Communications Major: What Can You Do With a Communications Degree?

Communications Degree

Many humanities-lovers have faced an important question: What can I major in that will actually get me a job? For some students, the answer is a communications degree. In this guide, we’ll go over what a communications degree is, what jobs it can lead to, and why it might be a good fit for you.

Here are some of the questions we’ll answer about this liberal arts degree:

• What is a communications degree, and what are the requirements?
• How is a communications degree different from a journalism degree, public relations degree, or marketing degree?
• Is communications a good major?
• What can you do with a communications degree?
• Can you double major with a communications degree?
• What are careers in communications and jobs for communication majors?

We’ll answer all of these questions and more. But first, let’s get started with the basics of communications. 

What is a communications degree?

A communications degree is the study of human communication across interpersonal, organizational, public, and media contexts. 

Though the degree sounds vague, its meaning is encompassed in the name. A bachelor’s degree in communications will help you learn how to communicate better; to persuade, encourage, and make change through language.

Sometimes, communications degrees will be labeled communication studies — but regardless of the name, the core content is largely the same. However, different communications programs may:

• Emphasize theory and social science research.
• Focus on practical skills like writing, public speaking, and rhetoric.
• Concentrate on media, technology, journalism, or other applied communication areas. 

The diversity in curriculum is what makes this particular liberal arts degree applicable to such a wide variety of careers. Many programs skew pre-professional, meaning that a bachelor’s degree in communications will teach you applicable career skills. So, if you want to make the most of your communications degree, it’s important to choose a program that aligns with your career goals.

What can you do with a communications degree? Well, that really depends on your interests since you can find communications degree jobs in law, media, marketing, nonprofits, politics, business, and more. (We’ll look at 10 great jobs for communication majors later on in this guide.)

Having a background in communications is especially valuable in today’s world, where digital transformations have changed everything about how we share information. Today, brands respond to crises on Twitter, nonprofits make their case through TikTok, and CEOs send out video messages to their employees. Effective communication, across all platforms, has never been more important — and careers in communications have never been more exciting.

What do communications majors study?

When you’re pursuing your communications degree, you’ll have a lot of freedom to study different things. Here’s what you can expect from a bachelor’s degree in communications.

Core COMM topics

Most communications programs begin with foundational coursework, such as:

• Communication theory
• Public speaking
• Media analysis
• Interpersonal communication

Jobs for communication majors call for critical thinking, strong writing skills, and the ability to adapt your tone for different contexts. These core classes will help you start developing these skills and learn how communication works across different contexts and audiences.

How the curriculum is structured

Programs typically start with theory-heavy courses and then build toward real-world applications. Coursework is usually a balance of:

• Theoretical frameworks (communication styles, persuasion models, media theory)
• Applied assignments (presentations, research papers, group projects)

For example, maybe you’ll learn about persuasion theory in class, and then practice by crafting a campaign pitch or delivering a speech. You may also be writing research papers, policy memos, or brand strategy — it all depends on what your specific area of study is within your communications degree.

Specializations/concentrations

Concentrations within a communications degree generally align with certain career goals. The electives you choose will help shape your academic focus. Here are some examples from UPenn’s COMM course catalogue:

• Journalism: Programming for Data Journalism; Contemporary Politics, Policy, and Journalism
• Public relations: Media Industries and Society; The Art of Communication in Moments of Crisis
• Social media management: Data Literacy in the Algorithmic Society; Social Media and the Self
• Marketing: Advertising and Consumer Culture; Qualitative Methods for Communication Research

There are many potential jobs for communication majors, and most schools make an effort to offer classes tailored to different ones. Even if your program doesn’t have a specialization that’s directly related to the communications degree jobs you’re looking for, you can double major to gain experience in your intended career field (more on that later). 

