knowledge and sales of these products to new and existing customers, as well as the general public. They do this by conducting market research, analyzing the competition, creating product messaging and sales collateral, building marketing campaigns, training sales teams, and monitoring sales and revenue.
- Social Media Director ($78,073)
The social media director works with marketing, sales, customer service, and other departments to develop and manage a comprehensive social media strategy for an organization. The director usually manages a team that creates and posts content that will help reach marketing goals, build brand awareness and loyalty, improve customer engagement, increase sales, and expand the client base.
- Technical Writer ($61,996)
Technical writers are typically employed in computer and management, scientific, and technical industries. They prepare instruction manuals, how-to guides, journal articles, and other supporting documents to communicate complex and technical information more easily.
Ottawa University’s Online Degree in Communications
How does Ottawa University prepare students for careers upon graduation? Our experienced faculty guide students toward becoming exemplary leaders of local and global communities throughout their communications courses. As a communications major, you will gain the soft skills employers look for as you take the following classes:
- Small Group Communication
- Interpersonal Communication
- Organizational Communication
You will also fine-tune important technical skills to help you be successful in your career with unique courses of study including:
- Media Writing
- Seminar in Applied Communication
- Professional Development for Communication Fields
If you choose to add a concentration to your degree, you can add even more to your market value by focusing on a specialty area. For example, we offer a speech concentration that emphasizes public and persuasive speaking, along with managing conflict. We also offer a strategic communication concentration that equips students for careers related to marketing, media, or public relations. Our enrollment advisors can help you choose the best fit for you. Once you are enrolled, your academic advisor is there with you every step of the way to make sure you stay on track. You will be fully supported as you work through our accelerated 8-week terms. We are here to help you complete your communications degree within the shortest time possible and start your career faster.
Earn Your Communications Degree
If you are ready to improve your communication skills and open the door to success, a communications degree is invaluable. You can’t go wrong with the versatility and endless opportunities for high paying jobs with a communications degree! Get more information and fast track your career with our accelerated, online communications program.
See Also:
Jobs for Communications Majors
The Versatility of a Communications Degree
10 Soft Skills Employers Want