Is a Communication Degree Worth It?

Every day, we interact with a world shaped by communication. Whether through media, public relations, or interpersonal dialogue, effective communication is crucial. But is a communication degree worth it? 

This blog delves into the value of a communication degree, exploring career opportunities, skill development, and industry relevance. By the end, you'll have a clearer understanding of whether this path aligns with your career goals and how it can prepare you for a dynamic and impactful profession.

Key Takeaways

• From traditional roles like public relations and journalism to emerging fields like UX writing and influencer marketing, a communication degree prepares graduates for various industries.
• While AI and digital tools are reshaping content creation, critical thinking, storytelling, and empathy-driven messaging still require the human touch that communication grads bring.
• Communication isn’t an “easy major”—it requires writing, public speaking, teamwork, and self-motivation, mimicking real-world industry expectations.
• Students who build portfolios, gain certifications, and intern during their studies tend to have better job prospects

Is a Communication Degree Worth It in Today’s Job Market?

Yes, a communication degree can absolutely be worth it, but its value depends on how you use it, what you specialize in, and how well you keep up with the digital changes. While some may dismiss communication as too broad or too soft, the reality is that employers across nearly every industry are looking for professionals who can craft messages that resonate and engage audiences online and offline.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, around 109,500 openings are projected each year in media and communication. Diving deeper into where media and communication professionals are actually landing jobs these days, we see that the field is being pulled in two directions at once—in a good way. On one side, we’ve got the more traditional industries that have been around forever, and on the other, there’s this rapid shift toward digital-first companies that are constantly evolving. That mix is kind of what makes the field so interesting right now, because it shows just how many directions you can go depending on your interests and how comfortable you are adapting to change.

This degree is especially valuable for students with a strong interest in media production, digital storytelling, marketing, public relations, or corporate communication. It’s also a smart foundation for those who want to dive into emerging careers like influencer management, podcast production, or brand voice development. 

However, the field is not without its growing pains. Automation and AI are reshaping the way we produce and distribute content. Tools like ChatGPT and Jasper are assisting in content writing, while platforms like Canva and Adobe Express are democratizing design. However, human elements such as critical thinking, brand voice development, and empathy-driven storytelling remain irreplaceable, and that’s where communication grads have an edge.

What Skills Do You Learn in a Communication Degree?

In addition to learning how to write well and speak clearly through a communication degree, you will also build a toolkit of human-centered and tech-savvy skills that help you influence, engage, and inform. You’ll learn how to break down complex ideas for different audiences, pitch stories, manage media relations, and maybe even plan full campaigns across platforms.

Core skills include persuasive writing, public speaking, interpersonal communication, media planning, and research methodology. Students often don’t realize how much these skills translate across industries. Whether you’re managing a crisis for a Fortune 500 company or writing compelling scripts for a YouTube channel, the foundational knowledge is the same.

Another important thing to note is that communication programs aren’t stuck in the past, but they’re evolving fast. Many now include coursework in SEO writing, digital content strategy, social media analytics, and AI-powered copywriting. Some even go as far as offering electives in UX writing, podcast production, and video editing—because today’s communicators need to be as comfortable behind the camera or analytics dashboard as they are behind a keyboard.

However, if you really want to stand out, you should go beyond the classroom. Learning tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or Final Cut Pro can give you an edge, especially for content-heavy roles. Certifications from platforms like Hootsuite or HubSpot in social media, inbound marketing, or content strategy are also highly valuable. Building a personal brand, experimenting with blogs or YouTube, and gaining hands-on experience through internships will round out your portfolio and make you job-ready from day one.

Are Communication Degrees Hard?

There’s a persistent myth that communication is an “easy major,” but anyone who’s actually been in the trenches knows that’s far from true. While it may not be as quantitatively demanding as engineering or pre-med, it still requires high creativity, self-direction, and constant output.

Students often find themselves juggling multiple writing assignments at once, from news stories and analytical essays to press releases and campaign briefs. Public speaking is also a cornerstone of many classes, so if the idea of presenting in front of people makes you sweat, expect to be pushed outside your comfort zone (but also to grow quickly). And let’s not forget the group work; communication programs often emphasize collaboration, mimicking the teamwork dynamics of agency or corporate life.

Those who dislike writing, fear public speaking, or prefer strict technical rules over creative flexibility might struggle more than expected. But the challenges also offer big rewards. With the right strategies, like joining a student media organization, building a writing portfolio, seeking out internships, and practicing presentations, you can thrive. It’s a major that forces you to connect theory to practice, and that constant feedback loop is where real growth happens.

What Can You Do with a Communication Degree?

One of the greatest strengths of a communication degree is its flexibility. This degree opens doors in countless industries, from media and tech to education, healthcare, politics, and even science. Here’s what you can do with a communication degree:

Traditional careers

Traditional careers include but are not limited to:

• Public Relations Specialist
• Corporate Communications Manager
• Journalist or Reporter
• Social Media Manager
• Media Buyer
• Event Coordinator
• Broadcast Producer

These roles have been around for decades and still form the backbone of many communication programs. But what’s exciting is the rapid rise of new paths that didn’t exist a generation ago.

Emerging & less-known career paths

Some of these emerging & less-known career paths include:

• UX Writer
• Digital Content Strategist
• Crisis Communication Consultant
• AI-Driven Media Analyst
• Influencer Marketing Manager
• Content Designer
• Data-Driven Storyteller

Salary & Job Market Outlook for Communication Graduates

Salary expectations for communication graduates vary widely, but the good news is that with further specialization, you can earn quite competitively:

• Public Relations Specialist: $69,780/year
• Marketing Manager: $166,410/year
• Journalist: $60,280/year
• Social Media Manager: $58,559/year

That said, the top of the pay scale usually belongs to those who’ve paired communication with in-demand skills like digital marketing, brand strategy, or project management.

The rise of remote work has also expanded access to roles across markets that were once geographically limited. Freelancing is also on the rise. It’s a great way to build a diverse portfolio and earn flexibly, though it does come with challenges like managing your own business and securing steady work.

Conclusion

All in all, communication is underrated and overlooked as a field of study, although it is profoundly integral to our daily lives. From cultivating relationships to driving global business strategies, communication helps bridge gaps and forge connections. So, given its ubiquitous influence and the array of career paths it offers, studying communication opens doors to many influential professional roles.

If you're drawn to a career that thrives on connection and influence, consider pursuing a Communication degree at the University of North Dakota (UND), where we understand the impact of effective communication. Join us and gain the power to shape perceptions and narratives in the global dialogue.

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