Communications Degree Requirements

Schools offering a bachelor’s degree in communications will have similar major requirements. These cover core classes and specialized electives, but may include additional requirements too. For instance, let’s take a look at the requirements for USC’s communications major: 

USC COMM Requirements

Communications majors at USC: 

• Often specialize in one of four major tracks:
  • Media, Law and Politics
  • Communication and Culture
  • Entertainment, Communication and Society
  • Organizational and Interpersonal Communication
• Must fulfill the following course requirements:
  • Theoretical and foundational courses (12 units)
  • Upper division COMM courses (16 units) 
  • Lower or upper division COMM or ASCJ courses (4 units)
  • One 400-level non-cross-listed COMM course (4 units)
• Must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA in upper-division courses

Though individual courses and specializations will vary by institution, most schools will offer structurally similar communications majors. 

Most communications degrees are BAs, but some schools offer a BS instead. Texas A&M, for example, offers a Bachelor of Science in Communications. Jobs for communication majors with a BS are often more tech-focused, so students typically take more research- and data-driven courses.

Additional COMM requirements

Some communications majors culminate in a capstone project. You might develop a full social media campaign for a local business, produce a documentary about an issue you care about, or conduct original research on how misinformation spreads online. It’s your chance to create something tangible that you can show future employers.

Many also include or encourage internships at places like newsrooms, agencies, nonprofits, or corporate communications departments. Internships give you a chance to explore different communications degree jobs firsthand, gain real-world experience, and figure out what actually interests you.

Is a communications degree easy?

Though communications degrees are often stereotyped as “easy” compared to STEM, the ease of the degree is relative to your strengths.

Communications majors can be very academically demanding. You’ll:

• Have frequent written assignments and reading homework
• Write research papers and analyze media
• May even build up foreign language skills. 

If you are not someone who enjoys writing or thrives when arguing a point, a communications major is probably not for you.

When considering, is communications a good major for you, think about whether a bachelor’s degree in communications will play to your strengths. Do you love the spotlight, or do you shrivel when tasked with public speaking? If you prefer working through problem sets rather than presenting or speaking publicly, communications may be a tougher fit.

Additionally, some communications programs are more challenging than others. Top-tier programs with competitive admission will have high expectations for your analytical skills and theoretical understanding. Plus, if you’re focusing on a more design or practice-oriented aspect of communications, you’ll likely have to produce portfolio-quality work that meets industry standards. 

Here’s where a lot of the communications naysayers get it wrong. Communications isn’t just about being a people person or having charisma. You’re responsible for:

• Analyzing audience data;
• Understanding cultural contexts;
• Staying current with rapidly changing media landscapes; and
• Working under tight deadlines with high stakes. 

When a company faces a PR crisis at 10pm on a Friday night, the comms team doesn’t get to wait until Monday to respond. Even though you’re not curing cancer (though you may be writing the grant to get the funding to do so, or crafting the Nobel prize acceptance speech for the doctor who does) the stakes are still high. 

For all these reasons, “Is communications a good major?” and “Is communications easy?” are completely subjective questions: they all depend on you. 

Communications-related Majors

Your school may offer similar majors to a degree in communications that could better meet your needs. Communications degree jobs are varied, and picking a different major could help you narrow your search.

Communications majors are often compared to journalism, public relations, and marketing students. While there’s some overlap, each major has its own focus and career paths. Here’s a closer look at what sets them apart.

Related Majors

Journalism degree

Focus: Reporting, writing, and newsroom skills

Career fit: Professional reporters

Difference from Communications: Prepares you specifically for news reporting, rather than broader communication across industries.

Public Relations degree

Focus: Managing messaging and reputation for individuals, organizations, or brands

Career fit: PR specialist, media strategist, brand manager

Difference from Communications: Focuses on strategic reputation management, rather than general communication skills.

Marketing & Advertising degrees

Focus: Promoting products, services, or brands through campaigns

Career fit: Marketing analyst, advertiser, brand strategist

Difference from Communications: Concentrates on audience targeting and campaign strategy, rather than overall messaging and media skills.

In general, a degree in communications will offer a broader look at different careers in communications, whereas each of these other degrees will teach similar skills, but tailored to a more specific career path. 

Double Majoring with Communications

Pairing communication studies with another field like business, political science, computer science, or psychology will let you graduate with expertise in a specific area, putting you in a better position for specialized communications degree jobs.

