An associate degree can help you start a career in media, writing, sales, or public relations. Learning how to communicate to attract your audience’s attention is a valuable skill in almost any industry.
If you want to work in business, television, print media, or anywhere else, consider earning a degree in online communications.
Associate Degrees In Communications Online
Clear and comprehensive communication improves relationships, delivers your message, increases sales, develops your brand, and improves your business operations and opportunities.
An Associate in Communication degree prepares you to take on communication responsibilities for employers and enhance your business operations.
As a student studying communication, you will be taught the theory of how to get your message across and get your audience’s attention. You will also be enlightened on the history of communication and mass media.
The course provides hands-on practice using different communication tools. This tool includes visual design, oral presentations, and professional writing. You can also use some apps that integrate with these forms of communication.
In addition to learning how to deliver a message, you will also learn the technical aspects of preparing to send a message.
Some of the skills in this area include audio engineering and video recording. An associate’s degree in communications is also helpful and relevant in sales and advertising jobs.
Getting jobs in media organizations such as newspapers, websites, and radio stations will also not be a problem. Some communication scientists can also decide to be self-employed.
Communications
With an Associate’s Degree in Communications, you can begin a career in the media and communications field.
There are several jobs where you can use your communication skills in your everyday life. Your sales and businesses’ success depends on your ability to communicate with your customers.
While many sales positions do not need specific training, communication training can help you improve your performance and be a leader amongst your competitors.
Advertising depends on sales. You can use your communications know-how to sell TV and radio airtime to various businesses. You may also be encouraged to place advertisements in magazines, newspapers, or websites.
Depending on your employer, you may be able to work in one of the positions with an associate’s degree in communications. Some companies may prefer applicants with a bachelor’s degree for certain positions.
If you love writing, you might be able to turn this interest into a career. Freelance copywriters provide print and online media content, and grant writers help organizations raise needed funding.
You may also be particularly successful if you have special knowledge in specific areas such as technology, mechanics, or the natural sciences.
Local newspapers also hire reporters with associate’s degrees. Alternatively, you can work in a radio station as a reporter.
You may have taken a course in college about behind-the-scenes recording and broadcasting. With this knowledge, you can get a job as a broadcast engineer. If you are interested in public relations, you can start as an assistant and progress to a PR specialist.
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Associate’s Program In Communications Curriculum
The Associate’s Program courses in Communications provide a vast introduction to this field. It will help you gain theoretical knowledge and also get experience practically.
- Communication Theory
This course teaches the history of the field of communication and the latest concepts that shape the field today.
- Ethics and Law in Communication
This course examines the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and other rules that guide communication practice and provides ethical guidelines that influence decision-making.
- Graphic Design
This course discusses the visual theory and teaches how to use graphics programs to help communicate through displays, signs, and other visual media.
- Introduction to Mass Communication
This course examines the different types of media that reach large audiences and their effect on culture.
- Media Production
This course teaches behind-the-scenes work in preparing an audience’s news and entertainment.
- News Reporting
This course teaches you how to conduct interviews, write articles, and maintain journalistic integrity.
- Online Media
Online media teaches you how the digital world opens up new opportunities to reach your audience and develop your brand.
- Professional Writing
This course teaches writing classes and grammar skills, vocalization, and tailoring messages to audiences, and it introduces the AP style.
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Admission Requirements
Many associate degree programs offer quick and easy online applications. However, having a clue of what to expect in the application process will help you navigate the process.
1. Application Form
You need just a few minutes to fill out the online application form with your date of birth, contact information, and program details of interest. Make sure the details you feel in the form are very correct and accurate.
2. ID
You will also be required to submit an ID as some colleges require a copy of your driver’s license or other government-issued ID.
3. Transcripts
You will need to request an official transcript from your high school or other institution to be sent to the university to which you wish to apply to. Some colleges charge an admission fee, while others screen materials for free.
Accreditation
Accreditation gives a sense of recognition; hence if you attend an accredited school, you can be confident that the accrediting agency recognizes the school as meeting high academic standards.
Attending an accredited school is one of the basic requirements for government financial assistance. A degree or certificate from a recognized and reputable school or institution will also help you enter the labor market and apply to other universities.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
The federal government encourages all aspiring students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
You will only learn about your eligibility status when you submit this form. The government may also allow permission for federal student loans if you are eligible. After you graduate, you will have to repay the borrowed money, but the interest rate should be fairly low.
You may also receive non-repayable federal aid. State programs are often similar to federal ones, but they vary from state to state.
Some private organizations and companies also offer scholarships to promising students. So you are free to find and apply for scholarships designed specifically for correspondence students. Consider checking with your university’s financial aid department for additional funding ideas.
What To Do With An Associate’s Degree In Communications?
This degree can help you in various career paths. For example, you can have a job as a writer, editor, PR assistant, or sales representative. Media jobs are popular with communications graduates. You can work in print, radio, and television.
Also, online media such as websites, blogs, and social media platforms can be another opportunity to get jobs and show your skills. Finally, Bachelor of Communications salaries varies depending on the career path chosen.
How Long Does Completing An Associate’s Degree In Online Communications Take?
Universities often take about two years to complete the degree. If you want to finish early enough, which is before the supposed two years, you can look for colleges with 8-week accelerated courses.
If you study all year long, you may be able to finish school in a short period of time. Universities with preparatory classes often admit new students throughout the year.
