Quality communication is an essential part of business in each and every industry and this is why you can do a long list of things with a degree in communications. If you are contemplating whether or not to earn a degree in communications, it is important that you understand what types of coursework you will take and ultimately where your degree can be used professionally. While many know that the degree is a top pick for future journalists, knowing how to communicate information to business-minded audiences can be a strength in more than just journalism. Read on, and learn communications curriculum and where the degree may be used.
What Classes Can You Expect to Take as a Communications Major?
Communications is a large field that revolves around language and rhetoric and how it is used to deliver or develop information. Since human communications is such a vast subject to tackle, you can expect to take a wide range of different courses that will expose you to several different issues and theories. Since it is about expression, communications tends to be a more creative and flexible field than others in business. Some of the classes that you might be required to take if majoring in communications include: Communication Theory, Corporate Communication, Interpersonal Communication, Mass Communications, Research Methods, News Reporting, News Writing, and Speech Communication.
Where Can You Work with a Degree in Communications?
Since a degree in communications can open up all kinds of doors in many different industries, the question is not really where you can work but what you can do with your degree. While journalism is a popular route, you could find yourself working in a non-profit organization or for a large marketing firm. Some of the popular places communications graduates end up working include: corporations, marketing firms, advertising agencies, sales companies, newspapers, radio, television networks, legal settings and more.
What you do with your degree is dependent upon your comfort level and your interests. Careers also depend on the level of your degree as some employers require only an Associate’s and others require a Bachelor’s and above. Some of the popular titles that you might be able to hold with your communications degree include: Human Resource specialist, trainer, technical writer, public relations manager, legal secretary, publicist, public information officer, communications director, marketing specialist, film production and more.
What Can You Do to Expand Your Opportunities?
One way to stand out among the long list of other communications students that graduate each year is to become a member of a professional organization so that you can earn a professional certification. The International Association of Business Communicators is one of the most respected associations that offer certification that is specifically for Communication Management Professionals and other business communicators. If you want to work in a more specific field like Public Relations (PR), the Public Relations Society of America offers an Accredited in Public Relations credential that will prove you are skilled in business PR.
Since about 5% of college graduates each year graduate with a communications degree, it is said to be one of the most popular majors available today (also see: Top 10 Best Online Communications Degree Programs). If you want to compete for jobs against these other graduates, you need to know what you plan on doing with the degree that has taken years to earn. Now that you know there are endless options with a degree in communications, it is time to start doing your research.