Communications Degrees
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Salaries For Degrees in Communications
Those who majored in Communications can be employed in a variety of jobs. While no one can say with certainty what you personally will do with a degree in Communications, our survey panel picked the following occupations as likely options:
- Camera operators, television, video, and motion picture
- Editors
- Meeting and convention planners
- Public relations specialists
- Producers and directors
- Public relations managers (Best salary!)
- Reporters and correspondents
- Broadcast technicians
- Technical writers
The median salary for people with a degree in Communications is $42,045.52. The lifetime value of this degree is approximately $953,792.00.
Graduates with communications degrees can look forward to lucrative, interesting careers that can reach into many employment areas. Typical median annual wages for May, 2008, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics ranged from $80,220 for advertising and promotions managers, to $108.580 for marketing managers. Many new graduates will accept far less just to get into a good media position, but with experience they are able to move up the pay scale quickly. The job outlook for this industry is as good as average, with much growth expected in the sales and marketing areas of communications.
Salaries are highly dependent on individual negotiating skill, years of related experience, your employer, area, and more. The estimates we show on these pages are just that: estimates. Your individual experience will likely vary.
Where does this come from?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics, a unit of the US government, classifies all workers into some 800-odd occupational categories. We paid a army of freelancers to solicit their view on what type of degree a holder of each type of job would likely have majored in. For pairs which had a high degree of consensus, we created a link between the degree and the job.
From this, we calculated the average salary for Communications degrees and converted it into a lifetime value. We then compared it against other degrees at the same level of schooling (such as associate's, bachelor's, or master's), so that you can make informed educational and employment decisions.
What do Communications Students Learn?
Students who undertake course studies leading to Communications degrees will enjoy a variety of topics and directions for their major. The basic study of communication is focused on language and rhetoric, and their use in society. Subcategories within communications reach into many areas, including linguistics, fine arts, sociology, law, history, media, philosophy and religion.
Rhetoric, persuasive arguing, is built upon the use of language combined with emotion and the status of the speaker. The speaker attempts to convince an audience to receive or believe a certain message. There are some strict rules that may aid in construction of the message, or the message may merely be delivered from heartfelt emotion. The constructed message has the best chance of being received in the manner intended.
Communication as a general term encompasses many types of language, from commonly used language to formal speech, and new forms of developing languages. Street language can promote a message as effectively as formal speech, depending upon the audience that receives that message.
Students who major in Communications will discover that the skills they learn during the course of their studies will be welcomed in the world of business and information. Being able to construct an effective message and communicate effectively is useful in all parts of society. Graduates may find they are able to work in public relations in any industry, including religion, journalism, sales and marketing, media, politics and other fields.
What Studies Comprise Communications Degree Programs?
Depending on the slant of a student’s major, coursework within Communications is varied. General courses would be required that involve basic language and speech, such as public speaking, writing, and social studies. Students will begin with basic principles of communication, communication in society, and mass communications. Additional courses focus on research, media, presentations, and organization, interpersonal and intercultural communications.
Elective courses are available for studying particular areas of communication arts individually. These include the following areas of study:
Media Related Study:
- Advertising
- Public Relations
- Publishing
- Radio and Television
- Journalism
- Visual Communications
- Graphic Communications
- Digital Communications
- Audio Communications
- Multi-Media Communications
Language Related Study:
- Verbal Communications
- Non-Verbal Communications
- Writing
- Speech
- Foreign Language Linguistics
- English Language and Literary Studies
- American Sign Language
Business Related Study:
- Communications Technician
- Journalism Studies
- Business Communications
- Electronic Publishing
- Marketing and Sales
Additional studies that are very helpful to those seeking Communications degrees include courses in Psychology, Persuasion, Public Speaking, Statistics, Social Studies and Computer Studies.
Notable Online Schools Offering Accredited Communication Degree Programs
Here are several of the best known online schools that offer these studies:
Campus-based Colleges & Universities Offering Communications Degree Programs
Michigan State University has a comprehensive school of Communication Arts. It was established in 1955 and was the first in the U.S. It continues to be one of the largest communications schools in the world, and it is highly respected. Students here can benefit from a world famous faculty.
Other top rated schools featuring Communications degrees include: University of Minnesota, University of Texas, Northwestern University, Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania, University of North Carolina School of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Kansas and University of Iowa.
Famous Students of Communications
Many Michigan State University professors, deans and alumni have become famous. Professor Randall Harrison is a world renowned expert in non-verbal communication. Former Dean of the Communication Arts & Sciences School, Bradley Greenberg, is widely respected for his in-depth work on the effects of television upon children. Recently, Gerald Miller was designated as a University Distinguished Professor of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences. Dr. Erwin Bettinghaus is a world famous health communications expert. One of the most recognized alumni of the MSU School of Communication Arts & Sciences is the “Dateline” investigative reporter Chris Hansen.
Graduates in Communications Arts from other universities include: Charles Kurault, David Brinkley, Shelly Long, Warren Beatty (pictured right by Alan Light), Garry Marshall and Cloris Leachman.
