What Can You Do With a Communications Degree? (2024)

Communications is an interdisciplinary field that combines the social sciences and humanities to examine how people and society send and receive information. Students majoring in communications take foundational courses in the liberal arts and study the flow of information between various systems. They may also take classes in public speaking, rhetoric, writing, media technology, and communication theory. Some popular specializations include digital media, journalism, mass communications, or strategic communication.

We used data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics to report on the highest earning, fastest-growing, and most popular occupations for communications degree graduates. Learn more about the data and how we used it to create this resource here.

Learn more about the best jobs for this degree

Highest Earning Jobs

Fastest Growing Jobs

Most Popular Jobs

Most Lucrative Entry-Level Jobs

Frequently Asked Questions

Highest Earning Jobs for Graduates with a Communications Degree

With an average salary of $176,126 per year, chief executives and legislators top the list of highest-earning jobs for communications majors, followed by sales managers with $125,577 per year and advertising sales agents with $111,521. All of these positions require strong interpersonal skills and the ability to negotiate and problem-solve.

What Can You Do With a Communications Degree? (2)

Fastest Growing Jobs for Graduates with a Communications Degree

The fastest-growing position for individuals with communications degrees is speech-language pathologists with a projected growth rate of 24.9%. Television, video, and film camera operators are also on this list, with a growth rate of 18.4%, followed by market research analysts and marketing specialists at 17.7%, and social and community service managers at 17.0%. All of the positions listed below are well above the national projected 10-year growth rate across all careers in the U.S., which is 3.7%.

What Can You Do With a Communications Degree? (3)

Communications Degree Career Tracks

Individuals with communications degrees are prepared for various careers in different fields, such as marketing, public relations, sales, and business. All of the career paths listed below require effective interpersonal and organizational communication skills.

Field Jobs for Communications Majors
Marketing Marketing manager, market research analyst, marketing specialist
Public Relations Public relations specialist, public relations manager, public relations and fundraising manager, fundraisers
Sales/Customer Service Sales representative (of wholesale and manufacturing), retail salesperson, insurance sales agent, customer service representative
Business Managers, general and operations manager, human resource worker, secretary, administrative assistant, training and development specialist
Writing Writers, authors
Entertainment Television, video, and film camera operator and editor, producer and director, media and communication equipment worker
Services Social and community service manager, exercise trainer and group fitness instructor, speech-language pathologist

Top Skills For Communications Graduates

Communications-degree holders are equipped with a broad knowledge base that can be applied to many different career paths. Some of the valuable skills they develop include thinking analytically, communicating effectively verbally and in writing, and working well with a diverse group of people.

Critical Thinking

Communications students are required to conduct research, interpret information, and develop sound arguments. They may also examine communication theories and processes. Communication professionals may be required to problem-solve and strategize to develop a communication plan for an organization.

Public Speaking

Students learn rhetorical strategies and how to prepare and deliver speeches that are meant to inform or persuade others. Many communications professionals are expected to convey information effectively to those within their organization and outside of it, such as the general public or media outlets.

Writing

Students are required to write papers on communication topics in a logical and effective manner. Communication professionals can clearly communicate ideas through writing and adjust their tone and delivery to appeal to different audiences.

Interpersonal Skills

Students may take courses that focus on developing emotional and social intelligence in order to communicate with others more effectively. Those working in communications often interact with various people and groups and must be adept in listening, understanding, and negotiating.

Most Popular Jobs for Graduates with a Communications Degree

The most popular job for individuals with a bachelor's degree in communications is marketing manager, with an average annual salary of $81,316 and a projected growth rate of 6.7%. Next on the list are market research analysts or marketing specialists who earn an average annual salary of $76,052 and have an anticipated growth rate of 17.7% in the next decade. Other popular jobs are human resource workers, with an average salary of $77,807, and customer service representatives, with an average salary of $49,729.

