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What is a Communications Major?

A communications degree exposes students to the methods and processes necessary for understanding a wide variety of communication. Communications encompasses many forms, including one-on-one conversations, touch, eye contact, posture, facial expressions, body language, eye contact, high-stakes communications, visual mediums, storytelling, and mass media dissemination. Individuals who study communications are studying the exchange of ideas between individuals and groups, and how they are interpreted. The major of communication offers a broad base from which many job opportunities can arise amidst varying fields.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$74,360

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

50.15%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

28,180

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Communications Degree

Columbia University offers a full-time, top ranked degree in communications for graduate students.  The enrolled students under this program will make an in-depth Capstone Project with a real research, real recommendations and real organization. Students will be given the opportunity to gain access to elective classes in other School of Professional Studies programs. Their graduates developed the confidence and skills needed to be a change agent in the organization and in the world. 

Acceptance Rate

5.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

The Department of Communication at Cornell University was ranked among the top five in a recent poll by the National Research Council. They are recognized as the national leader in the study of communication as a social science. They put earnest efforts in enhancing the effectiveness of systems, infrastructures in society and communication processes. The faculty at Cornell have been cited by major publications to be a top tier team that provides a high-quality education to both graduate students and undergraduate students alike. 

Acceptance Rate

10.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Communication Studies in Northwestern University provides discipline in tools, theory, managing and improving communication and the techniques for analyzing. This major is designed for students with diverse talents and multiple interests. Northwestern university will provide everything that their students will need in the arena of professional and personal interaction. This course in communication Studies is also for those who are eager to learn from and contribute to a challenging academic environment.

Acceptance Rate

9.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

The courses that Vanderbilt University is offering under their Department of Communication Studies includes surveys of analytical courses and rhetorical tradition that will improve the critical skills of their students. Students will learn to appreciate the mediated communication. They will know the importance of argumentation and debate paired with their modern applications. They offer both major and minor subjects in this course. 

Acceptance Rate

9.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

The MA in communication at Johns Hopkins University will help their students become successful in different fields in communication. They can pursue a career in Public Relations, Publishing and Media, Brand Management and in Advertising and Marketing. Some of their graduates excel in writing and editing, political communication or in content strategy. They guarantee that Johns Hopkins University is the designed workplace for today.

Acceptance Rate

11.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Graduates of University of Southern California in BA in Communication developed the ability to analyze systems of message production and diverse messages. They explain clearly and critique in a detailed manner, the major issues, foundations, perspectives and theories of communication. They are also trained in evaluating critique and produce research of methodological perspectives. They are prepared for a diverse range of audiences. 

Acceptance Rate

11.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The Communication Department in Boston College was established in 1961. Since then, it has been one of their largest undergraduate majors. This program is devoted in teaching the delivery of speeches and teaching its composition. Some of the fields that the graduates of this program may reach success on are, education, business, health, government or politics, public relations and marketing.  

Acceptance Rate

27.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

The goal of the Department in Communication and Media in University of Michigan is to study and teach both the evolution, and effects of mass media and emerging media. They are familiar with the regulation and industry practices of media and pass on that knowledge to their students. Under this Department is the Undergraduate Fellows Program. They structured this program to stimulate the interest of their students in the field of Communication and Media. 

Acceptance Rate

22.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers a PhD in Communication. This degree is known as an inquiry-based degree. They let their students create unique programs of study around their research interests. Students will be required to either evolve research questions or research problems in order for them to define an organized program of study.   

Acceptance Rate

22.63

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Northeastern University offers a Corporate and Organizational Communication program that is known for its unique features. They guarantee that their faculty are able to bring real-world experience both to the in-person and online classroom. They provide six concentrations which align with the in-demand skills that are essential to this profession. To synthesize learning across the curriculum and to create professional and personal brands, their students create an ePortfolio. 

Acceptance Rate

18.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The major in communications at Tulane University seeks to produce theoretically informed graduates. They help them have analytical and practical skills for successful professional careers. They are trained to express ideas in a creative and clear way. They acquired the ability to analyze contemporary and historical forces behind cultural relationships and identities. They built three core curriculums to effectively train their students, Texts and Representations, Identities and Relationships and Structures and Institutions.

Acceptance Rate

12.87

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Villanova University’s Program in Communication had seamlessly integrated research, theory and practice in key areas of the Communication discipline. They aim to develop leaders that are capable of strategic and ethical speaking, writing and research on communication problems. Their program fosters analytical rigor and critical competence in the practice of communication. Their mission is to provide one of the best Masters-level educational experiences.

