What Can You Do With a Communication Degree?

Author: University of North Dakota
May 23, 2024

Communication has been part of human interaction throughout history, evolving from primitive gestures and drawings to complex spoken and written languages.

Yet, despite its omnipresence in our daily lives, communication did not emerge as a formal field of academic study until the 20th century. Today, it thrives as a discipline with numerous subfields, ranging from interpersonal communication to media studies and public relations.

It might seem redundant to study communication—something we've been practicing since infancy—yet the field's depth and breadth are far greater than everyday conversations suggest. So, what can you do with a communication degree? Read on as we explore the surprising complexity and versatility of this discipline.

Understanding the Basics

Before we go through the various roles one can pursue with such a degree, let's start with the basics by defining what a communication degree actually is.

What is a Communication Degree?

A communication degree is an academic program designed to enhance comprehension of how people communicate and exchange information through different channels. These programs are available at both undergraduate and graduate levels. They equip students with the ability to analyze and use communication effectively in different contexts.

Through a communication degree, students explore a range of topics, including how communication influences social interactions, shapes media and impacts public opinion. Courses typically cover theoretical frameworks, practical communication skills, media ethics and digital communication techniques. 

By focusing on the dynamics of communication, students learn to craft compelling messages as well as to critically evaluate the ways information is shared and perceived in society. Moreover, this degree equips graduates with valuable skills applicable in a wide array of fields, highlighting the crucial role of effective communication in both professional and personal spheres.

What Can You Do With a Communication Degree?

Communication itself is a skill that intertwines with virtually every industry, from technology and healthcare to entertainment and beyond. This universality makes a degree in communication incredibly versatile and valuable. Below, we will explore some of the specific roles you can pursue with this degree.

1. Social Media Manager

Average salary: $64,845 per year

Social media managers are in charge of creating, curating and managing published content across social media platforms. They develop strategies to increase engagement, boost brand awareness and drive traffic to company websites. 

This role requires a keen understanding of each platform's unique environment and audience. Social media managers also analyze performance data to refine their strategies, making them pivotal in shaping a company's online presence.

2. Public Relations Specialist

Average salary: $64,362 per year

Public relations specialists manage an organization's public image. They craft media releases as well as develop social media programs in order to shape public perception and increase awareness of its goals and achievements. These specialists also handle crisis communications and interact with the media to promote their company's viewpoint. 

3. Marketing Coordinator

Average salary: $51,594 per year

Marketing coordinators execute projects and initiatives under the larger marketing strategy laid out by their superiors. They often assist in researching trends, setting prices and developing marketing campaigns. Coordinators work across teams to provide materials, organize events or launch campaigns. 

4. Human Resources Specialist

Average salary: $73,918 per year

Human resources specialists focus on recruiting, screening and interviewing new staff. They are crucial in shaping their company's workforce and ensuring that high-quality candidates are hired. HR specialists also handle employee relations, payroll, benefits and training.

5. Content Creator

Average salary: $116,615 per year

Content creators produce various content types, including videos, blog posts, graphics and podcasts, tailored to engage specific audiences. They are storytellers who utilize platforms like websites, social media and other digital mediums to convey their messages. 

6. Event Planner

Average salary: $63,335 per year

Event planners design and organize professional and social events, including conferences, weddings and corporate gatherings. They coordinate every detail of these events, from the concept to the execution, including venue selection, catering, entertainment and guest management.

7. Journalist

Average salary: $60,979 per year

Journalists research, write and report news stories through different media channels, including newspapers, television, radio and online platforms. They are responsible for gathering information, conducting interviews and ensuring the accuracy of their reports. Journalists must communicate complex information in a clear, concise manner, often under tight deadlines. 

8. Media Production

Average salary: $55,516 per year

Professionals in media production create, edit and manage the production of various forms of media, including television, film and online content. This role often requires a blend of creative and technical skills to handle everything from scripting and shooting to editing and broadcasting. 

Media producers must also coordinate with different departments to ensure the project aligns with creative goals and budget constraints, making communication skills crucial.

9. Writer and Publisher

Average salary: $91,290 per year

Writers and publishers create and distribute written content for various media. Writers may work on books, articles, scripts and other texts, while publishers oversee the production and dissemination of these works to the public. These roles require strong writing skills, as well as the ability to engage and persuade readers. 

10. Advertising Account Executive

Average salary: $40,871 per year

Advertising account executives manage client accounts in advertising agencies, acting as the link between the client and the agency's creative team. They understand the client's advertising goals and communicate them to the creative team working on the campaigns. Account executives must also manage budgets, campaign costs and client relationships, ensuring that advertising campaigns meet the client's expectations and are delivered on time and on budget.

Challenges and Considerations

While rewarding, pursuing a career with a communication degree comes with its own set of challenges and considerations. One of the main challenges is the competitive nature of the field. Media and communication industries can be highly competitive, with more candidates than available positions, especially in prestigious or high-profile roles. Graduates must often start in entry-level positions and work their way up, which can require significant time and effort.

Another consideration is the need for continual skill development and adaptability. The fields of media and communication are constantly evolving with new technologies and platforms, requiring professionals to stay current with the latest trends and tools. This might involve ongoing education and training, which can be both time-consuming and costly.

Additionally, the variability in job stability and freelance work can be challenging for many. Careers in this field can sometimes offer less job security than those in more traditional fields, with fluctuating workloads and the need to continually seek new contracts or projects.

Is a Communication Degree Worth It?

When considering the value of a communication degree, it's important to look at factors like job prospects, salary potential and personal fulfillment. To start, projections show that employment in media and communication occupations is expected to grow at an average rate, with about 114,300 new openings each year due to growth and replacements. Additionally, the median annual wage for these occupations is $66,320, notably higher than the median for all occupations.

These figures indicate that a communication degree can offer solid job opportunities and good earning potential. Moreover, for those passionate about media, journalism, public relations or marketing, the degree can be especially fulfilling. It opens doors to dynamic and creative work environments where you can make a positive impact through various media forms.

Ultimately, while there are challenges, the advantages of a communication degree—such as career flexibility, creative expression and the chance to influence public discourse—make it a worthwhile endeavor for many.

The Bottom Line

As we've seen, a communication degree is not just a path of study—it's a gateway to diverse roles in every corner of the professional world. These degrees cultivate not only the art of effective communication but also the strategic thinking and digital proficiency that today's industries demand. At the University of North Dakota, both the bachelor's and master's in Communication offer this comprehensive training, ideally suited for those looking to thrive in a connected, global society.

For those contemplating the breadth of their educational journey, consider pairing a communication degree with another discipline. Take inspiration from UND alumna Laura Christian, who combined her studies in Norwegian and strategic communication with intercultural specialization at UND. 

For Laura, this unique combination not only revived a lifelong ambition but also enabled her to manage her commitments as a single mother and a full-time employee, all while enriching her professional and personal life. She has leveraged the flexibility and depth of UND's online programs to craft an educational experience that has been, in her words, "the highlight of my life right now."

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