03/13/2025
Understanding a Communications Degree
A communications degree is an academic program that may focus on how people convey information through different areas, like verbal, written, visual or digital channels and materials.
A communications degree can provide skills applicable to various industries. It may focus on helping students develop strong communication skills, problem-solving skills and critical thinking to create, deliver and interpret clear messages effectively in various fields like public speaking, public relations, journalism, marketing and advertising and more.
Typical Career Options for Communications Majors
What Can You Do With A Communications Degree? A communications degree may help prepare students for roles across various industries.
Communications majors often choose to work in industries such as healthcare, technology, and entertainment. For example, graduates may find opportunities as PR representatives, depending on qualifications and market demand.
| Career Options | Description |
|---|---|
| Journalist | Researches and writes news articles and stories for print, digital or broadcast media. |
| Public Relations | Manages the public image of a person, company or organization who handles media relations, press releases or crisis communications. |
| Social Media Manager | Manages multiple social media platforms, creates content, engages with audiences and analyzes performance. |
| Corporate Communications | Oversees internal and external communications for a company, including evaluating or creating consistent messaging. |
| Marketing Manager | Develops or implements marketing strategies for clients or organizations. May include digital marketing, branding, and marketing campaigns or advertising campaigns. |
| Event Planning | Coordinates and organizes events like corporate functions, weddings or conferences focusing on logistics and communication. |
| Technical writing | Writes and researches for instruction manuals, how-to guides, journal articles, and other documentation. |
Key Skills Gained From a Communications Degree
A communications degree may help students to develop skills in written, verbal, visual or digital communication. Communication majors may learn interpersonal skills and listening skills to communicate clearly and how to speak professionally.
For example, through the Bachelor of Arts in Communication program at American Public University, students may learn to:
- Use communication concepts to create messages that are specific to target audiences
- Analyze messages through a critical lens
- Display an ability to show how ethical communication skills and principles are applied to work
Specializations and Concentrations
Some other common skills gained from a communication degree may vary depending on degree program specifics, elective courses or additional concentrations like video production, website design, social media management, radio, media writing, ethics, rhetoric, philosophy or psychology.
Some institutions offer concentrations in areas like public relations, digital media, or technical writing, allowing students to tailor their experience to their career goals and focus. Specialization also extends to courses or concentrations in corporate communication, human resources, technical communication, or community relations.
Consider choosing a minor that complements the communications degree, such as data analytics or business. Students may also refine these skills through complementary coursework.
Job Outlook
The job outlook for communications majors depends on the specific career or job role a person is interested in.
Some examples include:
- Public relations specialist: Projected 6% growth* in the next decade.
- Broadcast roles: Projected 3% growth* in the next decade.
- Editors: Projected 2% decline* in the next decade.
- Journalists: Projected 3% decline* in the next decade.
- Interpreters or Translators: Projected 2% growth* in the next decade.
- Technical writers: Projected 4% growth* in the next decade.
* BLS growth projections represent national, averaged data for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience. Employment conditions in your area may vary.
How Technology Is Reshaping Communications Careers
While some career options show a minor decline and others have projected growth. Experts suggest that automation and evolving media trends may influence the communications industry and will have an impact on traditional careers like journalism moving into more of a digital space than print.
For example, technology and artificial intelligence may impact the communications field in various ways, with evolving opportunities and challenges. From automating tasks and using data-driven insights, the field is progressing fast and new factors are entering the conversation with the addition of tools like Chat GPT and other AI-driven software.
For example, if a communications major seeks a position in marketing, many tools that marketers use have AI built into the platforms raising concerns about personalization, content creation, and privacy.
Next Steps in Pursuing a Communications Career
If you’re interested in the field of communications, consider exploring career paths that align with your strengths and interests. Developing key skills in verbal, written, and digital communication may open opportunities in public relations, marketing, journalism, and corporate communications. Gaining hands-on experience through internships, certifications, or professional networking can also help build a successful career in this evolving industry.
Disclaimer: Career outcomes depend on various factors, including experience, skills, and job market conditions.