A communications degree is often viewed as a universal passport to a wide range of different career paths. Still, a common question that you might ask is, “Is it worth it?”
It’s a good question, and it’s why our communications experts put together this guide. We’ll explain the value of a communications degree, some benefits you might experience, and potential careers you could pursue with this degree. Whether you’re an aspiring journalist, event planner, or social media manager, a communications degree from a reputable university like Johnson & Wales (JWU) could be your stepping stone to success.
WHAT IS A COMMUNICATIONS DEGREE?
At its core, a communications degree is an interdisciplinary field of study that looks at various aspects of human interaction. In other words, this degree explores the theories and techniques used to create, convey, and interpret messages within various contexts. It could be personal communication, corporate conversions, national addresses, or global communications.
In a comprehensive communications degree program, students learn about the different forms of communication, including verbal, non-verbal, written, and visual. You’ll also learn how they shape human behavior and societal structures.
Since it’s such a vast major, you can learn about a wide range of communication styles. The curriculum typically includes courses in:
- Mass communication
- Public relations
- Journalism
- Business communication
- Intercultural communication
- Digital media
A communications degree aims to equip students with the necessary skills to understand and respond effectively to communication challenges in their personal and professional lives. By developing their communication competency, graduates can build healthier relationships and work more effectively with others.
BENEFITS OF A COMMUNICATIONS DEGREE
A communications degree offers numerous benefits that ultimately help graduates navigate the evolving landscape of industries that value strong communicators. The following are among the more popular benefits of a communications degree:
Versatility and Adaptability Within the Job Market
A key benefit of a communications degree is its versatility. The skills you gain are transferable and highly sought after in virtually every industry — from media and public relations to business, government, and nonprofit organizations.
Almost any company you can think of can benefit from a communications expert.
With a communications degree, you are not limited to a specific career path but can explore various roles across sectors. This versatility also provides an edge in the current dynamic job market, where adaptability is of critical value.
Strong Foundation in Effective Communication Strategies
Effective communication is a fundamental skill in today’s interconnected world. A communications degree provides a strong foundation in communication strategies, helping graduates communicate their ideas effectively, understand others better, and build stronger relationships.
These skills are critical for personal growth and professional success.
Enhanced Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Abilities
The study of communication not only develops your ability to express and interpret messages but also enhances your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. It encourages you to examine how culture, media, and technology shape the messages you receive and how they influence human behavior and societal norms.
This analytical perspective helps you understand and address complex issues in your career and everyday life.
Career and Network Growth
A communications degree also offers extensive opportunities for career advancement and network growth.
Through internships, mentorship programs, and industry collaborations, you can gain practical experience and open doors to career opportunities. Additionally, the diverse range of roles available to communications graduates allows for considerable career progression and growth.
IS A COMMUNICATIONS DEGREE WORTH IT?
Whether a communications degree is worth it depends on numerous factors, including your career goals, personal interests, and the program’s quality. A well-structured communications degree from a reputable institution like JWU equips you with a broad range of skills, making you an attractive candidate for various roles.
However, the value of your degree ultimately lies in its ability to prepare you for your desired career path and meet your personal and professional goals.
In addition, the worth of a degree should not be measured solely by immediate financial gains. The skills you acquire — such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication — contribute to personal growth and a better understanding of the world around you.
In the long run, these skills can lead to a more rewarding and fulfilling career and life. So, is a communications degree worth it? Yes, most people will find value.
TOUGHER CONSIDERATIONS OF A COMMUNICATIONS DEGREE
While a communications degree provides numerous benefits, it’s crucial to consider some factors when determining its value to you. Think about the following concepts before signing up for a communications degree:
Evaluating the ROI (Return on Investment)
The ROI of a degree is one of the most significant considerations. Tuition can be substantial, but a communications degree can open doors to diverse and often well-paying careers, making it a worthwhile investment.
However, it’s essential to examine potential salary ranges in your desired career and compare them with the cost of the degree.
Addressing the “Soft” Degree Perception
Although a communications degree is often classified as a “soft” degree, that doesn’t mean it lacks value. In fact, employers increasingly value the “soft” skills that a communications degree cultivates, such as effective communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, and adaptability.