This is to say that the time it takes to graduate will vary greatly depending on the university you choose. The sooner you start studying, the sooner you can graduate.
Potential Careers In Communications With Online Partners
There are numerous job opportunities for individuals with an online degree in Communications. Some options include receptionists, customer service representatives, administrative assistants, public relations specialists, and communications specialists.
1. Receptionist
A receptionist is often the first member of staff with whom a visitor, customer, or client gets to interact within a large organization. They monitor calls, receive messages, and manage schedules.
You will have to be able to handle many tasks at once and may need to prioritize the importance of responsibilities regularly. The average salary for a receptionist is $31,200.
2. Customer Service Representative
Customer Service Representatives are the customer’s first point of contact for general inquiries and clarifications.
They are responsible for providing good customer service, processing inquiries accurately, answering questions, and coordinating with other departments.
These professionals also build and maintain business partnerships; as we know, partnerships and relationships play a vital role in online business.
3. Administrative Assistants
They can work in a variety of areas but typically provide some administrative support to other employees. They are responsible for greeting visitors and callers, routing inquiries, writing correspondence, and compiling data.
These professionals also need to plan meetings, and appointments, travel, and coordinate the use of office space. The average administrative assistant salary is $39,100
4. Public Relations (PR) Specialist
Public Relations (PR) Specialists are responsible for raising and promoting the visibility of an individual, company, or organization.
They ensure that the public views the companies they represent in a positive light.
These professionals are often responsible for creating and distributing promotional materials, coordinating press conferences, directing marketing efforts, and formulating PR strategies to influence public opinion. The median salary for a PR specialist is $47,300.
5. Communications Specialist
They lead a company or organization’s internal and external communications activation.
This includes writing and distributing memos, job descriptions, management memos, press releases, and marketing materials. These professionals also coordinate media and marketing for conferences, press, and events.
Can An Associate’s Degree Make You A Journalist?
Journalists and reporters are generally required to have a bachelor’s degree. However, it does not mean that there is no place for you in this space right now.
An associate degree in communications may take courses in professional writing and speaking, communications law, and media production. These courses will look great and call on your resume.
You are more likely to get accepted by local news outlets at this point in your academic career. You may land a short story job if you demonstrate good writing and speaking skills. With this, you become more experienced and handle more duties and responsibilities.
Is an Associate’s Degree in Communication Worth It?
From all that has been stated in the article, we can say that an associate degree in communication is worth it.
Media and communications jobs are aimed at growing by 4% over the next decade so of course, earning this degree is worth the time.
Universities Offering Online Associate’s in Communications Degree Programs
1. Chippewa Valley Technical College’
This Professional Communications Associate degree is best for students who want to become reporters, social media managers, technical writers, or copywriters.
Students become acquainted with different types of media and communication-related topics, Document development, document design, usability testing, production and management, web content creation, and multimedia composition.
2. Colorado Christian University
This university’s Communication Studies program puts the Bible at the center of every lesson. Candidates will be educated about how the Bible relates to intercultural communication and the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.
Candidates will also take classes to improve their public speaking skills, critical thinking, and interpersonal communication.
3. Franklin College
This college associate degree in communications science program focuses more on interpersonal communications, media, and organizations.
It is designed to help students to apply organizational, technical, and creative skills to solve professional communication problems.
4. Georgia Military College
Students or candidates interested in pursuing a degree in communications at this college can choose from arts or science programs.
Core courses are nearly identical in both, covering subjects such as interpersonal communication, public speaking, mass communication, communication theory, and essential news writing and reporting.
5. Lone Star College
This college offers a degree in Visual Communication in a variety of areas. It includes multimedia, 3D animation, graphic design, video, and post-production.
The only one offered online is the graphic design track. This is a 60-credit program that is completed in two years.
6. Monroe Community College
The Programs at Monroe Community College Can Be Completed Online. This program is taught by communication professionals who have worked in the industry for a reasonable amount of years.
In addition to a well-rounded curriculum, internships in various media environments are also possible for some students.
7. Northampton Community College
The Communications Associates Program at this College is a two-year program designed to provide a foundation for students wishing to pursue communications careers in politics, media, public relations, journalism, or education. It helps students improve their problem-solving, presentation, and oral and written communication skills.
8. St. Paul’s College
Students wishing to transfer to the undergraduate program can earn an Associate’s Degree in Communication Studies from St. Paul’s College.
A transferable degree that teaches students to write and speak comprehensively and persuasively. Additional courses such as team building, networking, and conflict management are also available.
9. Sinclair Community College
They offer some flexibility to allow students to enter their course selections to provide the most relevant and interesting degree program. This program develops small group, interpersonal, mass media, and public speaking skills.
10. South Texas College
The Communications Associates program in this college is a 60-credit program that can be completed online. Students take a combination of general studies, general electives, and subject-specific courses.
Subject-specific courses include Writing and Rhetoric I and II, Public Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, Business, and Professional Communication.
Conclusion
As a professional in communication, you can build a career in writing, sales, and public relations. You can work in radio, television, advertising, or print media with an associate’s degree in communications.
You can also become self-employed as a freelancer. With this, we can say that communication workers have many uses and are of more value in society.
If you want to learn more about how a degree in this field can help you, you can drop your questions in the comment section below, and we will attend to them.
