Publications for Communication Majors
- Communication Arts Magazine
- Spectra Magazine
- ASHA Leader Magazine
- Communication World Magazine
- XRDS Crossroads Magazine
Investing in communications publications with student subscriptions at reduced prices can help you affordably learn about the industry’s latest happenings. Unlike textbooks, they’re published monthly or quarterly with insightful articles full of up-to-date information. Each will deliver pages of well-researched knowledge right to your doorstep, inbox, or internet browser. One of the biggest benefits of publication subscriptions is they help communication majors excel after graduation. Readers find out firsthand from field experts the best strategies to succeed despite the tight 10-year employment outlook of 6 percent. After all, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts only 43,200 new jobs before 2026 when Niche estimates there are over 94,000 communication grads yearly. Gain a competitive advantage by learning trade secrets with student subscriptions to these digital and print communication periodicals.
Related Resource: Top 20 Best Online Communications Degree Programs
1. Communication Arts Magazine
Started in 1959 by Coyne & Blanchard Inc., Communication Arts has become the globe’s largest visual media magazine centered on expressing information through graphics. Every other month, it’s printed in Menlo Park and read by over 189,000 students and professionals. Along with exceptional pieces on topics from advertising to photography, U.S. subscribers can access the prestigious Communication Arts Design Competition. Currently, the one-year student rate is $39, 73 percent less than average newsstand prices.
2. Spectra Magazine
Led by Cinspire Consulting CEO Ronald Jackson II, the National Communication Association in Washington, DC, publishes 11 journals and Spectra. Given the 2016 TRENDS All-Media Bronze Award, this magazine covers current topics, like freedom of speech and fake news, relevant to today’s media. Each March, May, September, and November, NCA members easily log in to review the newest digital issue advancing methods of creative expression. Best of all, Spectrais free to communication students who are members of the National Communication Association. Non-member subscriptions are also available.
3. ASHA Leader Magazine
Attracting nearly 195,000 members, including 13,400 students, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association has printed ASHA Leadersince 2000 to report the latest research on communication disorders. Twelve months yearly, this four-color, tabloid-size magazine provides articles and Q&As about clinical treatments for children or adults. It’s free for communication science majors paying annual membership dues of $60 for over 300 NSSLHA Chapters nationwide. That’s significant savings off the non-member ASHA Leaderprice of $177.
4. Communication World Magazine
Headquartered in San Francisco since 1970, the International Association of Business Communicators offers its over 16,000 members free access to Communication World for reading about fresh PR tactics. Each month, it’s a must-read communications publication for students interested in working for Global Fortune 1000 companies. Besides features, such as “Emerging Brand Trends,” the digital magazine uploads videos of Circle of Fellows discussions on hot topics. Getting the $49 student membership would also reduce SCMP certification fees.
5. XRDS Crossroads Magazine
Organized in 171 chapters across 41 nations, the Association for Computing Machinery discusses telecommunications in 53 publications, including XRDS Crossroads. Launched in 1994, this student-centered magazine is accessed by over 20,000 in the ACM Digital Library each quarter. Those interested in high-tech communication careers peruse valuable tutorials, industry interviews, case studies, and opinion articles. Adding XRDS Crossroads content to the ACM membership only costs $23 more.
Overall, completing a communication degree is only one piece of the puzzle. Next comes applying mastered skills in real-life careers for an average salary of $56,340 according to PayScale. Regularly reading at least one communications publication with student subscriptions cover to cover could help you hit the ground running.