What Can You Do with a Communications Degree? 10 Careers

A communications degree can lead to careers in a range of fields, such as marketing, writing, human resources, and politics. In today's information age, the ability to communicate effectively is a critical skill valued in nearly every industry. With a communications degree, you'll learn to share information clearly and transparently, fostering trust and collaboration in the workplace, which leads to improved problem-solving and a positive work environment.

Explore what you can do with a communications degree, including popular career paths, specialized degree options, and essential skills you'll gain in a communications program.

Types of communications degrees

You can pursue a communications degree at the associate, bachelor’s, or master’s levels, each offering unique benefits and career opportunities. Selecting the right degree depends on your specific interests and career goals. Consider your career aspirations, the skills you want to develop, and the industry demands when choosing the right degree level for you.

Associate

An associate degree in communications typically takes two years to complete. You'll take a handful of classes to help you build a foundation in skills and concepts of communication. You may be able to qualify for some entry-level positions with an associate degree, particularly in customer service, administrative support, and technical communication.

Bachelor’s

The coursework for a bachelor's degree takes about four years to complete and tends to go deeper into communications subjects than what you take in an associate degree. Your major may even encourage you to learn about an area within communications, such as crisis communications. Explore the areas that may be available to study when you're interested in this major:

• Fashion communications degrees are geared toward students interested in careers in fashion journalism, creative direction, brand development, and graphic design.

• Health communications focuses on improving individual and community health through effectively generating and distributing health information.

• Strategic communications degrees focus on communicating with employees, promoting the vision and values of an organization, and building positive corporate reputations.

• With a visual communications program, you can learn how to communicate through different visual media, like graphic design, industrial design, photography, painting, or drawing.

• A business communications degree focuses on topics related to a company’s internal and external communications, including public relations and technical writing.

• Sports communication degrees help prepare students for careers as sports reporters, announcers, and public relations specialists for teams or athletes.

• A media communications degree is designed for career fields like public relations, journalism, filmmaking, and broadcasting.

• Technical communications degrees build skills in technical writing, proposal and grant writing, editing and proofreading, and visual communication.

• Earn a degree in global or international communications if your career goals include a job at a company that sells or markets internationally.

• Mass communications coursework examines how the media functions and impacts society.

Master’s

A master's degree in communications is a graduate degree designed to advance your understanding of communication theory and specialized practice. After earning this degree, you may qualify for leadership roles in areas like public relations, corporate communication, and media management.

Is a communications degree worth it?

If you have various interests and want a degree applicable to multiple fields of study, a degree in communications may be worthwhile for you. Nearly every job requires you to have strong communication skills, which you’ll learn and acquire through the completion of a communication degree program.

What can you do with a communications degree? Jobs in communications

Communication is a vital skill in the workplace that can lead to career opportunities in various fields, from marketing and public relations to fundraising and politics. Take a closer look at the following career fields where you can apply after earning a communications degree.

1. Social and digital media

The emergence of digital media has changed the way people communicate and consume information. Working in this industry means you leverage social networks, online news platforms, and other digital technologies to disseminate your company’s message. Popular jobs you might explore in the social and digital media industry include social media managers, social media coordinators, and brand managers.

Social media manager

Average annual US salary (Glassdoor): $59,878 [1]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 8 percent [2]

Requirements: Most digital or social media specialists have a bachelor’s degree in communications or public relations. It’s also essential to have knowledge of social media platforms and search engine optimization (SEO) best practices.

As a social media manager or digital media planner, you may be tasked with:

• Running a company’s social media accounts

• Developing a digital content strategy

• Leveraging visual elements to tell brand stories

• Communicating with the public online

• Planning and tracking the success of digital campaigns

2. Public relations

The field of public relations focuses on managing the spread of information and messages between individuals or organizations and the general public. This is often done to create a more favorable public image. Popular public relations roles include public relations specialists, account managers, and creative directors.

Public relations specialist

Average annual US salary (Glassdoor): $65,298 [3]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 6 percent [4]

Requirements: Most companies look for candidates with a bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, or journalism. Build your skills by volunteering for your school paper or interning at a PR agency.

As a public relations specialist, you may be tasked with:

• Writing press releases

• Speaking to the media

• Developing persuasive story ideas to earn media placement

• Analyzing trends

• Problem-solving after a crisis

3. Marketing and advertising

Marketing and advertising both play a key role in business success. Professionals in these fields help build brand identity, develop a customer base, and increase profits. In addition to marketing managers, other popular roles in marketing and advertising may include art directors and marketing executives.

Marketing manager

Average annual US salary (Glassdoor): $81,300 [5]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 8 percent [2]

Requirements: Communications roles in marketing and advertising typically require a bachelor’s degree in communications, advertising, or business. Practice writing marketing plans for companies you might want to work for. You may be asked to do this as part of the interview process for higher-level positions.

As a marketing or advertising professional, you may be tasked with:

• Conducting market research

• Monitoring market trends

• Collaborating with sales, product development, and public relations teams

• Developing messaging campaigns to build brand awareness

• Producing clear and engaging content for various media platforms

Some marketing and advertising managers start out as entry-level sales representatives or PR specialists to gain experience. You may go on to earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA).

4. Human resources

The human resources (HR) department at an organization oversees many elements of the employee lifecycle. Human resource specialists are there to support employees and maintain company morale. Additional jobs in human resources include payroll specialists and training coordinators.

