Communication Degree & Career Guide

Salaries for communication careers vary by work experience, occupation, and location. Some of the most gainful positions include managerial and leadership roles. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that marketing managers and public relations and fundraising managers earned median incomes of $135,030 and $119,860, respectively, in 2021.

Other high-paying communication jobs include brand strategist, media supervisor, and content marketing manager.

A mass communication degree prepares students to connect and communicate with the public. They learn how to create and disseminate messages that persuade, make an impact, or change behavior in target audiences.

Students learning mass communication typically take courses in research methods, theory, history of media, and media ethics. They may also study mass communication law. Many learners complete internships as part of their program.

A bachelor’s degree in communication takes about four years for full-time students, and it requires about 120 credit hours. An online degree typically offers the same classes and level of rigor as a traditional program. However, many schools provide synchronous or accelerated courses that students can complete at their own pace, often shortening graduation timelines.

Many schools allow students to earn a communication degree online. Professionals wanting to switch or advance their careers might prefer online education. Distance education’s flexibility lets students complete their courses and balance professional and family obligations.

People seeking less expensive options for education might find online courses attractive as well because they do not typically charge for housing and other on-campus services. However, learners might need to pay extra technology fees. Because some online schools require enrollees to attend on-campus lectures or workshops, it might make sense to find an online program nearby.

Job-seekers with communication degrees often see high demand for their expertise and experience. For example, the BLS projects jobs for public relations specialists will increase by 11% from 2020-2030. The BLS also projects jobs for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers will increase 10% during the same timeframe.

These figures exceed the 8% total job growth for all occupations in the same period. The diversity of the communication field partly drives this demand. Also, widespread social media use and information technologies will likely influence current and future job growth.