Acceptance Rate

28.24

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The Department of Media, Culture and Communications in New York University provides an academically rigorous BS Degree. That BS Degree will provide the students the essential tools to analyze the cultural, political and sociological dimensions of media landscape. They also offer PhD in Media, culture and Communication that provides an interdisciplinary approach to the study of culture and media. This doctorate can give knowledge from a rich array of theoretical frameworks and disciplines.

Acceptance Rate

16.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Pepperdine University’s Communication Division helps students to learn how to tell meaningful stories in film, prints video and online with the objective of inspiring, educating and improving communication. Students will have the privilege to be exposed to practical applications and to a set of theories. They are also motivated to explore the dynamics of human communication in all contexts. Students will also enjoy the latest audio-visual equipment that is available in the classrooms in the Center for Communication and Business.

Acceptance Rate

31.72

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The top rated degree in communications at the University of Texas at Austin puts an effort in understanding communication and improves its practice in a variety of relationships. They strongly believe that social, cultural and personal experiences are the key factors in improving effective understanding and communication. Their graduate programs have maintained to rank in the top five in the country. Their faculty gives their best in maintaining high standards for graduate and undergraduate programs.

Acceptance Rate

31.82

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

Miami University empowers their students under the Department of Communication Studies to advance skills that can be used in any field or career. They help them develop skills in cross-cultural argumentation, communication, leadership and critical thinking. Their students also strive to acquire skills in oral and written presentations and relationship building. Graduates of this Department are prepared for many different careers. 

Acceptance Rate

27.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

The Oral Communication Program in University of Maryland is devoted to helping students develop the ability to listen carefully and be skilled in responding to questions. They will learn the professional way of asking. Students are trained in using effective presentation techniques. Their students will also gain competency in preparing, planning and presenting oral presentations. 

Acceptance Rate

44.18

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

The Department of Communication Studies at the University of Georgia is dedicated to Understanding and Enriching Human Interaction. They offer an A.B degree program in Communication Studies. Majors of Communication Studies are provided with the instruction in both interpersonal communication and public communication. They obtain understanding of theory and application in these areas.

Acceptance Rate

45.3

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo offers a BA degree program and a Minor in Communication Studies. The objective of the discipline is conceptual and practical. It aims to develop in students the ability to analyze and reason critically and write and speak effectively. The field accepts and embraces communication in all contexts, whether in organizational, small group, instructional, performance of literature or in any other various fields.

Acceptance Rate

28.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

The Department of Communication Studies at Emerson College takes great pride in being one of the top 3 Communication Studies programs in the U.S. Their BS degree program provides a broad-based understanding of the role that communication plays in different professional paths. As students complete the core courses, they will be allowed to develop their own program of study. As a result, students tailor their program of study according to their career goals. 

Acceptance Rate

33.35

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Major in Communication and Performance Arts at St. Lawrence University offers a rhetorical study that focuses on the use of symbols to act in a particular manner. As they get exposed to rhetorical studies, they’ll be challenged to critically examine previous attempts at persuasion. Their students are trained to creatively enter into the production of original persuasive messages. St. Lawrence guaranteed their students that they structured the department’s major to enable them to pursue their personal interests passionately and in-depth.

Acceptance Rate

42.41

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The Santa Clara University provides rigorous analysis paired with hands-on training with the help of their Department in Communication. Here, students will be taught about the communication skills that employers want. They will learn how to make a presentation, design communication campaigns and how to effectively report a news story. But their primary objective is to help their students create messages that are formed from research.

Acceptance Rate

48.82

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute educates versatile communicators through the Department of Communication and Media. Students are given the opportunity to explore a range of media platforms. Their graduates developed the ability to analyze and effect change in strategic and creative environments. They gained critical understanding of the media and multimodal design and writing practices in Rensselaer. 

Acceptance Rate

47.41

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Syracuse University offers a program for MS in Communications where students learn to utilize new media technologies. Students who chose this program may choose from one of four specializations during the program. MS in Communications Management is also available here. This degree program is for experienced professionals and leads to a path of leadership in an industry experiencing global disruption.

Acceptance Rate

44.38

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Communication and Media Studies in Fordham University is prepared for the constantly changing and evolving media environment. With that in mind, Stanford strives to maintain a diverse program that is current to the recent developments. They provide interdisciplinary examination of human communication. In everything they do, they keep in mind their public stated mission, to emphasize ethics and social engagement.