• Doubling in Communication Studies and Business prepares you for corporate public relations, brand management, or marketing roles, especially where understanding financial principles matters.
• Pairing Communication Studies with Political Science opens doors to political campaigns, advocacy, or work with elected officials.
• Combining Communication Studies and Computer Science can lead to UX writing, technical communication, or product marketing roles, where grasping technology and user experience is key.

There are so many ways to apply a degree in communications to your preferred field, and double majoring — or minoring — in one of these other majors can be a way to set yourself up for great communications degree jobs and get a leg up in the job market.  

However, double majoring comes with drawbacks as well, the biggest one of which is an increased workload. Double majors usually require more credits than single majors, which could even extend your graduation time. You’ll also have less flexibility for electives outside of your major: Where your peers may have extra class time for non-communications-related interests, you’ll be all major, all the time.

Top Colleges Offering a Communications Degree

Strong communication studies programs have a lot of characteristics in common: 

• Accomplished faculty with industry connections
• State-of-the-art media labs and production facilities
• Internship pipelines and networking opportunities
• Active alumni networks that help students find mentors
• Undergraduate research opportunities 

Here are ten notable communication studies programs for you to explore:

10 Top Communication Programs

University of Southern California – Communication (BA):

Studying at USC, you’ll learn how media and messaging influence culture, politics, and audiences. Located in Los Angeles and housed in the Annenberg School, the program gives you access to internships and electives that connect you with the entertainment and media world.

The University of Texas at Austin – Communication Studies (BS):

UT Austin’s comm studies major lets you explore interpersonal, organizational, and public communication while diving into research. You’ll develop skills in strategic communication and cultural analysis, discovering how messages shape people and institutions.

Northwestern University – Communication Studies (BA/BS):

At Northwestern, known for its journalism program, you’ll explore how media, messages, and audiences interact in society. You can also choose specializations in areas like human communication, media and politics, or performance studies.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – Communication Studies (BA):

UNC lets you focus on areas like health communication, organizational or corporate communication, and digital media. You’ll develop research and critical thinking skills while applying what you learn through real-world projects.

University of Pennsylvania – Communication (BA):

UPenn is home to the Annenberg School for Communication, which focuses on communication systems, institutions, processes, and effects. The program’s research focus will help you build strong analytical and writing skills while giving you opportunities to explore persuasion, advocacy, and public discourse.

University of Wisconsin–Madison – Communication Arts (BA):

The Communication Arts BA at UW features two study options: Communication Science and Rhetorical Studies, and Radio-Television-Film (which is more like a media studies major). The first focuses on studying communication and human behavior, while the second emphasizes media analysis, production, and storytelling.

Cornell University – Communication (BS):

At Cornell, your bachelor’s degree in communications will be a Bachelor’s of Science, meaning you’ll learn how communication interacts with media, science, and technology. You’ll also build research and analytical skills that you can use in careers like communication strategy, media analysis, and consulting.

Stanford University – Communication (BA):

Stanford’s liberal arts degree in communications has a political and journalistic bent, with many courses related to reporting, the first amendment, and government. The program combines theory with hands-on research projects, showing you how messaging, audiences, and power operate in society.

Michigan State University – Communication (BA):

Michigan State’s degree in communications emphasizes practical skills like persuasive messaging, public speaking, and interpersonal communication. MSU boasts that their communications major “prepares you for the workplace,” whatever that workplace may be — which is exactly what a communications degree should do!

University of Maryland, College Park – Communication (BA):

At the University of Maryland, you can specialize in public relations, health and science communication, media and digital communication, political communication and public advocacy, or traditional communication studies. You get to choose classes that match your career goals and practice communicating effectively with different audiences.

Finding your fit

When you’re trying to decide where to pursue your communications degree, don’t fixate on rankings. Evaluate the curriculum and make sure that the program offers specializations in fields that interest you. For example, don’t go to Stanford expecting a health focus, or to USC aiming for politics. You should also make note of the school’s location (for internships and job placements), the research opportunities (make sure to Google the faculty!), and whether the program emphasizes a more theoretical vs. hands-on approach. 

