There are many reasons to get a college degree but is a Communications Degree worth it?
A communications degree, also known as a terminal degree, is typically the highest academic degree that can be earned in a particular field of study.
The decision to pursue a communications degree is not one to be made lightly, as it requires a great deal of time, energy, and money.
So, is a communications degree worth it? The answer may depend on your circumstances and goals.
However, this article will explore the importance of getting a communications degree.
Why Communication Degree is Worth It?
In recent years, more and more people have been getting communications degrees.
This degree is an alternative to a traditional four-year degree and it takes two years to complete and can be done entirely online. The cost of a communications degree is a fraction of the cost of a traditional four-year degree.
However, technology has changed the world and we cannot over-emphasize the importance of communication in 2022.
A graduate in communications is needed in almost every sector of a nation’s economy.
For instance, in the business world, a good communicator can boost the sales of goods and services, bring investors into the business, and maintain good relationships with clients.
Why Should I Major In Communication?
Knowing if a communication degree is right for you can be very tasking. However, there are key features you and your tutor need to check out before venturing into a degree in communication.
A degree in communication is perfect for those who love writing, speaking, educating, and providing assistance to other people.
It is also a great degree for individuals who would want to venture into the tech world in the future.
Are you a social media influencer or a content creator? If yes a degree in communication would do you more good.
Because you are a people person, bagging a media communication degree would be a piece of cake.
However, I have prepared a survey for you to evaluate if a degree in communications is the right field of study for you.
Answer the following questions with a “yes or no”:
- Do you enjoy creating relations and speaking with people?
- Are you a good writer or speaker? Do you have good communication skills?
- Do you have a huge variety of talent that involves communicating with people?
- Are you interested in technological advancement?
- Are you also interested in the lattes happenings in your surrounding?
- Are you a problem solver? Do you provide solutions to the everyday problems in society?
- Are you looking for a way to become outspoken, confident, assertive, and bold?
- Are you interested in pursuing a career that deals with creativity and innovation?
- Do you love math and other science courses?
- Are you still searching for a career path to take after graduating from high school?
If the majority of the answers you provided to these questions are yes.
Then taking up a degree in communication would make your college days more enjoyable and rewarding.
Your university days would be more fulfilling and satisfying.
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Are Communication Majors Hard In University?
A degree in communication is not as hard or easy as most people think it is. However, with hard work, commitment, passion, research, and studies acing your communication degree would be a piece of cake.
If you want to make a very good GPA all these would act as a pathway to getting a marketable transcript result.
Communication is very broad, it has so many branches. There are many majors under communication.
I have provided a list below. Go through it and pick the best communication major that suits you.
The following are some of the various communications majors in university:
- Advertising
- Broadcasting
- Communications
- Communication Education
- Dispute resolution
- Electronic and digital media communication
- Interpersonal communication
- Interpretation and translation
- Journalism
- Public relations
- Technical communication
Although there are many majors to choose from, the various levels of a communication degree can be different.
It all depends on the major you choose, the kind of learner you are, and your choice of school.
Furthermore, ensure you go through your course and evaluate it as the best major for you.
Choosing the right communication major makes it easier to specialize and develop a more specified career.
You can pair a minor with your major in communication, there creating more career opportunities for you.
A minor cannot stand on its own it must be accompanied by a major. However, it doesn’t have to be related to the major you are pursuing.
Most times people choose their minor based on hobby, interests, and passion in life or just for relaxation and enjoyment.
Nonetheless, I have also created a list of minors you can consider paring with your major in communication. These minors are not compulsory it’s just a list that would guide you.
- Business
- Computer Science
- Communication design
- Creative writing
- English
- Foreign language
- Graphic design
- Journalism
- Management
- Marketing
- Psychology
- Sociology
“Is a communication degree worth it?” this question is very popular among high school graduates. Check out the reason to take a major in communication.
Here Are Some Of The Best Reasons To Take A Major In Communication.
1. Practical Exposure And Adventure In Most Areas Of Life.
A degree in communication exposes students to adventures, they would have the opportunity to travel to many places and explore the world from different perspectives.
This exposure and adventure imply journalists and filmmakers. This set of graduates covers events and stories in different areas of the world.
A degree in communication can also give students the freedom to be creative and use their skills to their full capacity. It also gives them the freedom to map out their style of working.
In general exploring and traveling is one of the many benefits of having a major in communication.
2. Multiple Career Options
Multiple carer options are another benefit of taking up venturing into communication.
As stated earlier, communication is needed in all areas of a country’s economy. Taking up a course in communication can assist students in succeeding professionally.
Creating strong oral and written messages, managing researching analyzing, and solving issues are profitable for those who wish to work in the business sector.
All these are key qualities that employers look for when employing people that would be dealing with their clients directly.
As soon as you are sure that you want to venture into communication you can apply for internships in radio channels, movie production, newspapers, and PR firms you can pick up some experience from there.
Having multiple skills and vast knowledge would assist you in succeeding in this career path.
3. Art And Creativity
We cannot over-emphasize the development of art and creativity in the lives of communication students.