Career Type Average Annual Salary Projected Job Growth 2019-2029
Marketing managers $81,316 6.7%
Market research analysts and marketing specialists $76,052 17.7%
Human resources workers $77,807 5.6%
Customer service representatives $49,729 -2.0%
Sales representatives of wholesale and manufacturing $93,469 1.5%
Producers and directors $81,537 10.0%
Public relations specialists $79,163 7.2%
Retail salespersons $56,343 -0.6%
Secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive $36,638 -10.1%
Writers and authors $47,354 -2.4%

Most Lucrative Entry-Level Communications Degree Jobs

From business to entertainment, people in the communications field all have one thing in common: They must understand and meet their audience's expectations and know how to deliver on them. The following are three of the most lucrative entry-level careers for individuals who've been educated to connect with others effectively by earning a bachelor's degree in communications.

1

Technical sales representatives

Entry-Level Salary: $55,000 Projected Job Growth: 2% Entry-Level Education: Bachelor's

Technical sales representatives, sometimes called wholesale or manufacturing sales representatives, typically sell high-end products to businesses, organizations, and government agencies. To better understand their customers' needs and sell the most appropriate products, they develop an in-depth knowledge of the technical aspects of the industry they work within. Responsibilities include identifying and building relationships with customers, demonstrating how their products meet customers' needs, negotiating prices, and providing ongoing customer service.

2

Television and video editors

Entry-Level Salary: $40,000 Projected Job Growth: 18% Entry-Level Education: Bachelor's

Most film and video editors work in the television, motion picture, and video entertainment industry, either as full-time employees or independent contractors. They use sophisticated computer equipment to edit together all of the recorded images for a project into a cohesive story. Editing requires a great deal of collaboration with others responsible for shooting the footage, writing the script, and creating the music, visual effects, graphics, and sound effects.

3

Public relations specialists

Entry-Level Salary: $41,000 Projected Job Growth: 7% Entry-Level Education: Bachelor's

Public relations specialists—called press secretaries when they work for a government official or agency—manage all aspects of an individual's or organization's communication with media representatives, consumers, investors, constituents, and other members of the public. Activities can include writing press releases, preparing and presenting speeches, developing promotional campaigns, and engaging in social media. Looked at from a broader perspective, the role involves creating a desired image and shaping public opinion.

Frequently Asked Questions for Communications Degree Graduates

What kind of job can you get with a communications degree?

Communications majors develop a broad skill set that is applicable to a wide range of jobs in many sectors, such as marketing, entertainment, business, public relations, sales, and more. Some specific job titles are marketing managers, public relations specialists, human resources professionals, and producers and directors.

How much do communication majors make?

Communication majors can make anywhere from about $36,638 to $176,126 a year depending on the career path they choose. Since communications is a broad discipline, graduates are prepared for an array of careers in the media, marketing, sales, business, or government. Those in executive or management positions tend to earn the highest salaries. It's important to note that salaries can vary by your location, with urban areas typically offering higher wages to workers.

Is communications a good degree?

Getting a bachelor's degree in communications is a good option if you're interested in understanding the processes of how information is received and interpreted between people, organizations, and the mass media. Students learn how to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, which is suitable for a range of careers in various fields after graduation, spanning entertainment, writing, marketing, sales, and business.

What are the highest paying communications jobs?

The careers with the highest salaries hold executive or management-level positions in business, politics, and sales. Chief executives and legislators earn the highest average annual salary of $176,126; executives implement policies and determine the overall direction of companies or organizations, while legislators work in the legislative branch of government and are responsible for making and passing laws. Sales managers earn an average annual salary of $125,577 and are in charge of directing the sales or strategy of an organization, reviewing data, meeting financial targets, and managing sales teams.

Professional Associations

American Communication Association (ACA) - The ACA is a not-for-profit, virtual organization based in the United States whose mission is to support new technologies to support the communications fields, including instruction and research.

American Marketing Association (AMA) - AMA strives to create an essential community of marketing professionals based on leadership, knowledge, and best practices in the field.

Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management (Global Alliance) - The Global Alliance is an international association committed to promoting the public relations and communications field by elevating professional standards through knowledge and community.