Human resources specialist

Average annual US salary (Glassdoor): $63,274 [6]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 8 percent [7]

Requirements: While requirements vary from company to company, most HR specialists have at least a bachelor’s degree. Consider courses in psychology and human resource management to develop your skills. You may further enhance your resume by getting certified by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) or the HR Certification Institute.

As an HR specialist, you may be tasked with:

• Recruiting and hiring new employees

• Training new hires

• Moderating workplace conflict

• Supporting employee health and wellness

• Managing disciplinary actions

• Conducting benefit analysis

5. Writing and publishing

While digital media may be the new norm, the need for effective written communication has stayed the same. The writing skills you gain through your communications degree may open up opportunities for jobs in journalism, technical writing, book authoring, or publishing. 

Writer

Average annual US salary (Glassdoor): $67,257 [8]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 5 percent [9]

Requirements: Many careers in writing and publishing require at least a bachelor’s degree in communications or journalism. Develop your writing and editing skills by working for your school newspaper or participating in online writing communities. 

As a writer, you may be tasked with:

• Communicating ideas through clear, concise writing

• Structuring content to efficiently deliver information

• Revising and preparing content for publication

6. Media

The main focus of the media sector is to communicate, whether for educational or entertainment purposes. Roles in traditional media vary and include jobs in television, film, and radio. Examples of these positions include broadcasters, music producers, and camera operators. 

Broadcaster

Average annual US salary (Glassdoor): $70,690 [10]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 3 percent [11]

Requirements: The world of media tends to be competitive. As you’re working toward your degree, build valuable experience by volunteering at your school’s radio or television station. As a media professional, you may be tasked with:

• Presenting information verbally

• Interviewing notable individuals

• Providing commentary 

• Combining visual and audio elements to tell a story

7. Meeting and event planning

When you plan a successful event, you must complete tasks including detailed planning, effective promotion, and efficient communication with speakers and attendees. Meeting and event planners may work onsite for hotels or convention centers, or for particular organizations or event planning firms.

Event planner

Average annual US salary (Glassdoor): $57,198 [12]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 7 percent [13]

Requirements: Many event planners have a bachelor’s degree in communications or hospitality management. Boost your resume with a certification that demonstrates your expertise. To stand out, pursue recognized credentials, including the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), the Certified Government Meeting Professional (CGMP), or the Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM) certificate.

As an event planner, you may be tasked with:

• Conducting market research

• Negotiating contracts with vendors

• Working with clients to identify goals and needs

• Coordinating logistics with technology, lodging, food and beverage, and transportation providers

• Collaborating with marketing and PR to promote the event

8. Politics

The ability to craft and deliver a persuasive message is often critical to success in politics. This is true whether you’re running for public office, lobbying legislators to support a cause, or consulting on a campaign. 

Legislative assistant

Average annual US salary (Glassdoor): $72,948 [14]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 1 percent [15]

Requirements: Employers typically require a diploma or a bachelor’s degree to qualify for this position. In addition to polishing your communications skills, you may consider volunteering for a local political campaign or lobbying organization.

As a political professional, you may be tasked with:

• Planning and drafting bills and legislation

• Raising money for a campaign or cause

• Conducting polling or opposition research

• Communicating efforts and accomplishments to constituents

• Cooperating with other offices to form coalitions

9. Fundraising

Fundraisers help raise money and other donations for nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, religious organizations, research foundations, and political campaigns. 

Fundraiser

Average annual US salary (Glassdoor): $78,224 [16]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 6 percent [17]

Requirements: Fundraisers typically have a degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or business. Gain work experience by volunteering with local campaigns or organizations. This can open opportunities for paid positions.

As a fundraiser, you may be tasked with:

• Planning and organizing fundraising events

• Building and maintaining relationships with previous and potential donors

• Writing funding proposals, reports, and press releases

• Training volunteers

• Attending community events

10. Sales

Salespeople leverage written and verbal communication skills to deliver pitches, sell products, and win repeat customers. You’ll find sales roles in a wide variety of industries, including retail, real estate, insurance, manufacturing, financial services, and travel.

Salesperson

Average annual US salary (Glassdoor): $71,659 [18]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 6 percent [19]

Requirements: Not all sales positions require a degree. However, the communication skills you acquire through a degree program may help you learn to anticipate the needs of customers and clearly communicate benefits that meet those needs.

As a salesperson, you may be tasked with:

• Explaining the benefits of a product or service

• Managing client relationships

• Analyzing the existing and potential needs of a client

• Resolving complaints

• Reaching out to new clients through cold calling

Top communications major career skills

When you study communications, you have the opportunity to develop skills such as speaking to an audience and leading a team. These skills may help boost your resume and qualify you for future roles.

Communications curricula focus on effective strategies for sharing information. Explore some additional skills you may build as you earn a degree in communications studies.

Communications skills

• Written, verbal, and visual communication

• Public speaking 

• Collaboration and teamwork

Research and analysis skills

• Information gathering

• Critical analysis

• Developing hypotheses

• Presentation skills

Other skills

• Attention to detail

• Self-sufficiency

• Cross-team collaboration

• Conflict resolution

• Leadership and management

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Prepare for jobs for communications majors with Coursera

A communications degree equips you with versatile skills that can lead to career opportunities in various fields, including marketing, public relations, human resources, and media.

Whether you’re pivoting to a new career or looking to advance within your current field, learn how earning your bachelor’s degree or master’s degree can help you get there. Explore degree options, Professional Certificates, and courses on Coursera. Consider Introduction to Communication Science offered by the University of Amsterdam or the Corporate Communications Specialization by the University of California, Irvine, to learn more about approaches to communication, engagement strategies, and more.

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