It’s also important to think about the program’s industry connections. Does the school regularly bring in guest speakers from top agencies or media companies? Do students get first dibs for competitive internships? Do the alumni have jobs at companies you admire? These networks can make a huge difference when you’re job hunting after graduation. Sometimes a lesser-known program that’s specifically geared towards your dream job beats a more well-known program with a different focus.

Getting an Online Communications Degree

Online degrees offer a path to communications for non-traditional students. This includes people who want to work while they study or attend a program that’s not geographically close to where they live. If you enroll in an online program, your education will revolve around:

• Virtual lectures
• Online media labs
• Digital collaboration tools like discussion boards

There are pros and cons to consider with an online degree, especially one in communications, where interpersonal communication and public speaking can be crucial.

If you get an online communications degree, you’ll have more flexibility, which will allow you to balance your coursework with other responsibilities like employment or family. And if you’re already working on your career, you’ll have the added bonus of being able to apply what you learn immediately, which will help to reinforce the concepts through real-world practice.

Remote learning demands a lot from you, and it takes a good deal of self-discipline to get the same benefits as an on-campus degree. You’ll also miss the networking opportunities that come from spontaneous interactions with your peers and professors outside of class, which are pretty crucial to forming relationships. Unfortunately, some employers also still perceive online degrees as less legitimate than traditional degrees. 

Value and ROI

Some online degrees aren’t accredited, which is a big flaw. If you do pursue an online communications degree, make sure your program has a strong reputation. Jobs for communication majors have a median income of $65,000 — lower than the median for all bachelor’s degree holders — so you need to make sure that your education is worth the cost.

However, online degrees have become far more accepted since the pandemic. Many established universities now offer hybrid or fully online options that carry the same prestige as their on-campus programs. Just do your homework: check if the degree from the online program is the same as the on-campus one, and verify the school’s accreditation. 

Is communications a good major?

A communications degree may not be a good fit for every student, so answering the question “Is communications a good major?” is complicated. A “good” major is relative to a student’s specific strengths and weaknesses, interests, and long-term career goals. 

Earning a communications degree will set you up with a specific skillset, and communications degree jobs are found across many different industries. However, there are downsides to a communications major. 

So, is communications a good major for you? To help you determine that, we’ve outlined the pros and cons of earning a communications degree.

Considering a Communications Major: Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
You’ll be prepared to work in many industries. Having a degree in communications opens up opportunities in media, corporate spaces, nonprofits, government agencies, and tech companies — even STEM fields rely on effective communication.	Careers in communications can be highly competitive. The most desirable roles in communication often attract national applicant pools for only a handful of openings. Journalism or PR are especially popular fields with many interested candidates.
Communications helps you develop transferable skills. These include writing, public speaking, collaboration, and critical thinking. Many communications degree jobs require a similar skillset, allowing you to operate in many different contexts.	Success is highly dependent on internships and networking. Many careers in communications rely heavily on, well, communicating. Getting key internships, networking with the right people, and developing personal connections in the field are fundamental.
The field offers flexibility to explore different interests. You can hone in on your specific interests within a communications degree, pursuing internships and opportunities in your desired field. Most degree programs allow you to take classes outside your major and, in many cases, add a minor or additional major.	Starting salaries are often lower. While some communications degree jobs have high income potential, most graduates do not earn a high salary right out of college. This is due in large part to the generalist nature of the degree; new graduates don’t typically have specialized knowledge that qualifies them for larger salaries.

What can you do with a communications degree?

Possible paths with a communications degree depend on what you’re interested in and what field you’d like to join. A communications degree can lead to roles in public relations, corporate communications, marketing/advertising, media, and nonprofit communications. For instance, you could become a:

• Social media manager for a nonprofit, working to increase donations and financial support for your organization’s mission.
• PR specialist for a media company, working to mitigate PR crises. 
• Corporate communications manager, working to build communications strategies, both internally and externally. 

What can you do with a communications degree if you’re interested in working for yourself? A communications major can lead to great entrepreneurial opportunities, including starting a consulting company, or freelancing content creation. 