Acceptance Rate

45.88

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Communication Degree Program

With a number of communications degree options to digest, we performed the heavy lifting for you and provided a summary of each degree below based on expert advice. Our goal is to help you better understand the intricacies of each type of communication degree program, its time commitment, and how that may fit with your goals. The online communication degree programs available to students in the communication studies department include a bachelors degree, masters degree, and doctorate degree. Rankings are available from a number of accredited colleges and universities for the degrees online communication. As a result, please make sure to collect information from the schools that you believe will fit your best prior to making a final decision.

Bachelor Degrees in Communications

An online communications degree at this level is conferred as either a Bachelor of Science (BS) or a Bachelor of Arts (BA) depending on the schools program design. The campus-based or bachelor degree online program track is a 4-year program providing students with foundational knowledge about various aspects of communication including interpersonal communication, advertising, marketing, media, crisis communication, organizational communication, persuasion, advertising, argumentation, integrated communication, and public relations. The first two years of a BA or BS program will include general education courses in classes like rhetoric & English composition, human philosophy, critical thinking, general studies, and mathematics to help students better understand and process stimuli around them.

Whether you earn your communications degree online or in class, you will need to invest time preparing, researching, and organizing to give a variety of speeches. Breaking down speeches into key components will help students become proficient as piece-parts of communication such as inflection, tone, pacing, deliver, and idea linking involved in quality speeches. Classes typically found in most of the 25 best rankings for an online bachelors degree in communications include:

  • Creative Problem Solving
  • Media Writing
  • Storytelling
  • Event Planning
  • Public Speaking
  • Communication Theory
  • Rhetorical Theory & Criticism
  • Interpersonal Communication
  • Motivational Speaking
  • Communication in the Marketplace
  • Communication and Diversity
  • Human Communication and Technology

Master Communication Degree Online

Master's communication degree online and writing degree online programs can be conferred as a Master of Science (MS) or a Master of Arts (MA) as a function of the program emphasis and design of the program. Masters communications degrees will take students one to two-years of full-time matriculation after all lower-level requirements are met. Upper-level classes found in a masters degree program will typically include classes like:

  • Leadership Communication
  • Communication Theory
  • Persuasive Reasoning
  • Contemporary Rhetorical Theory
  • Problem Solving & Collaborative Communication
  • Communication Research
  • Professional Communication
  • Communication Praxis

In many programs, students can select a thesis project or elect to bypass a thesis by taking additional approved communication courses. For students who choose to organize, prepare, write, complete, and defend a thesis project a topic must be pre-approved by your advisor with defined milestones in place to ensure successful completion. MA and MS programs in communications are offered both in class and online at many schools to provide students with the choice to determine which learning modality is best for them.

Doctorate Degrees in Communications

Doctoral communication degrees are conferred as Doctor of Philosophy in Communications which carries with it a PhD designation. The PhD program is considered a terminal degree as no additional programs exist beyond the doctorate degree. An on-site or online PhD in Communications is a three to five-year program depending credit hours taken and time spent on your dissertation. Doctorate programs in communications will allow students to select an area of specialization which will determine the courses taken in the program.

The Doctor Philosophy in Communications program allows students to invest time in areas of emphasis such as corporate communications, rhetoric & culture, intercultural communications, interpersonal communications, or community & social interactions. Graduates from the PhD program will be equipped to teach at the college level, perform research in the field, or work for businesses in the field of communications.

Educational Requirements in Communications

Communications majors are available from associate level to the doctoral, with the most common being a bachelor's degree.  Students enrolled in a communications program will be exposed to a variety of courses that will provide a well-rounded understanding of the various forms of mediums used in the field. Some courses will provide an education in theory - covering the history and development of forms; while other courses will provide information and demonstration for the practical uses of the information gained via case studies and a variety of hands-on student projects. Programs may vary in their focus, and it is recommended that students research a variety of programs prior to applying in order to ensure that the program suits their individual goals.

A curriculum in communications may include:

  • Theory of Rhetoric
  • Behavioral Science
  • Professional Communication
  • Computer Applications in Media
  • Psychological States & Media
  • Mass Communication
  • Applied Communications Technology
  • Digital Media Technologies
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Employment Opportunities & Communications Jobs

The variety of communications major jobs can open doors in your career you may not yet anticipate. This is due to the nature of the major, which incorporates a variety of disciplines and is utilized every individual across all sectors of our economy, thus career opportunities can range from obvious vocational tracks like journalism, business administration, and acting. Meanwhile, non-traditional communications degree jobs may include becoming a spokesperson for a sustainable energy company or public relations manager at a multi-national corporation. The viability of entering such positions is dependent upon the individual and how said individual represents his or her skill sets. The education provided by a communications degree is fairly broad, and many programs allow for a degree of specialization through the choice of electives.