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What Can You Do With a Communications Degree? (2024)

FAQs

Can you do anything with a communications degree? ›

With a communications degree, you can pursue many different job roles in social media, publicity, journalism, human resources and more.

Is a communications degree useful? ›

A communications degree provides a strong foundation in communication strategies, helping graduates communicate their ideas effectively, understand others better, and build stronger relationships. These skills are critical for personal growth and professional success.

Can you make 6 figures with a communications degree? ›

While pay varies according to factors such as location, education and experience, the salaries that high-paying communication jobs can command are above average, ranging from around $65,000 to well into six figures.

Can you make good money with a communications degree? ›

How much do communication majors make? Communication majors can make anywhere from about $36,638 to $176,126 a year depending on the career path they choose. Since communications is a broad discipline, graduates are prepared for an array of careers in the media, marketing, sales, business, or government.

Is communication a hard major? ›

While communications might not be the most challenging major on paper, it can still offer valuable learning experiences and lead to a fulfilling career for the right person.

Can you work in tech with a communications degree? ›

A communications degree generally focuses on online and print media, such as marketing, journalism, and public relations. In tech, communications graduates can write for brand campaigns, edit marketing pitches, and report on trends in the industry for online publications.

Is a BA or BS in communications better? ›

Offered as a BA or BS, both communication degrees are effective in preparing online students for a wide range of career opportunities. However, deciding which degree path to pursue can be a personal choice based on your individual career goals.

What is the hardest major in college? ›

Recap: What Is the Hardest Major in College?
College MajorTime Spent Preparing for Class per Week
1. Architecture22.20 hrs
2. Chemical Engineering19.66 hrs
3. Aero and Astronautical Engineering19.24 hrs
4. Biomedical Engineering18.82 hrs
9 more rows

What are the cons of a job in communication? ›

Disadvantages
  • Other paths might offer better career capital – Many people enter comms through other career paths, like journalism or marketing. ...
  • Underappreciated – Despite its importance, the work performed by communications professionals can unduly fly under the radar of others within an organization.

Are communications degrees in demand? ›

The job outlook for communications professionals appears stable. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects average growth for media and communication occupations from 2022 to 2032, with about 114,300 job openings projected per year.

How to make the most of a communications degree? ›

By taking challenging courses and completing internships, communication majors can, over time, build a variety of career-oriented skills, including:
  1. Public Speaking. ...
  2. Quantitative and Qualitative Research Skills. ...
  3. Media and Marketing. ...
  4. Visual Design. ...
  5. Relationships. ...
  6. Turn to Career Services for Insight.
Jul 7, 2022

Is there a lot of math in communications? ›

For students in historically non- mathematics intensive majors, such as communications, developing quantitative literacy requires that they learn basic mathematical modeling and how to apply mathematics, statistics, and technology skills to evaluate research and to analyze and solve real-world problems.

Are communications majors worth it? ›

A communication degree can be worth it if a career in an area like new media, public relations, advertising or professional writing interests you.

What can a communications major do? ›

Careers in Media, Marketing, and Advertising
  • Account executive.
  • Marketing specialist.
  • Media buyer.
  • Media relations specialist.
  • Booking agent.
  • Communications Director.

Why do people get a degree in communication? ›

Good communication is essential in all industries, helping to sell products to the public, maintain strong relationships with investors, clients and customers. Your communications degree will build awareness of how to convey information to diverse audiences effectively, with specific business goals in mind.”

What is the highest degree you can get in communications? ›

Learners might start with an associate in communication, but professionals can also pursue a bachelor's degree, master's degree, and doctoral degree in communication.

What does a communications degree fall under? ›

Although Communication is a Social Science major in the College of Letters and Science, the Divisions of Humanities, Life Sciences, and Physical Sciences also contribute courses to the department curriculum.

Is corporate communications a good career? ›

Good corporate communications professionals are always in demand, particularly if they have been in a particular industry for at least three to five years.

Can you do communications without degree? ›

No degree is required but an great personality and someone that can hold a conversation well is a must.

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