A communications degree can also prepare you for further graduate study in many communications disciplines. Students can pursue a graduate journalism degree, a graduate public relations degree, and many other graduate-level degrees. Students can even earn a PhD in communications, setting themselves up for careers in academia. 

So, what can you do with a communications degree? The answer is limited only by your interests and potential. With so many possibilities, it can be hard to focus on what you want out of a communications degree. In the next section, we’ll outline the top 10 careers in communications to help you narrow down what you want to do. 

Top 10 Careers in Communications

A communications degree can lead to many different jobs and careers. This can make it hard to know exactly what jobs for communication majors are the best fit for you. Here are 10 careers in communications worth exploring.

10 Jobs for Communication Majors

1. Public Relations Specialist

A PR specialist works to communicate with the media, write press releases, analyze PR trends, and manage PR crises. 

2. Corporate Communications Manager

A corporate communications manager helps build and coordinate communication strategy at a company. They’ll manage external communications about the company and inform how a company represents itself via communications. 

3. Internal Communications Specialist

An internal communications specialist helps companies manage internal communications, from employee training, to updates about company procedures and policies. 

4. Public Information Officer

A public information officer serves as a liaison between a company, government agency, or nonprofit and the public. Typically, they work with the media and press. 

5. Crisis Communications Specialist

A crisis communications specialist helps companies manage both external and internal crises, helping shape narratives and answer the public’s questions.

6. Speechwriter

Speechwriters work behind the scenes to help public figures, from politicians to CEOs, write effective speeches that align with internal communications strategies. 

7. Media Analyst / Communications Researcher

Media analysts and communications researchers help companies stay on top of public trends and larger narratives to help shape strategy. 

8. Community Engagement Coordinator

A community engagement coordinator is a public-facing role for companies and non-profits to meaningfully engage with their community. These people may plan and manage events, content, and other forms of direct engagement. 

9. Investor Relations Specialist

These communications specialists support investor relations by preparing earnings releases, investor presentations, and reports and explaining the company’s financial performance, strategy, and outlook.

10. Communications Consultant

Communications consultants work with a wide range of organizations across virtually every industry. They help inform communications strategies through writing copy, creating content, and providing communications-based recommendations.

How much do communications majors make?

Communications majors earn a wide range of salaries. For example, the average salary for Technical Writers is just over $91,000. But a report from the National Association of Colleges and Employers puts the average starting salary for communications graduates around $51,000.

The Department of Education also has data for communications degree graduates. Five years post-grad, salaries for communications degree jobs ranged from $17,800 to $93,400, though it’s important to note the data reflects only federal aid recipients and may include part-time work. 

Big salary differences like this are normal in communications, as illustrated by our list of top 10 jobs:

Average Salaries for Top Communications Degree Jobs

Salary growth and career tradeoffs

While starting salaries may be lower, communications majors can increase their earning potential over time. Specializing your skills within a certain industry is a common way people increase their hireability and salary prospects. Additionally, applying for leadership positions and keeping pace with digital media trends can help increase your salary over time. 

There are also benefits to Communication studies beyond salary. Oftentimes communications degree jobs come with more flexibility, creativity, and growth opportunities. While these can be a bonus, it can be hard to manage the lower salaries with high cost of living areas. Consider all the pros and cons before pursuing a degree in communications.

Is a communications degree worth it?

Now, you may be wondering if a communications major is worth the cost of a four-year degree. Jobs for communication majors often offer career flexibility, ongoing skill development, and long-term growth. But, with low starting salaries and a highly competitive job market, some students may be convinced it’s not worth the cost.

 Here are two ways to help maximize your return on investment:

• If you’re concerned about the low starting salaries, build your resume and network while still in school. Leverage your school’s career services resources early and often. Network as much as possible to build your portfolio through projects, freelance work, and internships.
• Try to avoid student debt to limit your fixed expenses after graduation. Research scholarships and grants to help cover the cost of college. For communications majors especially, choosing a lower-cost school can help lighten the financial load as you launch your career.