A small sampling of possible careers with a communications degree:

  • Language Specialist
  • Performing Artist
  • Scriptwriter
  • Digital Media Manager
  • Copywriter
  • Marketing Specialist
  • Personnel Recruiter
  • Disc Jockey
  • Technical Writer
  • Account Executive

In addition to the positions available to a communication degree holder, educational opportunities at the graduate-level may be open to individuals with a different undergraduate degree profile. Likewise, students that earn a communications major may go on to earn a graduate or professional degree in law, finance, economics, or business. With an additional investment of a few years, students can increase their career opportunities and earning potential with a graduate degree or professional certificate. The variety of graduate programs available is numerous, particularly if the student has high grades and/or above average GRE or LSAT scores.

Careers in Communications

Due to the nature of the degree, there is no single career from which to gauge the average salary of a communications major. With nearly two-dozen degree combinations to select across myriad industries, the a communications major salary will be as diverse as the students graduating from this educational track. Individuals interested in possible earnings may search for specific careers that are possible through a communications degree to compare earnings potential. Additionally, higher levels of education will pay more, especially when coupled with greater work experience gained directly or through internships.

Communications Degree Salary Overview

The variety of jobs in the communications field makes it challenging to provide a singular answer to how much a communications major will make. The reality is the income you will make after earning a degree in communications will depend on your degree type (associates, bachelors, masters, doctorate), work experience, geographic location, population density, employer base, demand for your skills, and your effort. To help you understand what jobs you can get with a communications degree, we have created an overview of some popular jobs below.

Announcers: The median annual income of an announcer is $30,830 with the top 10% of announcers making $89,720 a year. The top employers are local and national broadcasting companies followed by colleges and universities.

Sound Engineering Technicians: Sound engineering techs make $53,680 a year, on average with the top ten percent making $121,630. Top employers are motion picture companies and sound recording entities.

Film and Video Editors: Median annual income for film and video editors is $62,720 with the top ten percent making $162,260 annually. The biggest employers of film and video editors is the motion picture industry.

Interpreters and Translators: Mean annual wage for translators and interpreters is $51,260 with the top ten percent of professionals making $83,010 a year. Largest employers of translators and interpreters are scientific and technical organizations followed by elementary and secondary schools.

Photographers: The median income for a photographer is $34,070 a year with the top 10% making $76,220 on average. Biggest employers of photographers are scientific and technical organizations followed by broadcasting companies and publishers.

Public Relations Specialists: A public relations specialists mean average wage is $66,540 a year with the top ten percent making $110,560 a year. The top employers of public relation specialists are public relations firms, consulting firms, colleges & universities, and local government agencies.

Reporters and Broadcasters: The national average salary for reporters and broadcasters is $49,770 with the top 10% making $86,610 a year. The two largest employers of reporters and broadcasters are publishers and radio & television companies.

Technical Writers: A technical writer will make $69,850 on average each year with the top ten percent making $111,260 a year. Computer design companies, management & technical consulting firms, and architectural & engineering organizations are the three largest employers of technical writers.

Camera Operators: The mean annual wage of a camera operator is $63,200 based on the latest data available with the top ten percent making $109,200 a year. The motion picture and video industry is the single largest employer of camera operators with radio and television broadcasting companies a distant second.

Writers and Authors: Median annual income of a writer and author is $61,240 with the top ten percent grossing $118,640 a year. The five largest employers of writers and authors includes: advertising firms, public relations organizations, publishers, motion picture industry, and scientific & technical consulting firms.

Graphic Designers: The national average salaryfor a graphic designer is $52,290 with the top 10% of graphic designers making $82,202 a year. The largest employers of graphic designers are specialized design firms, advertising agencies, public relations companies, publishers, and computer design firms.

Additional Resources for Communications Majors

Trade groups and national associations may be a great tool for students to leverage their degree in communications. Members receive a variety of educational and professional opportunities that may be worth exploring further. Top associations in communications include:

  • Social Media Association (SMA)
  • American Marketing Association (AMA)
  • National Communication Association (NCA)
  • Global Alliance for PR and Communication Management (GAPR)
  • American Communication Association (ACA)
  • International Communication Association (ICA)

Individuals interested in communications may also be interested in liberal arts, social work, business, public speaking, public relations, or performing arts.

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