This means you may have to fight that perception during interviews and spend more time highlighting your skills in your resume and CV to increase your employability. At most, this should be of minor concern – you’ll still have a solid chance of getting a high-paying job.
Navigating the Job Market
The versatility of a communications degree can sometimes make it challenging to decide on a career path. It’s important to research potential careers and industries early on, gain relevant experience through internships, and network with professionals in your areas of interest.
This is even more vital because there are specialized communication degrees that focus on one subsector of the broader degree. If you want to pursue a specific career, maybe you should start by pursuing one of these concentrations.
Industry Trends
It is critical to consider the industry trends related to communication jobs as you evaluate the growth rate of potential careers, emerging roles, and the impact of technology on the field. For example, the rise of digital media has revolutionized how companies communicate, leading to increased demand for social media managers and digital communication specialists.
Self-Reflection
Reflect on your personal strengths, interests, and career aspirations. A communications degree is an excellent choice if you enjoy interacting with people and have strong verbal and written communication skills.
A benefit of a communications degree is that it offers many pathways. If you prefer less interaction with people but have strong written and visual skills, you may enjoy working as a copywriter, social media manager, digital marketer, or graphic designer.
Research and Mentorship
Researching on your own is crucial, but don’t underestimate the value of mentorship. Speak to professionals in the field, ask about their experiences, and seek their advice.
Insight into the industry can help you make up your mind before starting a communications program. Professors and even recent graduates can offer valuable insights to help you make an informed decision.
WHAT JOBS CAN YOU GET WITH A COMMUNICATIONS DEGREE?
A communications degree can lead to a wide range of careers across industries. Here are a few examples:
Event Planner
Event planners coordinate and organize events, from corporate conferences to weddings and everything in between. They need excellent communication skills to work with clients, vendors, and staff at the same time. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual pay for meeting, convention, and event planners was $52,560 as of 2022.
Public Relations Specialist
Public relations (PR) specialists create and maintain a favorable public image for their clients. They write press releases, coordinate PR activities, and respond to information requests. The median annual pay for public relations specialists was $67,440 in 2022.
Technical Writer
Technical writers create instruction manuals, how-to guides, and other documents to communicate complex information in a way that is easy to understand. Strong writing and communication skills are essential. The median annual pay for technical writers was $79,960 in 2022.
Social Media Manager
Social media managers develop and implement social media strategies to increase brand awareness and improve marketing efforts. The median annual pay for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers (a category that includes social media managers) was $138,730 as of 2022.
Journalist
Journalists inform the public about news and events happening internationally, nationally, and locally. They report the news for newspapers, magazines, websites, television, and radio. The median annual pay for reporters and correspondents was $55,960 in 2022.
DIVE DEEPER: SPECIALIZATIONS WITHIN A COMMUNICATIONS DEGREE
As mentioned, some of the most significant benefits of a communications degree are its versatility and adaptability. To truly maximize its potential, consider focusing on a specific subset of communications. Here are a few common specializations that might interest you:
Corporate Communication
This specialization focuses on the various communication strategies businesses and organizations use to communicate internally and externally. It might entail creating press releases or public relations emails.
Strategic Communication
In strategic communication, you learn how to develop and implement communication plans and campaigns that help achieve business goals. This could be a political position or at the helm of a large company’s communication team.
Media and Society
A focus on media and society would explore topics like media ethics, media literacy, and media effects on public opinion. It’s a common path for journalists or sociological researchers.
Digital Communication
With the rise of the internet and social media, digital communication has become a popular specialization. Here, you’ll learn about content creation, digital marketing strategies, SEO, and analytics, preparing you for roles in social media management, content creation, and digital marketing.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE WITH YOUR COMMUNICATIONS DEGREE
A communications degree is a versatile qualification that offers a range of career prospects. With a BA in Communication from a reputable institution like JWU, you can gain the necessary skills and knowledge that will prepare you for various roles in today’s dynamic job market.
Whether you aspire to be a journalist reporting vital news, a PR specialist managing a company’s public image, a social media manager shaping online marketing strategies, or any other communications professional, a well-rounded communications degree can be your stepping stone to achieving your career goals.
For more information about completing your degree online, complete the Request Info form, call 855-JWU-1881, or email [email protected].