A communications major is available in almost every college. In fact, you’re likely to know at least a few people who plan to study in the field or are now majoring in it. In terms of courses and abilities, what does a communications major entail? And, with a communications degree, what kinds of employment and wages can you expect?

Do you enjoy conversing with others and determining what makes them tick? Are you a confident communicator who can connect with a wide range of individuals and effectively communicate your message? If you responded yes to these questions, a communications major could be the right fit for you.

What Is a Communications Major?

The study of how to effectively transmit different forms of information in diverse sectors such as journalism/media, business, politics, and law is known as a communications major (also known as a communication studies major).

As a communications major, you’ll learn how to conduct research, analyze data, and write and talk eloquently and persuasively about a variety of topics. Research strategies, theory, rhetoric, public speaking, writing, and journalism/media will all be covered.

Undergraduate communications courses can be divided into two groups, according to the website Communication Studies: theory-based courses and skills-based courses. Unlike theory-based seminars, which focus on distinct types of communication (e.g., political vs. virtual communication), skills-based classes focus on the application and mastery of important abilities such as public speaking, group communication, and public relations.

You’ll be required to take a few core communications courses in most undergraduate communications programs. These are usually taken throughout your first two years of college to give you a solid foundation for your communications degree.

Your communications major’s core courses will vary depending on the school you attend. Communication majors at Stanford, for example, are required to take an introductory communication course in addition to seminars in research methodologies, media processes, and writing.

Similarly, UCLA comm students must take an introductory course in communication as well as courses in mass communication, interpersonal communication, communication technology, and political and legal communication. Because communications are such a large field, many universities offer communications majors specialized concentrations. This permits communication students to concentrate in a specific field. Interpersonal communication and culture, media and popular culture studies, and cinema studies are all viable comm subfields at UMass Amherst, for example. Meanwhile, communication majors at The Ohio State University can specialize in one of three subfields: Communication Analysis and Practice, New Media and Communication Technology, or Strategic Communication.

What Do Communication Majors Study?

If you want to work in the media, a communications major is a fantastic choice. This subject of study offers a variety of job opportunities for those interested in writing, radio, public relations, or even journalism. A double major, such as a B.A. in communication and journalism, is also an option for students. Students in the latter emphasis will improve their writing, editing, and production skills.

The art of communication is studied by communication majors. They learn how to communicate with people and how to write and speak persuasively. They also improve their critical thinking and time management abilities, which are crucial in today’s professional world.

Communications majors can pursue a variety of jobs, including work in the media, journalism, public relations, advertising, and more. Communication majors have a wide range of alternatives, so it’s necessary to think about all of them.

Graduate students in communication studies can receive an MA or an MS. While the main focus of both MS programs is similar, the specialty possibilities differ. An MA program, for example, focuses more on practical abilities, whereas an MS program focuses more on theory. An MS program, unlike an MA program, does not require competency in a foreign language. A doctorate in communication will equip you for the most senior positions in the industry.

Writing, public speaking, and public relations are just a few of the talents that a communications student will learn. A communications major will obtain useful employment experience as well. Employers are looking for employees with these skills since they can’t get them anywhere else. 500 recruiting managers, 150 HR professionals, and 1,500 college students were polled in a recent survey by education technology company Cengage. Efficient listening, attention to detail, and effective communication are some of the most sought-after abilities by employers.

You’ll learn how to deal with various types of people as a communications major. You’ll learn how to use technology in a corporate setting in addition to gaining a wide range of abilities.

 You’ll study social behavior, public relations, and marketing in addition to human behavior. You’ll be ready for any type of work you want during your education. You will be prepared for a job in the media sector with this degree.

What Do You Learn as a Communications Major?

You’ll study a wide range of topics during your undergraduate education. You could specialize in marketing, public relations, or advertising, depending on your interests. A communication degree is valuable since it will teach you how to communicate successfully with a variety of audiences. Furthermore, it will give you the courage to offer your thoughts to others. It will also assist you in becoming a more effective communicator in the future.

You’ll build a broad range of communication abilities that will serve you well in any job during your undergraduate education. As you investigate the various communication methods, you’ll improve your critical thinking and analytical skills. You’ll also learn how to put these ideas into practice in a variety of sectors. You’ll never have difficulties obtaining work in your chosen field because of your wide interests. Anyone who enjoys talking to people and creating relationships might benefit from a communication major.

The field of communication offers a variety of professional opportunities. You could work in the media, politics, or the legal system, or you could write for a living. A communications major will be ideal for you if you enjoy communicating with others.

