What Can You Do With a Master's in Communication?

If you’re wondering, “What can you do with a Master’s in Communication?” the short answer is: quite a lot.

As an academic field, communication is incredibly broad, encompassing everything from interpersonal interactions and organizational dynamics to mass media and digital technologies. Its relevance spans numerous sectors, including business, healthcare, politics, and entertainment.

A degree in communication, particularly at the master’s level, offers a deep dive into the complexities and nuances of effective communication, equipping graduates with the advanced skills needed to excel in various roles. Read on to explore what this degree entails and the many career opportunities it can unlock

Key Takeaways

• A Master’s in Communication opens doors to roles in business, healthcare, media, politics, and more.
• Graduates can earn anywhere from $60,000 to over $100,000, with top roles like PR Director and Marketing Manager reaching six figures.
• The degree hones leadership, strategic messaging, media literacy, and interpersonal communication skills.
• From social media to speechwriting, careers in communication often blend creativity with influence and impact.

18 Master's in Communication Jobs You Can Pursue

What does a Master’s in Communications get you? If you are looking for a simple answer to that, then you should know that this degree can lead to specialized, leadership-level, and high-growth roles in a wide range of industries. 

Below, we have listed only 18 of the most common and emerging career paths for graduates, including salary data and job outlooks based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and other industry sources.

1. Corporate Communication

Corporate communications managers are responsible for shaping a company’s public image and internal messaging. They ensure that what’s communicated to employees, investors, the media, and the general public is consistent, clear, and aligned with business goals.

A Master’s in Communication prepares you to lead communication strategies with confidence. You’ll gain expertise in organizational communication, crisis management, and persuasive messaging—core skills required to build trust, drive engagement, and manage reputational risks at a corporate level.

Average Salary: $89,289/year

2. Healthcare Communication

Healthcare communication involves managing internal and external communication for healthcare organizations. Roles such as health communication specialist, public information officer, patient educator, and healthcare PR manager are typical.

Communication programs emphasize clear, empathetic communication and effective public health messaging. Knowledge of healthcare systems and medical terminology may be necessary, which can be acquired through additional coursework, certifications, or on-the-job experience in healthcare settings.

Average salary: $63,335

3. Political Communication

Political communication involves managing communication strategies for politicians, campaigns, or government agencies. Roles such as campaign manager, press secretary, communication director, policy advisor, and legislative assistant are among the most common.

A communication degree provides crucial skills in public speaking, media relations, and strategic messaging. Coursework in political science, campaign experience, and an understanding of legislative processes can further prepare you for a successful career in this field.

Average salary: $59,000

4. Communications Strategist or Director

A communications director oversees all aspects of a company’s or organization’s messaging. From public relations and social media to internal updates and executive speechwriting, they ensure all communication is aligned and impactful.

This role demands leadership, strategic thinking, and high-level communication planning; skills directly developed through a master’s program. You’ll also learn to manage teams, assess communication performance, and align messaging with broader business or mission-driven objectives.

Average salary: $93,229

5. Public Relations

Public relations professionals handle the public image of organizations, manage media relations, and address crisis communication. Some other roles relevant to PR management are media relations specialist, corporate communication manager, and crisis communication specialist. 

Communication degrees often cover media strategy, crisis management, and relationship building. PR certifications, such as the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR), and experience in managing PR campaigns can be advantageous for career growth in this field.

Average salary: $69,780

6. Journalism

Journalism involves reporting, writing, and editing news stories for various media outlets. Some common roles in this career path include reporter, editor, investigative journalist, and news analyst.

Communication programs focus on developing strong writing, research, and ethical journalism practices. Specialized training in multimedia journalism, internships with news organizations, and a deep understanding of current events and media law can significantly enhance your prospects in this competitive field.

Average salary: $60,280

7. Social Media Manager

Social media managers plan, create, analyze, and oversee content across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and X. They help brands build presence, connect with audiences, and stay culturally relevant.

Through a master’s in communication, you’ll learn how to craft compelling content strategies, analyze engagement metrics, and manage brand voice. In addition, a master’s degree also teaches you to navigate digital trends and manage reputational risk online.

Average salary: $58,559

8. Marketing Communications Management

Marketing communications (MarCom) managers oversee the messaging and promotion of a company’s products or services. They bridge branding, digital marketing, and customer engagement.

This role benefits from your deep understanding of audience behavior, persuasive messaging, and integrated campaign planning.

Average salary: $116,000

9. Human Resources & Training

HR communication specialists manage employee-facing messaging—from onboarding and policy updates to internal campaigns and organizational culture initiatives.

A Master’s in Communication teaches you how to write for clarity, build trust internally, and design messages that boost morale and reduce confusion. You’ll also gain insight into intercultural communication and leadership training.

Average Salary: $72,910

10. Fundraising & Nonprofit Management

Fundraising professionals craft compelling narratives to encourage donations and support for nonprofits, universities, or charitable organizations. Communication grads are especially valued for their ability to translate missions into meaningful calls to action.

Average Salary: $133,620

11. Brand Management

Brand management focuses on maintaining and improving a brand's image, ensuring consistency in messaging, and driving brand growth. Typical roles include brand manager, product manager, marketing manager, and brand strategist.

Communication degrees teach strategic planning, consumer behavior analysis, and persuasive communication, all crucial for brand management. In addition to the degree, specialized marketing certifications can provide deeper insights into market analysis and business strategy, giving you a competitive edge in this field.