So, what is a communications degree worth? It’s important to clarify your goals and understand what you want out of a degree in communications. 

• Is a high starting salary more important than career flexibility and the opportunity to explore your interests?
• Where do you want to live and work?
• Will a bachelor’s degree in communications allow you to start your dream career, or would another degree better suit your goals? 

Try to answer these questions before deciding if communication studies is right for you. 

Skills You Gain as a Communications Major

What is a communications degree good for? A bachelor’s degree in communications helps build both hard and soft skills that are highly transferable between industries.

Hard Skills

• How to write, edit, and convey their ideas clearly verbally and in writing.
• How to analyze communications and media trends to inform strategy.
• Social media account and strategy management.
• Media and content production

Soft Skills

• Persuasion
• Critical thinking
• Public speaking
• Teamwork
• Adaptability

A degree in communications will cultivate a core skillset that you can take to a wide variety of industries. While these skills are highly transferable, they may not be enough for highly technical fields or specialized roles. To stay competitive, many communications degree holders pursue further training and qualifications.

For instance, communications majors might go on to earn certifications in social media, digital marketing, or project management, pursue advanced degrees in communications or business, or attend workshops in areas like investor relations, multimedia, or data analytics.

Why Internships Matter for Communications Majors

Many jobs for communication majors require that students participate in internships at some point during their undergraduate careers. Internships are important stepping-stones, helping you build toward a real career. They give you hands-on experience, help you develop your portfolio, and provide ample opportunities for networking.  

With endless specializations within communications, internships can help you decide which path suits you best. Internships for communication studies students can be found at PR firms, corporations, nonprofits, and media outlets. Many students will complete summer internships, but opportunities can also be found during the academic year. Many of these internships will mirror jobs for communication majors, allowing students to explore different roles and industries. 

As communication studies offers such a broad range of transferable skills, internships are key to kickstarting a long-term career. For communication studies, internships can provide career clarity and can even lead to full-time employment. As you plan your communications degree, be sure to think about what kind of internships interest you. 

How to Decide if a Communications Degree is Right For You

What is a communications degree worth to me? How do I know if a communication studies major is right for my goals? Answering these questions will require some personal reflection on your skills, interests, and career goals. 

As you research jobs for communication majors, be sure to get involved with student groups and clubs that relate to communications. Look for opportunities like school newspapers, yearbook clubs, debate clubs, and volunteer PR or marketing jobs. They’re all great ways to learn more about communication studies and if it’s a good fit for you.  If you’re looking for leadership positions, secretary or social media manager positions for student organizations are usually communications-heavy.

As a liberal arts degree, communication studies pairs well with many other disciplines. Consider double majoring or minoring in another field to help narrow your focus and specialize your skillset.

With the flexibility found in communications, it’s important to balance the pros and cons of the field. Flexible education options, from online communications degree programs to certificate programs, can make it convenient to get a communications degree. At the same time, though, it’s a highly competitive field with fairly low starting salaries.

Regardless of what you major in, it’s important that you’re using your degree program to advance your career goals and interests. Once you better understand your aspirations, it’ll be easier to decide if a communications degree is right for you. 

Communications Degree – Takeaways

Communications degrees help students build a core set of skills that they can take into a number of different careers. From marketing and PR to journalism, a communications degree can open doors to a wide range of industries. 

The interpersonal communication skills, media literacy, and journalistic research approaches found in many communication studies programs are widely applicable. These skills can help students become leaders in corporate communication strategies, crisis PR specialists, and award-winning journalists. The versatility of a communications degree can help you appeal to hiring managers, no matter what you’re interested in. 

A communications degree allows students to build their professional portfolio and learn about a number of different industries and fields. If you’re looking for a degree that allows you to fully explore your interests, a communications degree is a great option. However, it may not be the best fit for everyone, so think carefully about your career goals before deciding.

If you’re still unsure about your major, CollegeAdvisor is here to help! We help students decide their major, explore their interests, and assist in the college application process. Be sure to book your free consultation today.

This article was written by Rachel Kahn and Jessica Klein. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.