This area of study has proven to develop the skills, public speaking strength, problem-solving ability, and team spirit of students who chose a degree in communication.
4. A Mixture Of Learning And Fun
Most students of communication are always outspoken. Most of them are at all times in a bright and jovial mood.
Fun and creativity are the other of the day in most communication departments. You will find students of mass communication in lively discussions and debates in class.
All these extracurricular activities can develop a student’s personality.
5. Travel
The department of film studies is very cool in terms of combining learning and traveling.
They believe that learning must not happen in the classroom. Most directors of this department prefer taking their students to the place of study if they are talking about a place.
Travel and learning help students to see new places and learn new things. It can also increase the question-asking ability of the students
They are always ready to travel. If you are going to pick film studies or filmmaking as a communication major you will surely get into the travel game.
6. Combined Courses
A degree in communication allows you to combine other courses.
You would be able to offer other minor honor degree courses meaning you would have the opportunity to venture into other areas of life.
You can combine a major degree with another passion of yours or you can choose to explore other courses that you admire.
7. Good Social Life
As the name suggests, communication is no doubt one of the major areas of life. To live a proper life people need to communicate with one another in society.
A degree in communication is more focused on the total development of society. In politics, the media gives give enormous power and influence to the people
8. Interaction With Famous Personalities
A degree in communication allows students to meet great celebrities and personalities.
For instance, reporters have the opportunity to meet even the president or prime minister of a country without any obstacles.
The press is the watchdog of the people. So a degree in communication would give you a massive amount of power in society.
9. Income
Media professionals are one of the best earners in the world. With a degree in communication, you can earn a hefty amount of money in the future.
Most careers in communication do not only pay well but also provide the student with great job opportunities and expression of creativity in their everyday life.
For instance, some media personalities earn over $40,000 in the United States.
10. Power
There is a saying that the “Pen is mightier than the sword”.
Reporters, journalists, and media men can reach a massive audience through their thought, speech, and way of creative writing.
They can talk to millions of people and also act as spokesmen for the people. Representing and taking their thoughts whenever there is any form of crisis.
Furthermore, because of the advancement of communication technology, millions of students these days have taken up a degree in media and mass communication.
We cannot deny the fact that information technology has improved over the years.
In addition, with the creation and advancement of social media in today’s world, the study of mass communication has become more important, phenomenal, and enviable
Social media has proven to help billions of people around the world stay connected with their friends and family.
Today students can research their homework online. You can also take an online degree from any part of the world, all these are a result of communication in our world.
What Jobs Can You Do With A Communications Degree?
A degree in communication can allow you to try other career paths in different industries.
As a graduate in communications gains work and study experience, their earning potential increase.
A major in communications can assist in providing access to more competitive job offers and higher-paying jobs.
Because of how versatile this course is, graduates can choose to venture into other areas relating to communications. They can pick from various career paths.
The higher your degree level(associate, bachelor, master, etc.) the greater your opportunities and options.
According to reports, 70% of communication graduates end up gaining employment in other related communication filed seven to nine months after graduation.
The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) says the start-up salary of a communication graduate amounts to $48,253 in a year.
You can use your bachelors in any communication major to apply for jobs in the following fouled of study.
1. Public Relations Specialist
Public relations specialists are entrusted with making sure that all customers, investors, and partners get the service they desire and matin a positive image about the company.
The median annual salary of a public relations specialist is about $62,800.
2. Event Planner
I know you are surprised at this job offer because it’s among the famous communication jobs.
Well, an event planner is also a people manager and without effective communication, they wouldn’t be able to manage properly manage guests.
An event planner is in charge of the guest in an event, be it a business convention, birthday party, wedding ceremony, or any professional gathering, you must ensure that your guest gets the satisfaction that they desire.
They are responsible for organizing various sections of the event for the event to have a smooth sail.
The median annual salary of an event planner is $49,470.
3. Fundraiser
Fundraisers are in charge of putting together events and campaigns with the sole aim of raising money and encouraging donations for organizations and people.
These professionals are hired by non-profit organizations, schools, religious groups, individuals, and companies
If you want to succeed in your career as a fundraiser, a major in communication is also important.
A fundraiser earns an average of $60,600 every year.
4. Social Media Manager
Are you tech-savvy? If yes then you should consider taking up a degree in communication.
Social media managers are in charge of communicating with an audience on social media through texts or videos.
They are saddled with the responsibility to generate interest in products and services. They do this by establishing programs online for viewers.
A social media manager earns an average of $133,380 every year.
5. Sales Representative
A sales representative is also a people person. They interact with customers every day.
Furthermore, a sale representative is in charge of selling the products to wholesalers, government agencies retailers, businesses, and society at large.
They are always available in a company. A sales representative earns about $62,890 every year.
6. Human Resource Specialist
A human resource specialist is also a people person because they are in charge of recruiting, screening, and interviewing job applicants.
In addition, they are also in charge of compensation and benefits and training of employees in an organization.
They are also in charge of the affairs of a company. A human resource specialist act as a mediator between the workers and the employer.
A human resource specialist earns $62,290 every year.
7. News Anchor
Who is a news anchor without a degree in communication?