Average salary: $83,525

12. Advertising & Promotions Manager

These professionals plan and oversee campaigns to promote products or services, often working with creative teams, media buyers, and clients to drive visibility and sales.

A Master’s in Communication prepares you to develop impactful messaging and understand audience psychology. You’ll also gain the leadership skills needed to manage teams and campaigns in high-pressure, fast-paced settings.

Average Salary: $159,660

13. Market Research & Analytics

These professionals collect and analyze consumer data to help companies make evidence-based marketing decisions. They dig into trends, preferences, and buying behavior.

In many cases, they team up with graphic designers and visual artists to transform their findings into clear, engaging visuals, including charts, graphs, and infographics, that make the data easy to understand and act on.

Average Salary: $76,950

14. Broadcasting

Broadcasting encompasses producing and delivering content via television, radio, or online platforms. Roles such as producer, director, anchor/host, broadcast journalist, and technical director are common in this field.

Communication programs offer training in media production, storytelling, and on-camera skills, preparing you for the demands of this industry. However, technical skills in video and audio production, familiarity with broadcasting equipment, and sometimes a background in journalism or media studies can be necessary to excel.

Average salary: $86,950

15. Sales

Sales professionals manage client relationships and drive sales for a company. This role necessitates a deep understanding of a client company's objectives and products, as well as the ability to provide effective advice on creating successful promotional activities and strategies. 

A communication degree emphasizes persuasive communication, relationship management, and negotiation skills, all critical for sales roles. Practical sales experience, training programs, and familiarity with customer relationship management (CRM) software can further enhance your success and career development in sales.

Average salary: $138,060

16. Speech Writer

Speech writers are professionals who craft speeches for other people. They are typically employed by senior-level elected officials and executives in the government or private sectors. However, they can also be employed to write for other, more common, social occasions. 

Communication degrees provide training in persuasive writing, rhetorical strategies, and message crafting. Experience in writing, public speaking, and a deep understanding of the speaker's voice and audience are essential. Networking and internships can also play a significant role in gaining opportunities in this specialized field.

Average salary: $72,270

17. Video Production

Video production involves creating video content for various media, including commercials, online videos, and films. Some roles in video production include video producer, director, editor, cinematographer, and scriptwriter.

Communication programs offer skills in storytelling, production techniques, and media theory. Technical skills in video editing software and production equipment are essential, often gained through specialized courses, workshops, or hands-on experience. Building a strong portfolio and networking within the industry can also significantly boost career prospects in video production.

Average salary: $63,260

18. Digital Entrepreneur

A communication degree can also serve as a powerful catalyst for aspiring digital entrepreneurs, including influencers, YouTubers, and TikTokers. This academic background equips individuals with essential skills in media literacy, content creation, and audience engagement.

By mastering effective communication strategies, graduates can craft compelling narratives, build and maintain a loyal following, and strategically use various digital platforms to enhance their brand presence. Furthermore, a communication degree often covers topics such as digital marketing, public relations, and social media management, all of which are critical for navigating and succeeding in the fast-paced and ever-evolving digital landscape.

Average salary: $71,000

Salary Expectations

Getting informed about salary expectations is necessary, especially when investing time and energy into a master’s degree. With a Master’s in Communication, salaries can vary wildly depending on the path you take, where you live, and frankly, how assertive you are about negotiating your worth (which, ironically, is something you’ll likely get better at because of this degree).

As seen from the listed career paths below, grads step into roles earning anywhere from $60,000 to $100,000, especially in areas like social media, marketing, internal communications, or nonprofit work. These are solid starting points, and while some might say this range feels modest for someone with a graduate degree, others argue it’s actually quite competitive when you factor in flexibility, creativity, and long-term growth potential. 

On the higher end, roles like PR Director, Communications Strategist, or Brand Manager can cross into six-figure territory. 

In short, a Master’s in Communication won’t pay you a fixed salary, but it will open doors to a high income. And once you’ve got the skills to clearly articulate your value, influence others, and position yourself strategically, your earning potential becomes less about the degree itself and more about how you use it.

Which Career is Right for You?

Start by considering what aspects of communication excite you the most. If you enjoy crafting compelling messages and have a creative flair, a career in advertising or brand management might be ideal. If you're passionate about storytelling and media production, exploring broadcasting or video production opportunities could be the perfect fit. 

Next, think about the impact you want to have—those driven to make a difference may find fulfillment in healthcare communication or fundraising. If you have strong interpersonal skills and enjoy working with people, public relations could be a rewarding career choice. 

Finally, evaluate your preferred work environment and job dynamics. If you thrive in fast-paced, dynamic settings, social media or sales management roles may suit you best. On the other hand, for those who enjoy influencing public opinion and policy, careers in politics or journalism offer exciting and impactful opportunities. By aligning your passions and strengths with your career choice, you can find a path that is both fulfilling and aligned with your professional aspirations.

Conclusion

The field of communication is incredibly widespread, offering a wealth of opportunities across various industries. A master's in communication helps develop the advanced knowledge and skills needed for many careers, making it a versatile and valuable degree. The University of North Dakota's Master's in Communication program offers three tracks—Professional (online), Ph.D. (non-thesis leading to a Ph.D.), and Accelerated 4+1 (B.A. and M.A. simultaneously)—to meet your career and educational goals. Remember, communication is the bridge that connects us all – master it, and you can conquer any career.

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