You’ll be well-equipped for a number of professional choices if you develop a wide range of communication abilities. Your options for a job will be as diverse as your hobbies. You can even work as a journalist or a television reporter if you don’t want to work in the communications industry.

A communication major might be a good fit for you. The curriculum might assist you in honing your analytical skills as well as learning about various technologies. If you’re interested in human connection, a communication major is a wonderful choice. You’ll learn about the various sorts of media available if you research the subject thoroughly. You can seek a minor in communication in addition to a degree in the discipline to further your interest.

Is a Communications Degree Worth It?

With a communications degree, you can pursue a wide range of occupations and careers. As a result, your work prospects and pay potential as a communications major will be largely determined by the field you choose.

The (median) salaries for several communications key positions, as well as their job outlooks in terms of predicted employment growth rates, are included below. Any figure in the negatives indicates that employment is anticipated to fall rather than expand. The US Bureau of Labour Statistics provided all of the data (BLS).

The average employment growth rate in the United States is currently 7%. Any rate that is more than 1% higher than the average represents growth, whereas any rate that is more than 1% lower represents a drop. Managerial professions and those requiring higher degrees, such as lawyers, political scientists, and college professors, are often the highest-paying jobs. However, keep in mind that getting to this income level would most likely take a lot of time and experience (or higher). To put it another way, don’t expect to be paid this much right out of college.

Jobs with the lowest salary, on the other hand, are frequently those that demand a lot of autonomous work and minimal leadership ability, such as designers and translators, as well as broadcasters. Many of these jobs are deemed entry-level because they are more likely to be available to those with little or no work experience. There are evident distinctions between high-demand communications positions and others that are gradually losing importance.

Market research analysts (23 percent), interpreters and translators (18 percent), and social and community service managers all have faster-than-average growth rates (18 percent ). There is an increasing demand for communications majors, therefore these are fantastic careers to get.

Reporters and correspondents (-9%), announcers (-9%), and labor relations specialists (-9%) are among the jobs that are expected to shrink (-8 percent ). As a result, communications majors should avoid these types of professions because they aren’t in high demand right now.

Is a Communications Degree Right for You?

Do You Have a Desire to Communicate With Other People?

First and foremost, do you have a strong desire to communicate with others? Do you like to help others communicate better, whether it’s through writing or oral means (or both)? If that’s the case, a communications degree can be a good fit for your skills and professional objectives. Remember that, at the end of the day, communication is all about communicating. If you enjoy writing, interacting with people, and giving presentations, you’ll love this major—and be more likely to use it in a career that you enjoy.

Do You Have a Certain Concentration or Field in Mind?

Although you don’t need to have everything figured out before declaring a communications major, it’s a good idea to think about what types of subfields or focuses within the subject interest you the most.

Early on, being able to restrict your focus can help you find (and land) employment that target your specific area of expertise, because you’ll know exactly what kind of field you want to work in and will have all of the essential skills and knowledge to do well in it.

Are You Willing to Earn a Master’s Degree if It Is Necessary?

Some communications majors go on to pursue specialized careers in disciplines like law, politics, or teaching, as we covered before. If you’re considering a career in a specialized sector, consider whether you’d be willing to pursue a master’s or Ph.D. after earning a bachelor’s degree in communications.

This isn’t only about saving time; it’s also about saving money. Do you have the money to pay for numerous years of graduate school? If not, are you willing to borrow money? Do you have a certain career in mind for which you believe you should go to graduate school? Having an advanced degree and satisfying all job requirements, however, does not guarantee that you will be hired. This is especially true for academics in higher education. If you want to work as a full-time professor, you can bet that you’ll need a lot more than a doctorate to get there.

What is the reason for this? Many positions that require an advanced degree also require applicants to have extensive experience (e.g., internships) and/or a significant professional presence (e.g., academic publications). Because of how competitive certain positions have gotten in recent years, candidates have high expectations.

In summary, assess the benefits and drawbacks of going to graduate school for the communications career you want to pursue.

Conclusion

Communications is one of the most versatile degrees, allowing students to learn a wide range of abilities and pursue a variety of occupations. In general, a communications major focuses on the communication, interpretation, and analysis of various sorts of data.

As part of their communications degree, most universities offer various emphases or subfields for students to choose from, which commonly include topics like visual communication, political communication, and media.

Public relations and advertising, as well as graphic design and translation, are among the various professional paths and fields available to communications students. Because job prospects differ greatly depending on the field, it’s vital to keep this in mind as you choose which concentration to pursue your communications major.