Communications Degree
The study of communications arose out of journalism in the 20th century, so the two disciplines are closely related. In many colleges and universities, the School of Journalism includes the study of communications. A degree in this field prepares students for a career in the media, public relations or corporate communications. Communications relates to communicating any message through any medium to a target audience, whether local or global in nature.
Communications is a popular undergraduate major, and a bachelor’s degree will suffice for most related careers. While a communications degree from a prestigious private university can be an asset in this competitive field, there are excellent public university programs that are less costly. Applicants must carefully weigh their options if finances are a concern.
The rise of new media, or social networking, is one of the most exciting new subfields in communications., so it is vital to learn about these new forces in our culture. Social networking includes popular Web sites like Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare and MySpace. As traditional media like newspapers and magazines continues to see declines, digital communications is filling this void. Thus, it is important to find a communications program in tune with our increasingly digital world.
Communications Degree Needs
A communications degree will prepare a student for a career in television and radio media, corporations, and government. People with communications degrees pursue careers as producers, reporters, writers, directors, disc jockeys, advertising, and public relations professionals. They are employed by television and radio media outlets, private corporations, and government agencies.
Communications is a discipline that involves using the written, spoken, and graphical word to express ideas and direction. Someone who pursues a communication degree learns how to express ideas simply, clearly, and in a manner that grabs an audience’s attention. They also typically receive training in how to understand, appreciate, and influence consumer trends, cultural norms, and public opinion.
A communication degree program usually involves coursework that teaches research and writing techniques for a variety of different media, such as web, advertising, marketing, speeches, news, and sports reporting. Public speaking, sales, and marketing are also valuable skills taught in most communication degree programs. Public relations firms are a prime employment source for people with a communications degree; therefore, most communications schools offer an in-depth analysis of American media and culture. Communications schools also teach students how to use the media to promote products and ideas.
The different media use communications professionals in roles such as reporters, bloggers, as well as television and radio personalities. Private corporations hire someone with a communications degree to support marketing and sales efforts, and for executive support. Executive support communications positions include speechwriting and copywriting. Government officials also often hire communications professionals to help with speechwriting, correspondence with constituents, interaction with the media (press secretary), and in developing position papers.
The employment rate for individuals who graduate with a communications degree is nearly 90 percent. Salaries for employees with a communications degree vary depending on the career path taken; however, the overall average starting salary is nearly $49,000 a year. People who have a communication degree and pursue management and administrative positions tend to earn more than those who pursue a more artistic career path.