A news anchor in most cases is also regarded as a journalist news presenter or newscaster.
They are in charge of enlightening the public by reporting news and event that happened locally and abroad.
A news anchor earns about $48,370 every year.
8. Managing Editor
A career in editing means you need to get a degree in communications.
An editor is in charge of planning reviewing and revising all the content for publication. No content goes on air without an editor’s knowledge.
They must be time conscious and patient because most of the time there are tight deadlines to beat.
An editor earns above $63,350 at the end of the year.
9. Writer
With the rise of technological advancement, writing has become one of the best remote jobs in 2022.
You can write for blogs, you can write for artists, and many other persons that would need your services.
A writer is charged with the responsibility of coming up with content. They do that by going through magazines, media, search engines, and many other sources.
Furthermore, writers can work from any part of the world provided they have a computer and internet access, they might not be required to be physical staff.
A writer earns an average of $69,510 every year.
10 . Producer
A producer earns about $79,000 every year.
They are charged with the responsibility of all media productions. These productions are carried out for the public on stage, on television, in film, and other media production.
Producers work full-time although some producers have shifts depending on the services that they are rendering.
Apart from the jobs listed above, other communication jobs are specified for those who are master’s degree holders.
Employers are always searching for talented candidates who have taken a master’s degree in communications.
They encourage advancement by making job offers and higher pay available for only those who have a Ph.D. or master’s degree in communication.
It takes a minimum of 3 years to complete a master’s degree in communication. Although some might take more time to complete if the program requires a lot of research.
Here are some of the job opportunities you can get with a master’s in communication:
- Academic Advisor
- Admissions director
- College professor
- Corporate communications specialist
- Fundraising manager
- Health communication specialist
- Human resources manager
- Internal communications manager
- Learning and development analyst
- Market research analyst
- Marketing account executive
- Marketing Consultant
- Political campaign manager
- Press Secretary
- Public relations manager
- Sales account executive
- Speechwriter
- Technical communication specialist
- Web producer
Who Are The Famous People That Majored In Communication?
This is one major question that High school graduates ask.
Well, there are quite a several celebrities that took a career in communication. This can show you where a career in communication can take you.
Most of these celebrities are your idols and role models. They have continuously shown the young ones that a communication degree is worth it.
However, check out some of the celebrities that majored in communication.
1. Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey is one of the most famous black women in the world. Her net worth is about $2.6 billion.
She schooled at Tennessee State University where she studied communications.
Her good works are felt all over the United States. One of the most famous awards under her name is the full scholarship at Tennessee state university.
2. Ellen DeGeneres
Ellen Degeneres attended the University of New Orleans where she got a degree in communication.
She has been hosting her stand-up comedy daytime variety show since 2003 till date.
3. Matthew McConaughey.
This is another famous person that majored in radio and film communication at the college of communication in Texas.
Matthew McConaughey won the oscar awards in 2014. This recognition earned him his place as a professor of practice at the moody college of communication in the following year.
4. Regina Hall
This is another actress who earned a bachelor’s degree in English and communication studies from Fordham University. She earned this degree before her career as an actor.
She also furthered her degree with a master’s in journalism from New York University.
5. Jerry Seinfeld
Jerry Seinfeld is a veteran TV anchor. He starred in a popular TV program in the late 90s.
He ran was in this TV program with his close friend Larry David.
In 1959 he graduated with a bachelor’s in theater and communications from the city university of New York.
8. Wendy Williams.
Wendy Williams is a TV host. She graduated from Northeastern University in 1987. This university is one of the best universities in the United States to get a communication degree.
Wendy starred in the Wendy Willams show from 2008 to 2002.
What Is The Best School To Get A Communication Degree?
It’s not enough to desire to earn a degree in communication. There are key things to consider when planning on getting this degree.
Ensure you search for the best colleges that offer the best communication degree.
Go through their admission requirements, tuitions, accommodation process, campus life, and everything that would affect your studies directly and indirectly.
Nonetheless, some of the best colleges to get a degree in communications is:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Stanford University
- The University of Pennsylvania
- Northwestern University
- Brown University
- Vanderbilt University
- Cornell University
- University of California
- Emory University
- University of California
- The University of Michigan
- The University of Southern California
- New York University
- The University of California
- The University of North Carolina
- Wake Forest University
- The University of California
- The University of Texas at Austin
- Boston University
- Tulane University
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Be Successful With A Communications Degree?
You can be successful with a communications degree if you possess strong and effective communication skills.
These skills are valuable assets needed in many industries.
What Is The Quickest Degree To Get?
What is the fastest bachelor’s to get? Most students feel that a degree in business or education is one of the easiest degrees to major but studies have proven that English and communications studies can be considered one of the quickest degrees to get.
Conclusion
Its no doubt that the question “is a communication degree worth it” has been answered in this article.
As stated earlier, communications degrees are not typically required for most jobs; however, they may be beneficial for those interested in teaching or working in research positions.
In general, a communications degree can be beneficial for those seeking to pursue a career in academia or research; however, it is not typically required for most jobs.
Go through the schools and colleges that offer a communication degree and pick the best one that suits you.
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